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Anna Hazare at Guwahati

Social activist Anna Hazare was on Friday 20th May 2011, moved by the response which he got from people at an anti-corruption rally in Guwahati so much to proclaim he would move across the country to mobilise public support. Around 15,000 people from all walks of life and different parts of the state had congregated to listen to Hazare.


Anna Hazare today appealed to the youths of the country to radiate positive energy against corruption and take active part in anti-corruption crusade, which he terms as the “movement for real independence”.


He also advocated the need for a change in the election system demanding the ‘right to reject’ privilege for the voters while exercising their franchise.


“The country achieved its freedom in 1947 ousting the colonial rule but corruption continued to prevail. The only change was that the black has replaced the white,” said the Gandhian who is spearheading anti-graft movement across the country demanding implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, the draft of which is being prepared by a joint committee.


“This is just the beginning of the second independence movement of the country. It is a long battle we need to fight and in pursuit of a corruption-free society, we should not even fear to go to jail. If require, we would launch Jail Bharo Andolan. This is how we can serve the nation and humanity as a whole,” said Hazare.


Advocating the need to rest more power on Gram Sabha in Assam and rest of the country, he said he would replicate anti-corruption movement across the country.


Kiran Bedi said Hazare was the present day Mahatma Gandhi and Akhil Gogoi, RTI activist and leader of KMSS, the Hazare of Assam. She said names such as Hazare and Kejriwal were synonymous with honesty.


Bedi also threw her weight behind the appointment of Lokayukta in Assam, which she feels will ensure development with security and peace.


“As per a recent research, only Rs16 out of Rs100 is being spent on the people. We need 100 per cent accountability,” Bedi said, adding, “Even bureaucrats would be encompassed by the Bill.”


Kejriwal said their demand was that everyone including the prime minister and judges of high courts and the Supreme Court be brought under the purview of the Lokpal Bill.


“Within two years, the trial of any corruption charge would be completed and necessary action will be taken. Provisions are also there to guard the interest of the complainants,” Kejriwal said, while throwing light on the provisions of the Lokpal Bill.


“We do not think the Government will easily approve the Bill but we are committed to fight it out,” he asserted.


Swami Agnivesh said, "It is not enough to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill but to have it passed before August 15 for a new freedom movement.


KMSS general secretary and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi also spoke on the occasion.


Akhil Gogoi spoke about the downfall of Assam specially the poor section in the recent years. He urged all the farmers to be self dependent and learn to fight for their rights.


Deepanjalee Dutta

Comments

Pallavi Barua's picture

I don't support Akhil Gogoi attending meetings arranged by political parties. It was unfortunate to see him speaking for traitors like Prafulla Mahanta and Chandramohan Patowary during election time. He should be knowing how corrupt a regime AGP was. Akhil Gogoi seems has been hijacked by AGP. It would be the saddest moment for us if he attends AIUDF meetings.
Kavya Barnadhya's picture

@Pallavi Barua you are very right Akhil Gogoi is more a political worker rather than a social worker!! He just influenced the common people of Assam against corruption but his aim was something else...
Aiyushman Dutta's picture

akhil gogoi is just a pawn playing into the hands of anybody who knows how to use his brain. i dont know why people are taking him so seriously. cos i dont think he himself knows what he is doing.
Pallavi Barua's picture

I don't support Akhil Gogoi cosying upto AGP chaps. But... I do admire his struggle against the exploitative hydel projects in the twin states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. At least he is doing something.
Pallavi Barua's picture

Akhil Gogoi is a vigilant force, but it desired that he remains "Apolitical"...without any leanings to any political party. I don't think we the people would like to see him speak at an AGP rally, vouching for traitor 'leaders' who took the all trusting public on a destructive ride in early 1980s.
deepanjalee dutta's picture

Akhil gogoi never attended an AGP rally, he is not against any political party,he is against the system,irrespective of whether AGP,CONG etc is involved . and no person in this world can be apolitical, politics doesnt only mean elections,parties etc.... politics is there in each n evry step of life every1 is political.........
Pallavi Barua's picture

maybe...but there are a handful of Activists who have remained Apolitical Forces like MEDHA PATKAR, SUNDARLAL BAHUGUNA, JULIAN ASSANGE...I hope we can add Akhil Gogoi to the list in the near future.
deepanjalee dutta's picture

no one is apolitical even the bargaining we do in market is politics,moreover Mr. Akhil Gogoi n Team Anna is trying to change our political system which will automatically change our social system
deepanjalee dutta's picture

Medha Patkar's Narmada bachao andolan is also a political movement

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