Ralegan Siddhi: Fasting for the last eight days, Anna Hazare today thanked the parties which helped pass Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha and appealed to the members of the Lok Sabha to ensure smooth passage of the legislation tomorrow after which he will call off his fast.
A frail-looking but joyous Hazare vigorously waved the national tricolour and chanted ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and ‘Vande Mataram' as he celebrated the passage of the bill in the Upper House.
“This (passing of the bill) is a revolutionary step. In the last 40 years the bill was introduced eight times but never passed,” Hazare, who along with former Army Chief Gen V K Singh and ex-IPS officer Kiran Bedi remained glued to the TV, watching the proceedings, said addressing a gathering of supporters after the bill was passed.
“I thank all parties, everybody who supported the bill in the Rajya Sabha with the exception of Samajwadi Party. I also appeal to members of the Lok Sabha to pass the bill tomorrow. This bill is not Anna's demand alone, the country wants it,” the 76-year-old anti-graft campaigner, said.
“Our leaders have begun to realise that the people want a legislation against corruption. I don't say it will stamp out corruption 100 per cent, but it will definitely bring it down by 40-50 per cent,” he said. Hazare said he would break his fast after the Lok Sabha passes the legislation tomorrow of which he was confident.
