Lokpal row: Team Anna to fast from July 25 in Delhi

Jalgaon, May 21 (ANI): With the government failing to pass the much-awaited Lokpal Bill on the second last day of the Budget Session in Parliament, Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced that they would go on a fast again from July 25 at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Kejriwal, however, said that veteran social activist Anna Hazare would not go on a fast this time.

"Only Team Anna members will fast," he told media here.

Kejriwal said special fast track courts should be set up and special investigation should be carried against the corrupt people.

"Special fast track courts should be set up and special investigation should be carried against those who are corrupt, and if actions are not taken place in two months, then we will agitate and call for a fast on July 25," he said.

Meanwhile, Hazare said the Congress-led UPA Government is not committed to a strong Lokpal.

"It is going back on his words on constituting a strong Lokpal to check corruption in the country," said Hazare.

"They do not want to get Lokpal. But I am sure people of the country will force them to get Lokpal," he added.

The controversial Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill was today referred to the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha, further delaying the setting up of the anti-graft ombudsman which has been hanging fire for 42 years.

The Bill, on which debate had remained inconclusive in the Rajya Sabha during the last Winter Session, was referred to the Select Committee through a motion soon after Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), V. Narayanasamy, moved it for consideration and passage.

Opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Left Front and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), today took the UPA II Government to task in the Rajya Sabha for attempting to move the controversial Lokpal Bill to a Select Committee without a debate or discussion on the floor of the House.

The Lokpal Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament in December 2011.

The Rajya Sabha broke up for recess on December 29, 2011 without voting on the bill to create a Lokpal before the deadline set by activist Anna Hazare, who led a campaign for the measure. (ANI)