Noida/New Delhi, Aug 11 (ANI): RTI crusader Arvind Kejriwal, a key figure in veteran social activist Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption, on Thursday affirmed that the Delhi Police has offered help to civil society activists to acquire permission for the venue of the upcoming indefinite hunger-strike from August 16 to protest the version of the Lokpal Bill drafted by the government.
Delhi Police has suggested the civil society activists to hold their fast at the Jayaprakash Narayan National Park, which is close to the Ferozeshah Kotla Grounds. Anna Hazare was earlier denied permission to hold his fast at the Jantar Mantar citing law and order situation.
"Delhi Police has given us the permission, the only problem now is that the park (Jayaprakash Narayan Park) belongs to Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Today, our people would go to their office to enquire for permission," Kejriwal told mediapersons in Noida ahead of a meeting of the civil society members' core committee to discuss the preparations for the August 16 protest.
"But the Delhi Police assured us last evening that they will help us by putting in a word with the Urban Development Ministry in order to get that venue," he added.
Responding to questions on social activist Swami Agnivesh's recent comments that the issue of inclusion of the Prime Minister under the Lokpal Bill's ambit was flexible, Kejriwal said: "I don't think that we are ready for any sort of compromise; whatever he (social activist Swami Agnivesh) said might be his personal thoughts."
"Today we would talk about this in the core committee. To my knowledge, all these issue are important and there is no question of compromise," he added.
Kejriwal further said that under no condition would the Prime Minister and judiciary's inclusion be negotiated.
"I have repeatedly said during press conferences, that the corruption faced by common man is our top concern, so in priority, the Prime Minister and judiciary might come later in the list, but there is no question of compromise on it," he added.
The much-debated Lokpal Bill, which aims to set up an anti-corruption watchdog in the country, was tabled in the Lok Sabha on August 4.
Hazare and his supporters, however, burnt copies of the Lokpal Bill in Pune later, claiming that the anti-corruption legislation tabled in its present form in Parliament, would not be able to deal with corruption.
The proposed legislation introduced in the Lok Sabha doesn't cover the Prime Minister within the purview of the ombudsman during his or her term in office. But once the Prime Minister demits the office, he or she may be investigated for any wrongdoing during the term. (ANI)
|
|
Read More: Delhi
Comments:
