Kejriwal complains of poor maintenance of protest venue by civic authorities

New Delhi, Aug 21 (ANI): Civil society activist Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday complained that the civic authorities in New Delhi were not taking adequate steps to maintain Ramlila ground, which is the protest venue.

Fearing an outbreak of epidemic, Kejriwal requested the Municipal Corporation of Delhi) to clean the water logging from the ground.

"We have requested the MCD commissioner as well as other officials for making proper arrangements, but they are not heeding to us. We requested them to clear the mud and logged water, which is spread in the grounds due to rains and if epidemic breaks out, then MCD will be held responsible for it. We have asked them to get the ground clean as people are gathering in large numbers here and three-fourth ground is of no use. So, we would again request the MCD commissioner to personally intervene in the matter," said Kejriwal.

Talking about the bill, Kejriwal demanded that the government should table and discuss the civil society's draft of Ombudsman Bill in the Parliament.

"You should ask the government that after 64 years of independence, how many recommendations of the standing committee have been accepted by the government. Government has its majority in the Parliament, whatever the government wants, it happens.

"If the government has no commitment on the Jan Lokpal (Ombudsman) Bill, then the government won't listen to whatever the standing committee says. The whistleblowers Bill that the government presented in the Parliament was rejected by the standing committee, will the government agree to it. So, we want that Jan Lokpal Bill should be tabled in the Parliament by the government and if the government shows its commitment towards it, then it can be passed soon," said Kejriwal.

Kejriwal said that the government was not paying any heed to the needs of the people as they took to the streets and demanded for the formulation of an effective ombudsman bill.

"The government should show its sensitivity, till now the government has been totally insensitive. First it sends the protestors to jail and then it releases them immediately. People have hit the streets across India demanding the Jan Lokpal Bill and the government is not ready for talks," said Kejriwal.

At least 20,000 people gathered to support Hazare at his fast venue in New Delhi, who has galvanised much of India against the government with his hunger strike. (ANI)