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Team Anna to launch nationwide 'jail bharo abhiyan' from January 1

Updated on: 16 December,2011 09:12 AM IST |
Surender Sharma |

The tug of war between Team Anna and the Government reached a flashpoint yesterday, where Anna Hazare announced that in case a strong Lokpal Bill is not passed in the ongoing session, he would launch another agitation.

"If the bill is not passed, we will start a nationwide 'jail bharo abhiyan' from January 1," said Hazare. He added that the team would also stage protests outside the residence of Sonia Gandhi and other MPs who will vote for the Lokpal. "I, myself, will lead the protest," the anti-corruption crusader said.

In the backdrop of the all-party meeting that could not form a consensus, there were indications that the Lokpal Bill might not be introduced during this session of the Parliament.

Aggressive Anna
Before going for the second day of the core committee meeting, Hazare was a bit soft on the government. He said he was hopeful that the Parliament would pass the Lokpal Bill. "If not at the all-party meeting, there will surely be a consensus in Parliament," Hazare said yesterday morning.

However, by the time the core committee meeting concluded, Hazare again turned offensive. He stated that he has already announced the indefinite fast, which will start from December 27. Besides, the jail bharo andolan too would be launched.

The Cabinet is likely to meet on Sunday to discuss amendments in the Lokpal Bill, which will be based on the different points of view expressed at the all-party meeting, which was held on Wednesday.