Anna Hazare to support Ramdev’s Aug 9 protest

Criticising the government for failing to tackle corruption and black money, yoga guru Baba Ramdev and social activist Anna Hazare Tuesday said that they would hold a protest in New Delhi from Aug 9 to press for strong action against corruption and black money stashed abroad.

The protest comes close on the heels of an indefinite fast announced by Team Anna in the national capital from July 25 for which the Delhi Police has given permission till Aug 8.

The yoga guru said he would be supported by Anna Hazare during the protest.

“We will launch a nationwide agitation from Aug 9 to demand action on corruption and black money and for a strong Lokpal Bill to be passed,” Ramdev said.

“Government has betrayed us on Lokpal Bill. Why does the government is afraid of bringing in a strong Lokpal Bill? May be because half of their ministers’ themselves are wrapped in the corruption charges and allegations. And building up a Lokpal might send many of them behind the jail bars,” Ramdev said.

Addressing a joint press conference with Ramdev, Anna Hazare said: “We will be together to fight this battle against corruption and balck money.”

“The intentions of the government is not good and people are fed up from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) policies,” Hazare added.

File Photo : AFP