Anna Hazare postpones fast to March 25

Anti-graft campaigner Anna Hazare, who was to sit on a day-long fast at Jantar Mantar Sunday to demand parliament pass the Lokpal bill, has postponed this to March 25 and has invited the families of several whistleblowers to join him for the fast.

Hazare has demanded a stronger whistleblower protection programme under the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Hazare’s move is in response to the killings of whistleblowers who have tried to reveal corruption and scams. According to Hazare, an effective Lokpal would ensure that justice was carried out.

“While the Jan Lokpal ensures security to the whistle blowers, the proposed bill on the issue floated by the UPA government is inadequate and gives the responsibilities without powers to CVC,” a spokesman for India Against Corruption said.