No plans to create parallel govt, says Hazare

Rejecting contention that Lokpal proposed by it was aimed at creating a "parallel" government, Anna Hazare on Wednesday said he will undertake fast-unto-death from August 16 and would not be go back on his decision even if the government makes any request.

A day after the joint committee for drafting Lokpal Bill wound up in a failure, the Hazare team lashed out at the government, saying it was "cheating" and "misleading" people and had pulled out a "very big hoax" through its version of the legislation.

Hazare said it was time for all like-minded people, including Ramdev with whom he was maintaining distance due to his proximity to Hindutva elements, to join hands in the fight against corruption, which he termed a "bigger danger for the country than Pakistan".

Addressing a press conference here, he took strong exception to the government's contention that the civil rights activists wanted to create a "parallel" government through their version of Lokpal Bill.

He asked whether the government considered an "independent" Election Commission or Supreme Court as a parallel.

Alleging that the government had no intent to bring a strong anti-corruption law, Hazare said, "the suspended agitation (of his fast) will be restarted from August 16 for the nation and the people. I will be carry on with the agitation till I live."

Observing that he had "no faith" in the government now, he said, "even if the government approaches me, I will not change my decision. I will no longer believe their words but only their acts."