Anna Hazare demanded Lokpal from RSS

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has levelled fresh allegations against social activist Anna Hazare, alleging that he is demanding the appointment of a Lokpal on instruction from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). 

“Mr Hazare has woken up from his slumber and is demanding the appointment of a Lokpal on the instructions from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh,” said Nawab Malik, NCP’s chief spokesperson in Mumbai. Last week, Mr Hazare had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, threatening to launch another agitation over the appointment of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal and Lokayukta as well as the implementation of Swaminathan Commission’s report on agrarian reform.  

A case over the appointment of Lokpal is pending in the Supreme Court. The Centre has told the apex court that the post of Leader of Opposition is presently vacant and hence a Lokpal cannot be appointed. “A verdict, in this case, is now expected and the government will soon appoint the Lokpal. By launching his new agitation at the same time, Mr Hazare wants to grab attention with support from the RSS. This is a scripted drama, which will soon be obvious to all,” Mr Malik said. 

“Enforcement of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act can reduce corruption by 50 to 60 per cent. Still, you are not acting on it.You neither speak about it nor act over it. How will the country become free of corruption?” Mr  Hazare asked PM Modi in the letter. “However, since there has been no response from your side, I have decided to launch an agitation in Delhi. I will continue with the protest until the demands are met,” wrote Mr Hazare.