BeyondHeadlines News Desk
New Delhi: The government today denied giving permission to Anna Hazare to stage a one-day fast, CNN-IBN reported. Hazare had applied for permission to hold a fast on June 8 but sources say that the government is in no mood to relent.
They point out that as Section 144 (unlawful assembly) of the Criminal Procedure Code is in force in New Delhi so the permission will not be granted.
The sources say that the government is also unlikely to start any negotiations with Hazare or Baba Ramdev. The government is of the view that governance has a procedure and law making is its prerogative.
Shanti Bhushan had sent a notice to the Delhi Police this morning on behalf of Anna Hazare saying that they had given a call to the public for a day long fast at Jantar Mantar on June 8.
Social activists Aanna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Shanti Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal met on Tuesday to discuss the future course of action in regard to the proposed June 8 protest fast and the Lokpal Bill.
Arvind Kejriwal said that protest called for by Hazare would be held even if it meant courting arrest.
“We will go ahead with our plan to protest at Jantar Mantar tomorrow. Section 144 seems to be arbitrary, if there is a real law and order problem, then let the government tell us. We are also not irresponsible. The government seems to believe that it has a right to be corrupt and who ever raises their voice against corruption, they impose section 144. If the police stops us, we will court arrest,” said Kejriwal.
Rajya Sabha Member BK Hari Prasad condemned Anna Hazare’s reaction to the midnight crackdown at the Ramlila Maidan on Saturday saying that there was nothing wrong wih it.
“There was nothing wrong in the midnight action taken by the police at the Ramlila Maidan. It seems as if there was a conspiracy to create a Godhra like situation in the Capital.”
Prasad also said that Hazare was the face of the RSS saying that, “Anna Hazare is a ‘Mukhauta’ for the Sangh Parivar.”
He also took a stand against the BJP’s 24-hour Satyagraha held at Rajghat.
“To see the leader of Opposition dancing at Rajghat is an insult for the father of the nation,” added Prasad.
