Activist Rejects Indian PM’s Plea to End His Fast

Posted on Aug 25, 2011

Flickr / ramesh_lalwani (CC-BY)

Anna Hazare has become the face of India’s long fight against corruption.

India’s prime minister begged anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare again on Thursday to end his protest fast, which after 10 days has caused the activist to lose at least 14 pounds but gain much public attention.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he would have parliament debate the various public versions of a bill aimed at combating political corruption, which he hoped would meet Hazare’s demands while still maintaining “parliamentary supremacy.” But Hazare dismissed Singh’s proposal, saying he will not stop fasting until all his demands are met. —BF

The Washington Post:

On Tuesday, the government had agreed to most of the activists’ demands, including bringing the prime minister’s office under the ombudsman’s ambit. But talks appeared to be stuck on proposals to make the large number of employees in the lower level of the government bureaucracy accountable, appoint anti-graft ombudsmen in every state, and set a guaranteed time-limit for public services to be delivered to citizens.

“My eyes are on the poor people. All these three issues affect them deeply. They are unable to get any work done on time in the government offices without giving money,” said Hazare.

He added he might end his fast once the parliament debate begins but will not give up the protest until lawmakers agree to these three issues. 

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