Thaindian News

Ralegan Siddhi (Maharashtra), Sep 4 (IANS) Lashing out at the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare Sunday said it should give up its “vindictive attitude”.

Referring to the notices of breach of privilege and income tax service notices slapped on key members of his team, Hazare said that undue harassment of civil society members may cause unrest in the country.

A number of ministers in the union cabinet were lying and abusing their power, he alleged.

“It is time the government must try to create trust and bridge the gap in the hearts after the nation-wide agitation for Jan Lokpal bill instead of sending out a wrong message,” he said.

Hazare opined that the lawmakers should maintained a clean image and follow footprints of the likes of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Hazare’s key associates Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal Saturday received notices of breach of parliamentary privilege. An IT notice was also served on Kejriwal, asking him to pay Rs.9 lakh for violating the terms of his Indian Revenue Service bond.

Another Anna associate and former top cop Kiran Bedi and actor Om Puri have already been issued breach of privilege notices by parliament.

Hazare also said that the 12-day-long fast he undertook at Delhi was only the beginning of a long journey and that his fight against corruption will continue.

“The aim is to create a corruption-free India,” he said.

Earlier Sunday, Hazare reiterated that he does not need Z-category security provided to him by the government.

Hazare was provided Z-category security cover, comprising four armed guards and two personal security officials round the clock Saturday.

The cover, which also includes a police vehicle escort whenever he leaves his village, was provided despite Hazare saying he does not need it.

He, however, said he would think about it and write to Maharashtra Home Minister R. R. Patil on the matter.