Anna renews anti-graft fast to pressure Govt.

Tuesday, 16 August 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Veteran social activist Anna Hazare renews a fast to the death in New Delhi on Tuesday to force tougher laws against corruption, to the dismay of India’s embattled prime minister and his ruling party as they grapple with scandals and a slowing economy.

Decked out in a plain white shirt, white cap and spectacles in the style of Mahatma Gandhi, the septuagenarian Hazare became the unlikely thorn in the side of the Congress party-led coalition when he went on an indefinite hunger strike in April.

Tapping into a groundswell of discontent over corruption scandals in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government, Hazare lobbied for the Lokpal bill creating a special ombudsman to bring crooked politicians, bureaucrats and judges to book.

Hazare called off his fast after the government promised to introduce the bill into parliament. The legislation was presented in early August, but activists slammed the draft version as toothless, prompting Hazare to renew his campaign.

A string of corruption scandals have shaken India in the past few months, smothering Singh’s reform agenda, denting investor confidence and distracting parliament at a time when the economy is hit by inflation and higher interest rates.

Hazare’s campaign, fanned by social networking sites and a raucous TV and print media, will be another headache for the Congress party when government resumes work on Tuesday, the day after India celebrates the 64th year of its Independence from British rule.

“As soon as the government listens to the majority’s demand, we will stop our fast,” Suresh Pathare, Hazare’s personal assistant, told Reuters by phone.

But this time around, Hazare’s fast may not have the same impact as his previous efforts. He has sparked a backlash of his own, with critics saying his methods are tantamount to blackmailing an elected government into changing policy.

“Manmohan Singh remains as weak as he has been,” said D.H. Pai Panandiker, head of New Delhi-based think tank RPG Foundation, but “the response to Anna Hazare may not be as strong as he anticipates.”

Hazare has permission to fast for three days next to a cricket stadium in the capital - after that he could face arrest. He has carried out many fasts and most analysts expect some kind of compromise to be found.