, yet the agile eyes of TV cameras could not catch them. Of course they are pre occupied at Ramlila ground.
A large crowd of people who opposed Team Anna with slogans “Samvidhan ko haath lagaya to khon bahega sadkon per”, “ Bharshtachar to bahana hai samvidhan Nishana hai” “Anna Hosh Men Aao Samwidhan se Mat Takrao”, “Main Anna Nahi Hoon” , “Dalit Samaj Ko Anna se Khatra” gathered at India Gate and marched towards Jantar Mantar to protest the Anna Jan Lokpal bill on Wednesday evening.
The “Samvidhan Bachao” (Save constitution) rally was organised by the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations along with other Anti -Anna groups.
“It’s not that we are against the bill on corruption, but how you can over rule the constitution. SC/ST OBCs and minorities are not the part of panel to form anti corruption bill”, Udit Raj said.
He said the government’s version of the Lokpal bill and Team Anna’s Jan Lokpal bill has shortcomings and draconian clauses.
“The Dalit or minority communities together constitute 85 percent population of the country but the Anna-led civil society does not represent them. Yet it is claiming to be representative of the entire country,” said the Udit Raj.
The organizers said that citizens belonging to backward and minority communities, we think that a Lokpal Bill must propose a Lokpal, consisting of representative members from these communities.
“Why is Anna Hazare targeting only the three pillars of democracy — the Nyaypalika, Karyapalika and the Vidhaikpalika (the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature)? Why is he not including media under the purview of Lokpal? Is media not corrupt?” asked a participant in the rally.
“We are afraid that in future, people like Anna Hazare can ask the government to do away with reservation under the threat to commit suicide or fast-unto-death. This is unacceptable,” another participant said
“It is important because the caste prejudices of the members would work against the weak and vulnerable in the process of their work as public functionaries. Even the members of the Lokpal may be subject to such caste and religious prejudices,” a joint statement said.
Several youths in the rally wanted to go to Ram Lila ground to show their anger against Anna and his team but elderly organizers asked them not to so as it could lead to violence.
Later they went towards Jantar Mantar to the rally .
Related Link
‘Save Constitution’ rally to counter Anna
Video Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hkhbWMuymYg
