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No trickery with Lokpal bill, warns Hazare

Last updated on: May 27, 2011 20:36 IST

Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare on Friday warned the government against any hanky panky on the Lokpal Bill or else he would again undertake a fast unto death.

"If the Jan Lokpal Bill becomes a law, it will eradicate 60 to 70 percent corruption. It will lay the foundation for total eradication of corruption," he said while addressing villagers in Begur village in Bengaluru.

Hazare, who had undertaken an indefinite fast in Delhi to press for anti-graft legislation last month, asked the villagers to be ready for a nationwide protest if the bill was not implemented.

Likening his campaign against corruption to first aid, he said to root out corruption it is necessary that right values are inculcated from childhood and this can be done most effectively by women.

Hazare said he had tried his best to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi by developing a model village in his home state of Maharashtra.

"My village, which 13 years ago, had 40 places where arrack was manufactured now has none. Nobody smokes or even chews gutka in my village," he said.

Despite leading a spartan life "with no bank balance", he said he was healthy and very happy. "I live in a temple, have only a bed to sleep and a plate to eat, but I am still very happy and content. At the age of 76, I am agile and healthy, as I have no vices", he said.

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