This week, IBN Lokmat telecast their CNN IBN awards to prominent
personalities in India; live on their news channel. The award for
CNN IBN 'Indian of the year' went to none other than Anna Hazare.
It was conferred upon him by three Defence Services officers.
Reacting to this, the social activist recalled his good old days in
Army and as to how he survived with a minor a bullet injury , though
all his other colleagues died in that battle. "After this incident,
I decided to devote rest of my life to public welfare. I shall fight
to eradicate corruption in this country. I have already taken 6
wickets of the netas," he declared.
When CNN IBN Editor-N-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai asked him whether he
was all set to take four more wickets, in days to come; the
firebrand leader of the Anti Corruption movement gave a broad smile
. But, he repeated what Mr. Kurian (who was also felicitated) had
said, about the requirement of clean administration. He appreciated
the media house like CNN-IBN for having considered him for this
prestigious award and said that the award becomes prestigious, if
the hands of the award giver are clean.
When asked, as to how a simple man from a small village in
Maharashtra could receive national recognition in a short time, he
said that it was all because of Indian media, which took his
movement seriously. With his thought provoking speech on the
importance of Jana Lokpal and his fight against corrupt
administrators in the country, he received a big applause from the
elite audience present on the occasion.
During the week, there was also a big debate on Karnataka
Government's decision on dissolution of Belgaum Municipal
Corporation. All those political party leaders from Maharashtra
taking part in the debate, condemned the act of Karnataka Government
and stood for the rights of the local people from Belgaum. All of
them felt that since 1956 it has been anti-Marathi stand of
Karnataka Government. But, in this ongoing debate the next day, a
new development took place, when MNS chief Mr. Raj Thackeray
suggested the leaders from Belgaum( who had gone to meet him) to
sort out their problems with amicable settlement, no matter even if
they were required to learn Kannada and remain in Karnataka, instead
of coming to Maharashtra. "Let there be peace, if the Karnataka
Government agrees to treat you well. I am willing to discuss with
them on this issue," he said.
However, this suggestion by MNS chief , has given rise to a new
debate and with the latest news coming is about Shiv Sena president
Mr. Udhhav Thackeray meeting the president of India Ms. Pratibha
Patil, with a request to make Belgaum a union territory under
President's rule. In the days to come, this issue will take new
turns, with more and more statements expected on this burning issue
from Political leaders in the wake of forthcoming Municipal
elections in Mumbai.
At the Centre, the Government seemed to be in a hurry to pass their
version of Lokpal Bill, with Parliament session likely to extend.
But, now there are new hurdles created by few political party
leaders, over reservation in the Lokpal team. Isn't that a new move
to ask for time by our clever parliamentarians? This seems to be a
new question for debate on news channels now. But, team Anna is all
set with their three day agitation followed by Jail Bharo; since
they very well know that their demands won't be met. Their team is
gaining good support from educated youngsters spread across the
country.
by Ulhas Shirke © MMW
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