Hazare embarks on 'second freedom struggle'

Launching his 'Janatantra Yatra' from Punjab, social activist Anna Hazare today described it as the beginning of the second freedom struggle to rid the nation of the corrupt politicians.
"Now for me 'Janatantra Yatra' is the second freedom struggle to free the nation from corruption and corrupt politicians," he said, and lashed out at politicians alleging many of them were "Gundas" facing criminal charges.
The social activist categorically made it clear that he and his activists have no future plans to contest Lok Sabha elections or to collect funds.
The only motive of 'Janatantra Yatra' was to bring honest candidates for the upcoming Parliament elections so that candidates having criminal and corrupt background could be kept away from the election fray, Hazare said while addressing a rally in Rayya town here, nearly 40 km away from Amritsar.

Earlier, accompanied by a small group of supporters, the 75-year-old activist paid obeisance at Durgiana Mandir, Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh before starting the Yatra.
Addressing a group of people outside the Jallianwala Bagh, Hazare, who was flanked by former Army Chief V K Singh, said only a mass movement will bring change in the country.

Hazare said after five months a big Jan-Sansad (public rally) will be organised at Ramlila Ground in the national capital "which will seal the fate of this corrupt government".
The public rallies are being held to press 25-point agenda under the banner of 'Janatantra Yatra' to garner people's support against the Congress-led UPA government ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls and make "people aware of its efforts to ditch the Jan Lokpal bill," he said.

Hazare had floated 'Janatantra Morcha' after the protests on Lokpal Bill fizzled out and Team Anna split, with a faction led by Arvind Kejriwal forming a political party.