Thousands protest government corruption in India

Thousands protest government corruption in India

2011-01-31 04:06:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW DELHI (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of people on Sunday marched through several Indian cities to protest government corruption and demand an effective anti-graft law, the Hindustan Times reported.

Waving banners that read 'Corruption: Enough is enough' and 'Common people are raped in government offices,' protesters gathered in rallies in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other cities.

The rallies, which coincided with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, was part of the 'India against Corruption' social movement that is demanding the passage of the Lokpal Bill. The legislation seeks to create an independent, empowered, transparent and accountable anti-corruption agency.

"The Lokpal bill prepared by the public is so effective that it will eradicate corruption in next two-three years. Political parties should support the passage of this bill as the Lokpal suggested by the government is only a showpiece," eminent lawyer Shanti Bhushan said while addressing the rally in New Delhi.

The government wants to make Lokpal an advisory body, which will only recommend to the government to prosecute its corrupt ministers.

Public anger has grown across India after a series of high-profile scandals, including the cut-price sale of mobile phone licenses and allegations of widespread corruption related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

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