The central government is in the process of clearing Maharashtra's Right to Information Bill, which was passed by the state assembly in March 2003 and now awaits presidential sanction.
A law providing right to information is one of the five demands put forward by the state's leading social activist Kisan 'Anna' Hazare, who is leading a campaign against corruption in government.
Hazare has threatened to start a hunger strike from Saturday, August 9, to protest against the state government's failure to take action in different cases of corruption, including against Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sureshkumar Jain.
Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Pramod Mahajan told reporters in Mumbai on Friday that he had spoken to Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani and been assured that the bill would be sent to the President soon.
If the Right to Information Bill is cleared, one out of Hazare's five demands would be taken care of, Mahajan said.
While urging Hazare to continue with his crusade against corruption, the BJP leader requested him not to risk his life by going on a fast.
It may be noted that the Bill was introduced by the Maharashtra government in the state assembly in March 2000 following a sustained campaign by Hazare.
