Anna Hazare begins hunger strike over Lokpal

Ralegan Siddhi (Maha): Social activist Anna Hazare began a hunger strike on Wednesday over “non-fulfilment” of assurances by the Centre and the Maharashtra government on the appointment of Lokpal and passage of the Lokayukta Act in the state.

Hazare offered prayers at the Padmavati Temple in his village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra in the morning. He then went in a procession, accompanied by students, youths and farmers, to the Yadavbaba Temple and sat near it to begin his hunger strike.

The anti-corruption crusader told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra Cabinet’s decision to bring the office of state chief minister under the jurisdiction of Lokayukta.

“However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about the passage of Lokayukta Act, appointment of Lokpal and to tackle farmers’ issues,” he said.

As a routine procedure, doctors conducted a basic health check-up of Hazare, a close aide of the activist said.

“Hazare has now begun his fast as he is disappointed with the state government for not appointing the Lokayukta,” the aide said 

Hazare had written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, saying he would launch the agitation in his village from Wednesday.

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan, who has been acting as an emissary between the government and Hazare, on Tuesday urged the activist to cancel the agitation, claiming that almost all the demands made by him were fulfilled.