Hazare to continue protest for strong anti-corruption law

New Delhi, Aug 27: Ahead of the debate on Lokpal issue in Parliament, fasting Anna Hazare today broke his silence of nearly 38 hours and addressed his supporters declaring that he will continue his protest till his last breath for a strong anti-corruption law.

Amid mounting worries over the 74-year-old Gandhian's health, Hazare said he could fast for another "three-four days" and "nothing will happen to him".

Hazare, who did not address his supporters since 8 pm on Aug 25, emerged on the dais at around 10 am to a loud cheer from supporters who raised slogans of ''Bharat Mata ki Jai'', ''Vande Mataram'' and ''Inquilab Zindabad''.

"I am not doing this for my personal gain. If it was so, I would not have lasted five days. Till Jan Lokpal Bill is passed, my protest will continue," the Gandhian told his supporters at Ramlila Maidan where he is sitting on a fast.

He said he was getting energy from those who are coming out in support of the cause and this energy will help him sustain for three-four more days. "Till Jan Lokpal Bill is passed, I won''t die," he said in his speech that lasted for five minutes.

Hazare said he was surprised at the manner in which the country has responded to his call while referring to a person who was sporting a tattoo on his shoulder that stated that he was the supporter of the Gandhian.

"I am surprised that a ''fakir'' is getting this support.

It is not me who is doing all this. God has pointed fingers at me. He has chosen me to do the work. It is he who is doing all this. I am praised for what I am doing. A ''fakir'' should not be praised so much," he said.

PTI