Anne Hazare defers indefinite hunger strike

Mumbai, May 1: Following request by Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, social worker Anna Hazare today deferred his 'indefinite' fast at Ralegansiddhi in Ahmednagar district.

Mr Hazare had announced that he will go on an indefinite fast from today to protest against malpractices in the Employment Guarantee Scheme and distribution of kerosene in Solapur district.

According to an official release issued here today, Ahmednagar District Collector Anabalgan visited Ralegansiddhi this morning and conveyed Mr Deshmukh's message to Mr Hazare requesting him to defer his fast for a month.

Mr Hazare has accepted the request and deferred the fast for a month, the release added.

UNI