Anna Hazare ends fast; next on Aug 16

New Delhi, Jun 8: The social activist Anna Hazare, who was on a hunger strike to protest the police crackdown on Baba Ramdev's supporters during their agitation against corruption, ended his day-long fast, but said that he will resume the fast again on Aug 16 to force the government for implementing the Lokpal Bill in a time-bound way.

While describing his sathyagraha as the "second freedom struggle," Anna Hazare accused the government of putting "hurdles" in the drafting of Lokpal Bill and trying to defame the civil society members of the joint panel, such as Shanti Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan, Santosh Hegde and Arvind Kejriwal through a "discreet" campaign.

Anna Hazare said that if the government wants to call the fast as a blackmail, let them go with it, but he and his team will go with protest till the government pass the Lokpal Bill in time-bound way.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Pranab Mukherjee defended police action against Baba Ramdev. He said that the Delhi police granted permission for peaceful protest only, but Baba Ramdev defied the police order.

The Home Minister also added that the Delhi police and government will give more explanation about action against Ramdev in Supreme Court as the court asked explanation from the government. Also he added that the Delhi police used only a minimal force to evict Baba Ramdev from Ramlila Maidan.

OneIndia News