Anna Hazare ends fast, to campaign in five poll-bound states
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Defeated by Parliament, deserted by people and discouraged by deteriorating health, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare called off his fast on Wednesday and withdrew the call for jail bharo.
Team Anna will now openly wear the political colour, concentrate on an 'awareness campaign' in the five election-bound states and intensify its agitation in the run-up to the 2014 general election.
Its main target would be the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), but other parties too will not be spared if found guilty of corruption.
“This is not democracy, it is dictatorship. Corruption, hooliganism and blatant looting still prevail after Independence. I’m calling off my fast, but we will tour the five poll-bound states as well as the nation later,” Mr Hazare said, adding, “We will create awareness among people and ask them not to vote for those who have betrayed the nation.”
The turnout at MMRDA Ground improved marginally on the second day of the fast — the crowd stood and cheered as Mr Hazare came on to the stage. In a press conference that followed, the anti-corruption activist faced sharp questions.
Asked about the low turnout, he said, “This is not right. I don’t have money and power. One day you will definitely see how the public will react.”
Owing to his weak health, Mr Hazare soon walked out of the press conference. Asked why Team Anna was only targeting Congress, not other parties who opposed Lokpal, he said, “I don’t think there is need to oppose other parties.”
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