Hazare catches cold ahead of fast; no cause for concern: aide

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Ahead of his three-day fast at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai from December 27 to protest against a 'weak' Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare has caught cold but his associates say it is no major cause for concern.

"Anna has cough and cold. However, there is no reason to worry. He is taking medicines. There is no cause for concern," Hazare's aide Suresh Pathare told reporters.

Team Anna has been forced to cough up about Rs 7 lakh as rental for the MMRDA ground here after the Bombay High Court yesterday rejected a petition seeking free or discounted rates for the venue.

Despite criticism by the government and some political parties, the Gandhian, 74, has decided to go ahead with the fast, followed by a fill-the-jail agitation against the 'watered down' Lokpal Bill tabled in Parliament.

Hazare is expected to reach Mumbai on December 26.

"Anna will leave Ralegan Siddhi on December 26 afternoon and reach Mumbai by road late evening," his associate Datta Awari said.

The 48,000 sq m Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) ground has a capacity to accommodate over 60,000 people. However, the authority will be renting out 20,000 sq m for the rally and 10,000 sq m for parking.

The MMRDA has specified December 26 for pandal installation and December 30 for its removal.

Team Anna has paid Rs 7.78 lakh as rent and Rs 5.29 lakh as refundable security deposit for the rally. Preparations for the event are in full swing.

IAC sources said that at the venue, a room attached with toilet will be provided to Hazare, along with a cot and a continuous supply of hot water.

"There will be an invitee room for the Core Committee members and a visitors' room. There will be separate rooms for security, medical and police personnel. Ambulance services will be present 24 hours a day.

"A team of doctors, comprising volunteers, will be present. We will have an information centre, a media room and a registration counter," IAC coordinator Mayank Gandhi said.

Hazare and key members of his team Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi are scheduled to fast with him in Mumbai, while some others in the Team Anna will undertake a fast in Delhi.