Govt struggles to diffuse situation as Hazare’s fast enters third day

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 6: Social activist Anna Hazare’s fast-unto-death entered the third day here Thursday even as a large number of people from various walks of life continued to extend support to the crusader for a stronger anti-corruption law.

72-year-old Hazare’s protest has led to the resignation of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar from the Group of Ministers on corruption after the Gandhian took potshots at him.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had yesterday discussed with some Cabinet colleagues the issue after which indications emerged that one or two ministers could be nominated to talk to the activist.

The general sense at the informal confabulations was that there was a need to defuse the situation that had arisen due to the fast-unto-death campaign launched on Tuesday which is getting support from the increasing number of people.

Asked if Hazare has been contacted by any one from the government, an aide of the activist said, "As of now we have not received any intimation from the government, we have read reports in this regard in the media only".

The aide said, "The fast was still on. Hazare is in perfect health".

Doctors are checking Hazare twice a day to keep a tab on his health.

Hazare had yesterday shot off a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, slamming the reaction of his government and Congress to his indefinite fast on Lokpal Bill issue, and urged him to show courage to take unprecedented steps to fight the menace.

Responding to Congress’ criticism that his protest was "premature", he said authorities resort to "malicious slandering" whenever cornered and asserted that he was not a kind of person who could be "instigated" into going on an indefinite fast.

Since the fast started on Tuesday, people from all walks of life including students, senior citizens, actors, executives and activists are converging at the Jantar Mantar, the hotspot of protests in the capital, to lend support to the movement.