Anna ends his fast, calls off 'jail bharo'

Mumbai: Putting an end to all speculations, Anna Hazare on Wednesday end his three-day fast in less than two days and in another surprising development called off the 'jail bharo andolan'. Along with Anna Hazare, other Team Anna members also end their fast.

He also said that he will continue his agitation at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan from December 30.

"I request those who sit on fast to end their fast and call off their agitation," said Hazare after breaking his fast at Mumbai's MMRDA grounds.

Anna Hazare said that the 'jail bharo andolan' is not appropriate now. "We will not embark on 'jail bharo andolan', it's not appropriate. We will embark to educate voters of the country," he said.

Criticising politicians for passing a 'weak' Lokpal Bill, Anna said that dictators are ruling this country.

"Our fight is for the common man. We want justice for him. Even after the departure of Britishers, we are struggling for good governance. It has become difficult for common man to survive," he said.

Giving an indication to his future course of action, he said, "We should be ready to go to jail. But we don't have to be violent. We have shown power of non-violence on August 16 in Ramlila Maidan."

"We will campaign against the government in the upcoming state assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections. We will ask people not to vote these people," he said.

He said that his Team will soon work out campaign schedule for the five poll-bound states.

"After this fast we will go to all five states going to poll. We will tell people not to vote parties who don't want a strong Lokpal. This country will improve only through ballot box. We don't have to vote corrupt and wrong people," he said.

Blaming the Home Minister for his arrest in Delhi, he said, "P Chidambaram was behind my arrest. They wanted to release me early 6 AM but I refused. They wanted to take me to Pune in Air Force plane."

"The government opposed Lokpal from day one. They opposed Joint drafting committee also. I request all brothers, sisters and youth to contact us. So that we can coordinate for our next programme. I am thankful to all those who are here from last two days," he said.

On going against Congress in 5 poll-bound states, Anna said, "We want to save the country rather than destroying it further. We won't protest against any other party.

Congress protested against Jan Lokpal Bill and cheated the public for one year. Congress has cheated us the maximum."

Posted in: Politics