Thursday, December 29, 2011

Anna Hazare leaves for Ralegan Siddhi


MUMBAI: Anna Hazare left for his home Ralegan Siddhi Thursday, a day after he broke his fast to press for a strong Lokpal. 

The anti-corruption crusader had called off his fast Wednesday due to bad health and following repeated requests from Team Anna members and his village residents.

Hazare will undergo medical treatment and recuperate before taking further steps to decide on the future course of action to oppose the government's Lokpal bill, passed in the Lok Sabha Tuesday.

Team Anna is likely to meet in Ralegan Siddhi, Hazare's village n Parner taluka of Ahmednagar district in the next few days, after Hazare recovers from viral fever. Future strategy will be discussed and revealed after this meeting, India Against Corruption (IAC) sources said.

Hazare called off his three-day fast a day earlier but vowed to take on the Congress in all five states facing elections early next year.

After initially refusing to bow to appeals from doctors and associates, the 74-year-old announced his decision over 24 hours after he had launched his protest Tuesday at the MMRDA ground demanding a "strong Lokpal".

Looking weak but sounding bitter, he also axed the proposed "Jail Bharo" campaign that was to start across the country Friday. Aide Arvind Kejriwal said Team Anna was not retreating and would review its strategy soon.