Anna begins fast, says people of country can't let me die

Amid the many speculation about the thin presence of public and future of the movement, social activist Anna Hazare began his his indefinite fast against corruption at Jantar-Mantar. However his aides have urges him to drop his fast for his health grounds, Anna joined him team members who have been agitating here since July 25.

Hazare has said in his address that now it is the final fast for Lokpal and ignoring his health issues, he said that people of country can't let me to die whenever Lokpal bill passed.

It is noted that the members, led by Arvind Kejriwal, began their indefinite fast Wednesday to press for a strong Jan Lokpal Bill and demanding an inquiry into allegations of corruption against over a dozen ministers.

The key member of team Anna Arvind Kejriwal had yesterday said that his health is not well and he should not hold fast. We lost Mahatma Gandhi at a wrong time. We lost Jaiprakash Narayan early and we cannot afford to lose Anna now. So I request Anna not to fast.

It is expected that the there will be a large crowd at Jantar-Mantar as Anna has started fast with his team members. His indefinite fast will certainly inject some life into the agitation, which has so far received a lukewarm response.

Team Anna has the permission to fast at Jantar Mantar till Aug 8, the day the parliament's monsoon session is expected to begin.

This is Hazares third indefinite hunger strike demanding a strong Jan Lokpal Bill to check corruption at all levels. His earlier protests led to a nationwide movement.

(With inputs from IANS)