India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare began his fast-unto-death on Sunday at Jantar Mantar. Team Anna members Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai are already on an indefinite fast at the same venue. In spite of his team asking him not to undergo fast considering his health, Anna decided to go ahead. On Saturday, Anna took on the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying the country's future does not lie safe in their hands, but added that he himself would not fight the elections. He, however, said that he would willingly campaign for those with clean background selected by people. Accusing the government of cheating the Indian public on the issue of Lokpal, he said he has been forced to fast again and again, which is "not a happy thing". "I will fast until we get Jan Lokpal," Hazare, whose four-day ultimatum to government on a decision on his demands ended today. Talking about a political alternative for next Lok Sabha elections, the 74-year-old activist said if "good people" do not enter Parliament, there will be no change in system and country will not get a strong Lokpal. "For a vote, Rs.15, 000, Rs.20, 000, Rs.30, 000 are given (to voters). Those who get elected are making money, and they don't know where to keep this money. So, they send it to foreign countries. Now, it is time to awaken the voters.” "Some are saying that we should give an alternative, we should form a party. Rs.15-20 crores is spent by a candidate for assembly elections, and Rs.50 crores for Lok Sabha polls. I will not fight elections. I will not put up a party," he said. However, Hazare said, he will tour the country urging people to select people to fight elections. He said the team would probe their background and then put their names of Internet seeking people's opinion about them. Despite a warning from doctors not to undertake the fast unto death, Hazare said that he was declaring an all out war against corruption and against any government promoting it. Hazare said he was determined to go for the kill, but the government is undeterred as well, escalating their attack on Anna and his team. On Saturday’s protest outside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s official 7 Race Course Road residence and the clash with the police, Team Anna chose not to give a response. Dozens of Team Anna supporters were arrested, giving the government an opportunity to fire its own salvo.

Anna Hazare begins fast-unto-death at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar