Date:12/08/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/12/stories/2003081202981300.htm

National

Hazare refuses to go to hospital

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI AUG. 11. Social activist Anna Hazare, into the third day of his fast seeking reforms to make the Maharashtra Government transparent and accountable and a probe into the corruption charges against at least three Ministers, declined to be moved to a hospital though he complained of "weakness".

He cancelled a meeting with the media and wrote to the Government that he should not be "disturbed" at his Azad Maidan camp here.

A short distance away, the Civil Supplies Minister, Suresh Jain, also on a fast demanding an investigation into Mr. Hazare's trusts, said he "was examined by the doctors and felt fine".

"I have fasted for 31 days in the past as required by my religion, Jainism". His worry was the Government, "an elephant that moves slowly". "My leader, Sharad Pawar, is in constant touch with the Chief Minister," he said. "People calling on me wonder why the Government is so slow in reacting to my request".

He spoke of two options ahead of him if the Government did not respond within a reasonable time-frame: a public interest litigation and resignation. He declined to comment when asked if the Government was "not yet embarrassed enough", but thought that about 45 days was sufficient time.