Hazare rejects government draft
Son of Maharashtra farmer who committed suicide joins thousands supporting agitation
The indefinite hunger strike by social activist Anna Hazare is set to continue further after he reportedly found the draft sent by the government to address his demands for an anti-graft ombudsman and relief for distressed farmers “useless”.
“We have received the draft from the government. But Annaji said it was useless as it has nothing new but old assurances. It is a routine document. At least, any minister should meet him,” said Sushil Bhatt, a core committee member of Team Anna.
Hazare had on Friday said he would hold discussions with the government during the agitation but his indefinite hunger strike would continue “till the government comes out with a concrete action plan”.
Farmers’ presence strong
The second day of the agitation witnessed a steady flow of people coming to iconic the Ramlila Maidan but a majority of them were farmers while the middle class who displayed their anger during 2011 protest was found somewhat missing.
The numbers were expected to go up significantly today, said Bhatt.
Narendra Patil, son of Maharashtra farmer Dharma Patil, who had committed suicide by consuming poison in the state secretariat in January this year, also participated in the agitation saying the government had not given the long-pending compensation even after the death of his father.
“Even after giving assurance in writing, Maharashtra government has not fulfilled the promises it made to us after the death of my father. It is cheating. I have decided to join the agitation to bolster farmers’ voice as the current dispensation is anti-farmer,” Patil said.
Some farmers at the venue declared they would not leave the venue until their demands are met by the government.