Ralegan Siddhi, Maharashtra:
As Anna Hazare plans to embark on yet another fast over the Lokpal Bill, his hunger strike this time around is emerging as a major cause for concern. His associates are worried that the proposed fast, his third this year, may seriously hamper his health.
The 74-year-old anti-corruption crusader has warned the government of intensifying his agitation and has decided to go on another fast from December 27 if his demands, with regards to the Lokpal Bill, are not met by December 22, the day the Winter Session of Parliament ends. Before that, though, Mr Hazare will sit on a day-long fast on December 11 at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital.
The one day fast, though, is not a cause of worry given the fact that the septuagenarian fasts for a day every week. It is the prolonged fast towards the end of the month, sources have told NDTV, that his doctors are advising him against.
"Would advise Anna not to go ahead with his fast, it may aggravate his pain. If he still goes ahead with his fast - he will have to be careful", Mr Hazare's orthopedician Dr K H Sancheti said.
The concerns are not without reason. The veteran activist suffers from lumbar spondylosis and osteoarthritis. But despite medical advice for rest, Mr Hazare seems to be in no mood to call off the fast.
"For one or two days due to travelling, there was some fatigue. Now I am fit enough to fight. Now I am healthy. Now our first agitation will be on December 11 at Jantar Mantar and then on the 27th at Ramlila ground. I will be at the Ramlila ground and the people of this country will be there," said Mr Hazare.