Anna Hazare's fast enters seventh day

RALEGAN SIDDHI: Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike to press for passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament entered the seventh day today.

"Anna has lost 4.3 kg since the fast began," his aide Suresh Pathare told PTI.

Hazare has been on fast since December 10. While Hazare praised the amended draft Lokpal bill presented in the Rajya Sabha, his one time protege Arvind Kejriwal has dismissed it as a "jokepal".

Addressing a press conference in Ralegan Siddhi yesterday, Hazare jad said, "I accept it completely. If this Bill is passed, I will end my fast. The Bill will help the poor people of this country".

Kejriwal has expressed his opposition to the Bill and Hazare's acceptance. "I'm really surprised. How can Anna accept sarkari Lokpal Bill? Sarkari Lokpal is a jokepal. Who is misguiding him?" he had said.

Hazare has requested the Samajwadi Party to extend support to the Bill. "I am confident that all the parties will support it, and it will be passed," he said.