Government had planned to send me to Ralegan: Anna Hazare

PUNE: Anna Hazare on Tuesday said the government had planned to send him to Relegan Siddhi, his native village in Ahmednagar district, after releasing him from Tihar jail on August 16.

"After my arrest and release from jail, they had planned to take me directly to Delhi airport for a flight to Pune. From Pune I was to be sent to Ralegan (about 100 kms from Pune)," Hazare said, addressing his supporters at the Padmavati Devi guest house, where he has been staying since his arrival from Delhi.

"After bringing me to Ralegan, the plan was to keep me confined to my village," he added.

The anti-graft crusader, who refused to leave the Tihar jail after being released on August 16, subsequently went on with the historic 12-day fast at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, demanding a strong Lokpal Bill.