Despite government feelers Hazare steadfast on Lokpal
22 Aug 2011
As Anna Hazare's fast for a strong anti-corruption bill entered its seventh day on Monday, the government continued its efforts for a back-door compromise on the agitation; but the Hazare camp firmly and publicly rejected these overtures.
Meanwhile, the Hazare-led protest saw the agitation reaching Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's doorstep, from where 80 people were taken into custody.
A day after Singh said that his government was open to talks on the issue, Maharashtra additional chief secretary Umesh Chandra Sarangi met Hazare twice on Saturday night and Sunday at the Ramlila Maidan, where he is holding his public fast amid huge public support at the ground and nationwide.
Sarangi is believed to share a close rapport with Hazare, thanks to his earlier postings in Maharashtra's agriculture, rural development, and animal husbandry departments.
He was also the state's registrar for cooperative societies.
Before his present 'jan Lokpal bill' campaign, the 73-year-old Hazare – a decorated Army veteran – was active in rural development causes; and is credited with transforming his village of Ralegon-Siddhi into something of a model for self-sustaining agriculture and local industry.
