Anna Hazare: Issue is more important than the venue for the fast

New Delhi:  Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has climbed down from his earlier position that he will only fast at Jantar Mantar. Mr Hazare, who was planning an indefinite fast from August 16, said the issue was more important than the venue of protest.

 ''It is not necessary to get a space at Jantar-Mantar, any other venue with connectivity will do. The issue is more important than the place of protest,'' said Mr Hazare

Hazare's fast is in protest over the government's draft version of the Lokpal Bill, which he says is completely different from the draft he had presented the government.   

In a meeting earlier this week, Home Minister P Chidambaram and the Delhi police had denied permission to Anna Hazare and his team to fast at Jantar Mantar. Jantar Mantar was the place where Mr Hazare had mobilized people in April this year - to join his crusade against corruption.

Mr Hazare and his team had then expressed their outrage at the administration's move. The veteran social activist had even said that he would send an application to the Supreme Court, to allow him permission to fast at Jantar Mantar.

 "We will send an application to the Supreme Court about how the common man is being silenced," Mr Hazare had then said.

Despite the seeming climbdown, Mr Hazare's sharp questioning of the government on corruption is still likely to draw attention in the coming week. And with the monsoon session of Parliament starting on Monday, this issue is not likely to die down anytime soon.