Fasting Anna Hazare says BJP 'used him' in 2014
What's the story
Activist Anna Hazare, whose fast entered the sixth day on Monday, said the Bharatiya Janata Party 'used him' in 2014 and his agitation helped the saffron party come to power. The 81-year-old went on an indefinite hunger strike in his village Ralegan-Siddhi demanding the appointment of Lokpal and Lokayuktas. Anna slammed the Narendra Modi government for not fulfilling its promises. Here's more.
Disappointment
BJP lied, turned backs on me, claims Hazare
Hazare said in the past four years Centre led the country to autocracy. He also attacked Maharashtra government, also led by BJP, saying all they did was lie. "The state government's claims that 90 percent of my demands have been conceded are also false," he said. He added those who supported him in 2011 and 2014 turned their backs on him.
Quote
Hazare wants government to take firm decisions
"They keep saying that central and state government ministers will come and discuss the issues with me. But I say no to them as it would confuse the people... (Let) them take firm decisions and give me everything in writing," he said.
Attacks
Hazare also spoke about returning Padma Bhushan
Hazare has been sharply criticizing the BJP since he started the protest. On the fourth day of his strike, he said PM Modi would be responsible if anything happened to him. He said he would be remembered as someone who tackled situations. Accusing PM Modi of breaching people's faith, he also said he would return his Padma Bhushan if the demands aren't met.
Criticism
Shiv Sena and MNS attack Centre
Hazare's fast got the Centre criticism from all quarters. Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena, BJP's ally, supported him and urged him to start an agitation like Jayaprakash Narayan. MNS chief Raj Thackeray said BJP didn't care if Hazare lived or died. Attacking Arvind Kejriwal, Thackeray said no one knew him before Hazare agitation. "Now he doesn't bother to pay a visit," Thackeray said.
Twitter Post
Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis asks Hazare to break fast
CM @Dev_Fadnavis on issues raised by noted social activist #AnnaHazare and efforts of Government on issues taken up by him.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) February 4, 2019
CM also requests Anna to end his fast. pic.twitter.com/cq8QXDN5P9