Hazare and govt in discussions over fast venue

Anna Hazare and his team were in discussions with government and police today over the venue of his fast after he comes out of Tihar Jail.

After meeting Hazare, lawyer Prashant Bhushan told the crowd of supporters outside the jail that the Gandhian would come out of the jail only if he is allowed to fast without conditions.

Bhushan said government and police were discussing with Hazare and his aides options of fast venue— J P Park or Ramlila Maidan— where he could launch his fight for a strong Lokpal.

He said if conditions are imposed, then Hazare will continue with his fast inside the jail.

He also told the crowd that people of Delhi have been asked to come to India Gate for a march to Jantar Mantar in support of a strong Lokpal and fight against corruption.

Hazare had earlier sought permission from Tihar Jail authorities for a meeting with some of his top associates to plan his strategy.

The meeting was attended by Bhushan, Kiran Bedi, Medha Patkar, Manish Sisodia and Swami Agnivesh. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ashok Chand was also present at the meeting.

Hazare also met Sri Sri Ravishankar and yoga guru Ramdev in the prison.

Hazare's close aide Manish Sisodia told the gathering that the issue was now stuck on conditions not being imposed on the Gandhian for his fast.

He said the Hazare team was willing to hold their protest at Ramlila Maidan but permission should be given for at least a month without any condition.

"We are not willing to accept any condition like hold the protest for five or seven days," he said.