Hazare's security: Maharashtra to present fresh plea

The Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra is concerned over anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare's reluctance in accepting Z plus security cover. Despite repeated pleas by the government, Hazare has stuck to his stand of declining security cover.

As a last ditch effort, the state home minister, R R Patil, is set to put forward a fresh plea before Hazare to accept the security cover. Hazare had extended unconditional support to Patil during the state assembly elections in 2009.

Hazare has refused the security cover, saying this would restrict his movement make him inaccessible to the people.

A senior minister, on the condition of anonymity, told Business Standard, “Hazare has come into light due to his recent 13-day fast at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. Across the globe, he has emerged as a strong Gandhian in the fight against corruption. He needs security cover, especially when he is meeting a large number of people across the country and at times, from abroad.” The official said the district police had been keeping a close vigil had and tightened security at Hazare's village Ralegan Siddhi.

He, however, said Hazare had been airing his views on issues related to corruption, terrorism and reforms in the election process. “In such circumstances, the government does not want to take any chances. It wants to do all things possible to provide security to Hazare. The government is hopeful that Hazare may relent and accept the security cover,” he added.