Anna to file defamation suit against NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik

Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Thursday asked his supporters to file a defamation suit against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Nawab Malik after he accused Hazare of taking money to sit for a hunger strike.

Malik had stated that Anna takes money from advocates to protest. Following the controversial statement made by Malik, Hazare refused to meet NCP leaders, who were supposed to meet the social activist on Thursday.The 81-year-old social activist Hazare is protesting since January 30 against the Centre and the Maharashtra government for not setting up a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states.

"If a senior leader of some political party (Nawab Malik) says that I have taken money from someone to start a hunger strike then he should explain from where I took money. I have asked my workers to file a defamation suit against him," said Hazare while speaking on the second day of his hunger strike as part of 'Jan Andolan Satyagrah' in Maharashtra's Ralegan Siddhi. Speaking to ANI, Hazare said, "Over 88 blocks in Maharashtra are protesting and supporting us in our movement. However, the government is trying to interfere as they want us to stop."As per provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, a Lokpal as anti-corruption authority or ombudsman would be set up at the Central level, while a Lokayukta will be set up in each state.