BJP leaders have turned 'allergic' to Lokpal, says Hazare

Social activist Anna Hazare Monday claimed that senior BJP leaders who once vehemently backed his Lokpal demand had turned 'allergic' to it after coming to power.

The 81-year-old, who has lost 4.25 kg in the last six days since his fast over appointment of the anti-corruption watchdogs began, also accused the ruling dispensation of betraying people who voted it to power in 2014.

"During my Ramlila Maidan agitation on Lokpal and Lokayukta, the entire country stood up. An atmosphere was created. That is the reason why you (BJP) came to power. Now you are betraying the people who brought you to power," Hazare said.

"Leaders like Arun Jaitely and Sushma Swaraj had once vehemently defended the Lokpal demand in Parliament. But after coming to power, they are mum over it. It looks like they are allergic to Lokpal and Lokayukta. The agitation brought them to power but they have forgotten it," Hazare told reporters.

Hazare rubbished reports about 'envoys of Maharashtra government' claiming that most of his demands have been met.

"The state government says that 90 per cent of my demands have been met. How can you (government) lie about it. Have I gone crazy to continue my fast unto death if 90 per cent demands have been met," Hazare said.

Meanwhile, as concerns over Hazare's health grew, the Shiv Sena and MNS sought the BJP-led government's intervention to save his life.

Hazare began his fast on January 30 at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, demanding appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issues.

"Anna now weighs 71.1 kg and has lost 4.25 kg weight since his fast began. His blood pressure is also increasing due to fasting," Dr Dhananjay Pote, a doctor attending to him, told PTI Monday.

Pote has been asked by the villagers to keep a tab on Hazare's health and prepare a daily report.

Several people, including government officials, have met Hazare in the last six days and requested him to end his fast.

Minister of state for Defence Subhash Bhamre reached Hazare's village Monday evening to talk to him as a representative of the Union government. Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan, who accompanied him, said, "There will be some solution by tomorrow."