New Delhi:
Anna Hazare tells NDTV in an exclusive interview that he is not worried about the dwindling number of supporters at his protests. "My campaign will continue even if there are just five people," he said. The Gandhian activist added that he would join his close aides at Jantar Mantar and begin his fast tomorrow.
Highlights of his interview:
- We are not happy going on strikes. We are raising questions for the nation and about the nation. When there is injustice, we are hurt. We are asking for the Jan Lokpal Bill because people are fed up of corruption.
- I am fine with fewer people at the agitation. I will be happy if even five people turn up. Crowds alone do not make a movement.
- When I have decided to work for the nation, then why should I be afraid of dwindling numbers? To fight for the country, Ekla Chalo Re (Go it alone)
- My team decided on the fast and they requested me not to join them because of my health, but I have been fighting for the Lokpal Bill for over a year, so how could I not join them?
- I gave the government four days. Since they haven't responded, I will join the fast tomorrow.
- If the government truly wants, it can pass the Lokpal Bill.
- The government's conscience is not clear in terms of the Lokpal Bill.
- Was hoping for some breakthrough when I met Salman Khurshid. But I was disappointed.
- I respect the constitutional post of the President, that's why I sent my wishes to Pranab Mukherjee.
- I may have differences with Pranab as an individual, but have to respect him as President.
- Baba Ramdev went to meet ministers like Sharad Pawar after consultations with us.
- My team members and me are like the five fingers of the hand. We often have divergent views and differences, but our goal is the same.
- We even told the government that we will stop our campaign against the 15 corrupt ministers but bring the Jan Lokpal Bill. The corrupt ministers can be dealt with later.
- We have also named four BJP ministers in our campaign. We brought down the BJP government in Maharashtra, so why are people saying we are only targeting the Congress.
- I am a poor man with no money- a fakir, so how can I contest elections?
- I won't contest elections, but if good people from my team, like Kiran Bedi want to, then I will wholeheartedly support it.
- If our shortcomings and mistakes are brought to notice, we will correct them.