This Article is From Aug 18, 2011

My health is fine, don't worry about me: Anna's message from Tihar

New Delhi: Gandhian activist Anna Hazare, who has been in Tihar Jail since Tuesday, said he felt healthy and energetic even after three days of fasting for a strong anti-corruption law.

"I will not stop fighting till I get the Lokpal Bill," Hazare said in an interview to his close associate Kiran Bedi on Thursday at his room in Tihar Jail.

"My health is fine, don't worry about me," said the 74-year-old, who is no more a prisoner but who has refused to leave the prison until he was allowed to fast on his terms.

The authorities and Mr Hazare aides say the Gandhian will shift on Friday to the spacious Ramlila Maidan to continue his hunger strike that began on Tuesday after he was detained by police.

"There is no tiredness, I can still walk for five km on foot," said Mr Hazare. "Tonight I will be here (in jail), and tomorrow I will meet you all (outside)."

He said he was enthused by the widespread expression of support all over India in favour of an effective anti-corruption legislation as opposed to what he says is a weak Lokpal Bill presented by the government.

"I always said if the youth of the country will awake, the future will change... and I am seeing my dreams come true. When I see the tricolour on their shoulder, and hear the slogans, I am being energised," Mr Hazare said. (Watch: Anna's video message from Tihar: You give me strength)

"I will talk to everyone... My health is fine. Don't worry about me."

Team Anna has been given 15 days to fast, but Mr hazare says he will seek an extension of seven days. "Nothing will happen to me 15 days. I will seek an extension of a week."

Mr Hazare said the mass protests reported from all over the country were not about him. "The people are on the streets not because of Anna. Corruption is so stifling... For everything one needs to bribe. This is why prices (inflation) are rising.
"People are unable to tolerate corruption... That is why they are on the streets," said Anna.
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