Shiv Sena MLA spoils Anna Hazare public party

A Sena MLA has succeeded in stopping the first public appearance of Hazare after his 12-day-long fast at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

Hazare has been camping in his village Ralegan Siddhi ever since his return from Delhi. And except for the one programme in his own village, he has categorically avoided public appearances.

Hazare’s first public meeting was scheduled on Wednesday, September 28 in Thane and was to be attended by journalists, social workers and also a senior minister from the state government. In preparation for this meeting, a one-week campaign was undertaken by Dr PV Mandalik Trust and Hazare’s organisation, Brashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan Nyaas (BVJAN).

“At the last moment, Anna was summoned by the Jalgaon court over a case filed by Suresh Jain, a Sena MLA from Jalgaon. The last-minute summon issued against Anna forced us to cancel the programme,” said Allauddin Sheikh, Hazare’s close aide.

In the past, Anna had accused four ministers from previous governments for being involved in corruption - Suresh Jain, Nawab Malil, Vijaysingh Mohite-Patil and Padmasingh Patil. Jain filed a defamation case against Anna, who had to be personally present at the Jalgaon court on Wednesday for the trial.

Sheikh added that Anna will most likely launch his five-day tour in Thane district in the second week of October. “That tour will be the launch of his movement for a more powerful Lokayukta in the state,” he said.