Ramlila grounds may be Hazare fast venue

New Delhi: Anna Hazare and his team were in discussions with government and police today over the venue of his fast after he comes out of Tihar Jail.

The spacious Ramlila grounds in north Delhi is emerging as the likely venue for Anna Hazare to hold his fast-unto-death for a strong anti-corruption law, informed sources said.

It was likely that Hazare, who has been in Tihar Jail since Tuesday and refused to come out until he is allowed to conduct his protest without any conditions, would be allowed to fast for up to seven days, the sources said.

Prashant Bhushan, senior lawyer and member of the joint drafting committee of the Lokpal bill, told mediapersons outside the jail that Ramlila Grounds was actively being considered.

Whatever the decision, it will be suitable to Hazare and his supporters, he added.

He asked the hundreds of activists gathered outside the jail to keep calm. He also called upon all supporters to gather at India Gate in the heart of the capital for important declarations.

After meeting Hazare, lawyer Prashant Bhushan told the crowd of supporters outside the jail that the Gandhian would come out of the jail only if he is allowed to fast without conditions.

Bhushan said government and police were discussing with Hazare and his aides options of fast venue — JP Park or Ramlila Maidan — where he could launch his fight for a strong Lokpal.

He said if conditions are imposed, then Hazare will continue with his fast inside the jail.

He also told the crowd that people of Delhi have been asked to come to India Gate for a march to Jantar Mantar in support of a strong Lokpal and fight against corruption. Hazare had earlier sought permission from Tihar Jail authorities for a meeting with some of his top associates to plan his strategy.

The meeting was attended by Bhushan, Kiran Bedi, Medha Patkar, Manish Sisodia and Swami Agnivesh. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ashok Chand was also present at the meeting. Hazare also met Sri Sri Ravishankar and yoga guru Ramdev in the prison.