More trouble for govt: Anna to join Baba Ramdev's fast

Activist Anna Hazare has decided to join Baba Ramdev in the latter's indefinite fast against corruption.

Baba Ramdev is scheduled to hold an indefinite fast at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi from June 4 to demand repatriation of the black money stashed in foreign banks.

His supporters will also join him in the fast in 624 districts across the country to demand stricter steps to deal with corruption.

To make matters worse for the government, Hazare has announced his decision to join the fast from June 5.

Hazare had held an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in April to demand the implementation of a stringent Lokpal Bill.

The movement had received unprecedented support from the public. The Centre was then forced to form a joint committee comprising civil activists and representatives of the government to draft the Bill.

Claiming that the government had "cheated him" over the Lokpal Bill issue, Hazare told journalists on Thursday morning that he would soon join Baba Ramdev's fast.

"The government lacks intention to root out corruption from the system. We will not allow the government to sabotage anti-corruption agitations," he said.

In a bid to prevent a repeat of the situation that evolved when Hazare mounted a campaign against corruption in April, the Centre had on Wednesday deputed Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and three other senior ministers to the airport to hold talks with Baba Ramdev.

Baba Ramdev later told followers that the talks were positive and he would hold further dialogue with the government, but he would not call off his fast.