Graft charge against Khadse: Damania's hunger strike continues

The hunger strike of activist and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anjali Damania demanding probe into corruption charges against Maharashtra Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse entered its second day today.
Damania yesterday sat on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in the city and demanded Khadse's ouster from the state Cabinet, in the wake of allegations of impropriety over purchase of a land belonging to the government-owned MIDC in Pune against him.
A team of doctors today reached the strike site and carried out a medical check-up on the activist.
"A team of doctors from nearby government hospital checked her medical condition and found her blood pressure to be 165/83, which we are very concerned about," an aide close to Damania said and requested mediapersons to let her rest.

The activist, however, said she was feeling completely fit to fight for the cause.
"Yes, doctors found my blood pressure high, but I feel very much alright and in the position to fight for my cause," Damania told PTI.

"I am very much sticking to the demand that Khadse be removed from the ministry, besides an inquiry into the charges against him be completed within six months, the case be heard by a fast-track court and verdict to be given within an year," she said.
"I won't give up my fast till the Chief Minister gives me a written assurance that the probe against the minister will be completed in six months," she added.

Meanwhile, Damania's protest has garnered support of people from all walks of life as several NGOs and social groups have come out in her support.
Gopal Patil, president of Uran Utkarsh Samiti, an organisation working for local people in the neighoubouring city Uran, said, "We have come here to support Damania, as she has become a symbol of crusade against corruption.