Amid concerns over his health as his protest entered ninth day, Anna Hazare today said he could fast for another nine days.
"My fast has entered the ninth day. Nothing will happen to me. I can fast for another nine days. We will fight together," he told the gathering at Ramlila Maidan. The statement by the 74-year-old Gandhian was greeted by loud applause and cheers by his supporters.
The remarks came amid concerns over his health with doctors advising the hospitalisation of Hazare, who refused to do so and also refused to take intravenous drip.
"I am receiving energy from the enthusiasm of the crowd. Some people have spoiled the country, we will all together re -build the country," Hazare said.
Demanding decentralisation of power, Hazare said corruption had made life miserable for the poor and downtrodden.
"It has become difficult for poor people to live because of corruption. How people staying in 24-hour air-conditioned comfort will be able to realise the plight of the common man.
"The Constitution has given powers to the people. Please give that power to the common man. There should be decentralisation of power. It will not be a true democracy till there is no decentralisation of power," Hazare said.
The Gandhian said he had been pushing for Jan Lok Pal Bill as it would ensure power to the people.
"Jan Lok Pal Bill is nothing but ensuring power to the people. Today we are having autocracy [hukumshahi] not democracy. Ensure decentralisation of power. People are supreme and power should come to them.
"My courage has gone up because of your whole-hearted support. There is no guarantee of the body. People die of heart attack. It is better to die for the country than to die of heart attack," he said.
