Hazare fit to fast: Doctor

A day before Anna Hazare is to begin his three day fast in Mumbai to push for a strong Lokpal Bill, a doctor attending on him said on Monday that the 74-year-old activist was fit for the agitation.

"Anna was suffering from cold and cough for the past three days. I prescribed him some antibiotics, he has been taking rest for the past two days. He will be fit for tomorrow's (Tuesday) protest," Devlat Pote, who is treating him, told reporters.

Even his blood pressure and temperature is normal, the doctor added.

However, a close aide of Hazare said that the activist was running a fever and cough, "so he skipped his morning walk today (Monday)".

"But there is no change in his plans for the agitation. Once he is determined to do something, nothing can stop him," the aide added.

Hazare will protest at the MMRDA Ground in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla complex, where preparations are currently on by volunteers and his supporters.

"Hazare will start from his village Ralegan-Siddhi around 3 p.m. (Monday) by road and is expected to reach Mumbai by 8 p.m," an aide told IANS.

The activist first went on a five-day fast in April in support of an effective Lokpal bill, triggering nationwide solidarity protests. A worried government then held talks with him and his team.

Unhappy over the progress of events, Hazare launched his second and more successful fast spread over 12 days in Delhi's Ramlila ground, this time forcing the government to agree to some of his key demands.

Thereafter, he held a day-long protest Dec 11.