Anna Hazare on hunger strike from October 2

PUNE: Veteran anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare said he will launch a hunger strike from October 2 at Ralegan Siddhi against the Union government for the delay in the appointment of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas.

"I will start my hunger strike at Ralegan Siddhi on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi," Hazare said in a statement on Sunday. He said the Lokpal and Lokayutka act was approved by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in 2013 and approved by the President in 2014. "But the government is delaying the appointment by forming a fact-finding committee. Sometimes it gives the reason of non-availability of leader of opposition. They are purposely avoiding the appointment," his statement said.

Hazare said the government had committed that it will appoint Lokpal and Lokayukta, but is not keeping its promise.