Maharashtra: Social activist Anna Hazare began a hunger strike today over the “non-fulfilment” of assurances by the Centre and the Maharashtra government on the appointment of Lokpal and passage of the Lokayukta Act in the state. Anna Hazareoffered prayers at the Padmavati Temple in his village, Ralegan Siddhi, in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district this morning. He then went in a procession, accompanied by students, youths and farmers, to the Yadavbaba Temple and sat near it to begin his hunger strike.

The anti-corruption crusader told news agency Press Trust of India that he welcomed the Maharashtra Cabinet’s decision to bring the office of state chief minister under the jurisdiction of Lokayukta.

“However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils the promises they made before coming to power about passage of Lokayukta Act, appointment of Lokpal, and to tackle farmers’ issues,” he said.

As a routine procedure, doctors conducted a basic health check-up of Anna Hazare, a close aide of the activist said.

“Anna Hazare has now begun his fast as he is disappointed with the state government for not appointing the Lokayukta,” the aide said. Mr Hazare had written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, saying he would launch the agitation in his village from today.