Arvind Kejriwal dares government, refuses to end his fast

New Delhi: The standoff between the government and Team Anna has now reached the crisis point. Even on day 8 of social activist Anna Hazare's agitation at Jantar Mantar, there was still no sight of either the government or his team softening their stand.

As concern mounted over the declining health of Anna's close aides Arvind Kejriwal, Gopal Rai and Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal took centrestage and assured the crowds that he would fight till the finish.

"I am not committing suicide, I am sacrificing life for country," Kejriwal said.

Meanwhile, the government remained dismissive of Team Anna and refused to bow down to their demands.

About 400 of Anna's supporters including Kejriwal, who've been fasting for a week have warned against being forcibly hospitalised even as their health deteriorated.

Team Anna member Kumar Vishwas said the health condition of Arvind Kejriwal and Gopal Rai was serious. "The whole country is concerned about their health," he said.

The government, however, is still watching from the sidelines, hoping poor health will force Team Anna to back down.

Congress General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi said, "I hope good sense will prevail."

By evening, Kejriwal's tone had become even more belligerent. "I challenge the government to imprison the 15 minisiters. I will call off my fast then."

So, what really are the options ahead of Team Anna as of now? The first option is tO call off fast and make an announcement about future. The second is to form a political party on its own and contest elections. Third is to create a pressure group of eminent indians to keep issue alive and the fourth is to engage with the Lokpal select committee in Parliament.

On the ground, the numbers may not be as large as last year but the mood is still buoyant.

It is a wait and watch game from this point on. Even as doctors advise Team Anna to call off their fast, Anna's supporters are determined to take on the the government and secure the passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill. With both sides refusing to budge as of now, the question really is - who will blink first?

Also See

• Government can't force me to end my fast, says Arvind Kejriwal

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