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Summary Anti-corruption hunger strike by Indian activist Anna Hazare drew thousands of supporters.
The 74-year-old spoke briefly to crowds from a high podium before he reclined on cushions to be feted with speeches, chanting and live music during the second day of his public fast.Hazare also complained of narrow-mindedness of Indian government. He said first they were blaming American hand behind my campaign. Now they may claim Pakistani hand, he said while addressing the supporters.The fight will go on till we get a strong Lokpal (bill), Hazare said, referring to his demand that anti-corruption legislation being considered by parliament is strengthened.Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs government has been left floundering by a national swell of support for Hazares campaign, with many Indians saying years of anger at corrupt officials had reached boiling point.Singh on Saturday struck a conciliatory note after previously dismissing Hazares tactics as undemocratic.We are open to discussion, dialogue, we would like a broad national consensus to emerge, the premier told reporters. There is a lot of scope for give and take.Public support for Hazare -- particularly among the middle classes -- soared when he was briefly arrested earlier this week before he was due to start his public fast.
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