25 August,2011 02:24 PM IST | | Agencies
Stating that there is always room for discourse in a democracy, Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari, who was under sharp criticism for his comments on Anna Hazare, today said that he regrets if any of his utterances have caused anguish to the veteran social activist.
"At times certain things get said inadvertently, which causes hurt, anguish and pain. I know some of my recent utterances have caused hurt to Anna Hazareji. To him, I would liker to say that I regret the same. I am personally concerned about his health and I would like to appeal to him to end his fast," Tiwari told mediapersons outside the Parliament here.
"In democracy, there is always room for discourse. There is always room to certain talk. And if any of my utterances have caused that anguish, as I earlier said I regret it," he added.
Earlier addressing a gathering at the Ramlila ground, Hazare said that he would not die till the Jan Lokpal Bill was passed, and all his demands are accepted.
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"I will not die till the government does not accept all my demands," he added.
Hazare also alleged that the government was acting against the Constitution by trying to strangle a non-violent movement like the one which he is leading.
"The Constitution has given us the right to protest non-violently. The Constitution also states that if such a protest does not do any harm to anybody then the government cannot stop it. We are following the Constitution and these people are trying to strangle it. Even now, I am saying that I have no problem. Let a doctor come, let it be a government doctor, let him check me and tell me if I have any medical problem," added Hazare.
Hazare, 74, has refused to be administered glucose drip. He has been asked to drink a lot of water and told not to strain himself.
Hazare has been on fast since August 16, the day he was arrested and taken to Tihar Jail. He was released the same day, but he refused to leave Tihar Jail. He shifted to Ramlila ground here August 19 where he has been continuing with his fast.
