Mumbai: Terming his agitation against corruption and seeking social reforms as "second battle for independence", noted social worker Anna Hazare on August 9 demanded Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against four DF ministers as well as the irregularity charges levelled against him.

"I will not withdraw my agitation till all demands are met by the government and am willing to sacrifice myself for the cause to create public pressure on the government, "Hazare vowed while addressing activists of his "Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan" at Azad Maidan.

He would sit on a fast unto death later in the day to highlight his demands.

Appealing Hazare to call off his fast unto death, Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said at a function at August Kranti Maidan, "The government has agreed on all the demands made by the social worker. We are open to consider a demand for appointment of a retired judge to probe charges levelled against DF ministers by Hazare and of those hurled against the social worker."

However, Hazare changed demand for a probe by a panel of retired high court judges to a CBI investigation. "Unless CBI probe is ordered, I will not withdraw my agitation," he said as hundreds of activists chanted slogans "Anna tum age badho, hum tumhare sath hain (Anna, you move forward, we are with you)."

A stone's throw away from Hazare's 'pandal', Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Suresh Jain, who has been accused of indulging in corrupt practices, also resorted to a hunger strike. Jain, an NCP strongman, who counter charged Hazare with malfunctioning while running his public trusts, had demanded a probe against the social worker.

PTI