Tension between members of Team Anna and the residents of Ralegan Siddhi is understood to have played a major role in the decision to dilute the anti-Congress stand taken by Anna Hazare. Hazare, who is deeply attached to Ralegan Siddhi, has decided to keep a low profile for the time being at the insistence of the villagers.
Sources close to Hazare said there has been a growing feeling among the residents of Ralegan Siddhi that Hazare is being used by Team Anna to push its own agenda. "What has hurt us is that these people (Team Anna) do not even consult Anna before announcing any decision. They do not consider his age and health," said a close aide of Hazare.
The pressure on Hazare by the residents of Ralegan Siddhi was evident on Tuesday, when Kejriwal briefed the media about the decisions taken at a two-hour closed-door meeting with Hazare.
Unlike previous occasions, Hazare stayed away.
Local supporters feel that Hazare was forced to undertake a punishing travel schedule by Team Anna after the agitation in Delhi, when his health began to deteriorate. A Hazare supporter pointed out that Anna went to Mumbai to fast even though he was suffering from cold, fever and cough.
Insiders in the Hazare camp said that the meeting of the core committee on January 2 and 3 was also announced without consulting him.
{{/usCountry}}Insiders in the Hazare camp said that the meeting of the core committee on January 2 and 3 was also announced without consulting him.
{{/usCountry}}"They should have waited for a few days for Anna to get better. Everything is done hurriedly and Anna is not given a choice to think on anything," said a Hazare supporter.
There is also a growing feeling in Ralegan Siddhi that the primary work of rural development has taken a back seat because of the jan lokpal agitation.