New Delhi, April 6: As he ended his fortnight-long fast Saturday, Arvind Kejriwal has garnered the support of thousands of people from outlying working-class areas of the capital who see him as their saviour for raising the issue of "inflated" power and water bills. But many feel it is part of a calculated political plan with an eye on the Delhi elections later this year.
On his part, though, Kejriwal claimed the fast was for the nation and not for power. "Had I been power-hungry, I would not have sat on fast," he said while addressing his supporters prior to breaking his fast.
The former Anna Hazare aide-turned-politician looked feeble and weak and has reportedly lost nine kg and is suffering from blurring vision due to his prolonged fast, but those close to him claim that his protest fast has successfully captured the attention of Nand Nagari and other resettlement colonies populated mostly by daily wagers, petty shopkeepers, factory workers and scrap dealers.
Though this time round, the media attention was missing, possibly because he did not choose the centre of the city for his fasting venue. But Kejriwal did manage to create a flutter by surpassing the 13 day-fast period of his mentor Anna Hazare.
