Hazare´s 12-day hunger strike four months ago unleashed an outpouring of frustration among Indians over bribes paid in transactions ranging from getting a baby´s birth certificate to major infrastructure projects.[break]
He returned to New Delhi for a one-day symbolic fast to protest against the government´s draft of a new anti-corruption law, which he said was "toothless" legislation that exempted many key officials.
"The government is not only cheating us but the entire nation," Hazare told a press conference on Saturday. "We totally denounce the government´s draft of the bill."
"One day the people of this country will teach a lesson to the government."
During his public fast in August, millions of Indians rallied across the country to support Hazare, a 74-year-old former army truck driver who has modelled his image on Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh´s administration was unnerved by the huge protests as Hazare became increasingly weak due to lack of food.
Singh himself has been tainted by corruption scandals over the last year, with a former minister on trial over the mis-selling of telecom licences that cost the treasury up to $39 billion in lost income.
Hazare has threatened to go on an indefinite fast in Delhi from December 27 if Singh´s government fails to concede to his demands over the Lokpal ("Ombudsman") bill.
On Sunday, he visited Gandhi´s memorial in the city before heading to the open-air fast venue where a small crowd of a few hundred people had gathered.
Hazare said the authorities must listen to ordinary Indians "struggling with corruption in everyday life", and he urged voters to reject Premier Singh´s Congress party in state elections next year.
"It´s time for the youngsters to get on road again and protest against the unfair attitude of the government," he said.
The government intends to pass its version of the anti-corruption bill during the current session of parliament, which ends on December 21.
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