Patil hopes Anna will NOT say no to 'Z' security

The Maharashtra government has decided to persuade social activist Anna Hazare to continue with the 'Z' ategory security cover offered to him after he appeared reluctant to the idea.

"I will speak to him (Hazare). I will try to ensure that he does not say no to the security (provided to him)," said Home Minister R R Patil.

Police sources said there was no specific threat to Hazare but the government did not want to take any chances.

"He has become a national icon now. People are listening to his each and every word. Any untoward incident involving him will create law and order problem in the state and the nation," said a police official.

A few days ago, 74-year-old Hazare had said that freedom fighters such Bhagat Singh and Rajguru did not have any security. "Why do I need any security?" he asked.

Hazare, who held a 12-day fast in New Delhi demanding a strong Lokpal Bill, also said he would write to the Home Minister on the issue.