Lokpal Bill row: Anna's victory complete
In a huge victory for 74-year-old veteran Gandhian Anna Hazare, the Parliament on Saturday (August 27) is expected to pass a resolution over the Lokpal Bill accepting the social activists; three demands -- setting up Lokayuktas in States, covering entire bureaucracy and citizens charter. Anna Hazare, who launched an indefinite fast for an effective Lokpal Bill on August 16, is expected to end his 12-day long fast later today once the resolution is passed in the Parliament.
The resolution was reportedly drafted by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley in the presence of Law Minister Salman Khurshid.
The government has reportedly given an internal communication that a political consensus has achieved in the Parliament over the issue to Team Anna.
Political parties are of the view that the debate on Lokpal bill can continue even after the 74-year-old Gandhian breaks his fast, added sources.
Meanwhile, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has insisted that Anna breaks his fast before 6 PM at any cost. According to the spiritual guru, the agitation can continue but the fast must not and should come to an end immediately.
Ahead of the debate on Lokpal issue in Parliament, fasting Anna Hazare today broke his silence of nearly 38 hours and addressed his supporters declaring that he will continue his protest till his last breath for a strong anti-corruption law.
Amid mounting worries over the Gandhian's health, Hazare said he could fast for another "three-four days" and "nothing will happen to him".
Hazare, who did not address his supporters since 8 pm on August 25, emerged on the dais at around 10 am to a loud cheer from supporters who raised slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Inquilab Zindabad'.
"I am not doing this for my personal gain. If it was so, I would not have lasted five days. Till Jan Lokpal Bill is passed, my protest will continue," the Gandhian told his supporters at Ramlila Maidan where he is sitting on a fast.
