Anna end his 13 day long fast after Parliament unanimously agreed in principle with his three demands to deal with corruption. The 73-year-old Hazare accepted a glass of coconut water mixed with honey from two little girls at the Ramlila Ground to end his fast that began on 16th of August.
Hazare told gathering that he has just deferred his agitation but the fight will continue. Outlining his future agenda, he emphasized reforms in election, education systems and working for the betterment of farmers and labourers. He also sought decentralisation of power, saying the real power should rest with gram sabhas. He called upon the people to protect environment and reasonable use of natural resources for the sake of better future of next generation. He thanked all for this victory.
Anna has been taken to a private Hospital at Gurgaon for medical check up and he is likely to remain there for a couple of days. Earlier, one of his close aides Arvind Kejriwal thanked Parliamentarians and leaders of political parties for their support to the demands made by team Anna.
Various political parties welcomed the ending of fast of Anna Hazare. Congress said it is a “win-win situation” for all stakeholders. Talking to media persons in New Delhi, the Union Law Minister and Senior Congress Leader Salman Khurshid said that the government wants a better system in the country to protect the interest of common man. He congratulated Mr Hazare for his totally peaceful and successful agitation.
BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said that they will fully support for setting up a strong and effective Lok Pal. Welcoming the ending of fast of Hazare, CPI General Secretary D. Raja said that a collective fight is needed against corruption.
Earlier, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha at their special sittings on Saturday agreed to a resolution conveying the sense of both the Houses on the demands of Team Anna.