Indian anti-graft activist Hazare ends 13-day fast

Indian anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare ended his 13-day hunger strike yesterday triggering wild celebrations among supporters after Parliament agreed to consider his demands.

Mr Hazare’s fast at an open-air venue in New Delhi attracted tens of thousands of people every day as a nationwide protest movement emerged to back his cause, leaving the government appearing badly out of touch with public opinion.

Mr Hazare, who looked energetic and alert, took sips of coconut water mixed with honey handed to him by two young girls before delivering a speech broadcast live on national television.

“The Parliament in Delhi had to bow down to people power, but our fight does not end here,” he said to huge applause. “We want to bring about a change in the country but within the framework of the Constitution.

“It is a matter of pride that such a big people’s movement happened without resorting to any sort of violence,” he added. “We have taught the world how to conduct a peaceful agitation.”

On Saturday, Parliament agreed in principle that all state and central government officials would come under proposed anti-graft legislation being drafted by lawmakers and to a new citizens’ charter promoting transparency.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had struggled to respond to Mr Hazare’s protest, which tapped into a feeling of deep resentment among many Indians who must often pay bribes for everything from marriage certificates to hospital care.

The site of the fast, the Ramlila grounds in central New Delhi, became a gathering point for company professionals, rural labourers and students keen to cheer on Mr Hazare, who lay on a raised stage giving regular rousing speeches.

The 74-year-old activist appeared to be in good health despite losing 7.5 kilos in muggy monsoon conditions. He drank water during his fast and left the stage each day between the evening and mid-morning. After his speech, he was taken to hospital to recover and undergo a full health check.

Saturday’s day-long debate in Parliament on the stand-off between the government and Mr Hazare ended with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee declaring lawmakers had agreed to many of the campaign’s conditions in principle.

Mr Hazare, who modelled his image and tactics on independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, had captivated the country but polarised opinion.