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Anna Hazare’s fast entered into the 12th day today as Parliament is all set to discuss the Lokpal issue which could lead to the Gandhian calling off his hunger strike.
Concerns over his health were raised this morning after doctors said that they were more worried than last night as the 74-year-old activist’s blood pressure has dipped while heart beat has increased.
“Anna is continuing his determination. But next few hours are decisive both ways. He is looking forward to the resolution of Parliament. Dr Naresh Trehan has examined him.
He looks cheerful and determined. But there are concerns,” Team Anna member, Ms Kiran Bedi, said.
Team Anna will be looking at the Parliament debate and adoption of a resolution would lead to the end of the fast.
The issue will now come up in Lok Sabha when the Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, makes a statement on the Lokpal issue, setting the stage for a debate.
In a late night meeting between the Government and Team Anna, the Law Minister, Mr Salman Khurshid, conveyed to the Gandhian’s emissaries that a consensus should be built around the note struck by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, in his speech in Parliament on the Lokpal issue.
Asked whether the Government had received any commitment from Team Anna, he said: “There are expectations but not a commitment.”
The Government hopes that “emergence of any form of consensus or convergence” during the day will persuade Mr Hazare about its “seriousness and willingness” to ensure there is good and strong Lokpal Bill.
As the fast crossed 260 hours, the Ramlila ground witnessed a thin presence of supporters.
The absence of the usual wave of umpteen number of supporters took the crew of TV news channels stationed at the ground and Mr Hazare’s supporters by surprise.
However, the volunteers said that they expected strong numbers as the day progresses. Since it is a week-end, the number of supporters would increase, they said.
Security at the Ground has been strengthened by police after a group of people clashed with cops in the wee hours of yesterday and created a ruckus.
The VIP gate, where the incident occurred at around 3 am yesterday, has been secured by a strong posse of police and CRPF personnel. A Delhi Police videographer armed with a handycam has also been stationed there.
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