Anna Hazare Ends Indefinite Hunger Strike After Maharashtra Govt Accepts Demands

Social activist and fireband of the anti-corruption movement, Anna Hazare, ended his indefinite fast on Tuesday, February 5 after a seven-hour-long discussion with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The latter reassured the octagenarian that all his demands will be met with in a time-bound manner.

Anna Hazare ends fast

Hazare, who is also the face of the Lokpal movement, had been demanding the appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra along with the resolution to farmer’s woes. According to The Times Of India, Fadnavis, after ending his meeting, said that the government has come up with a plan to solve the issues that Hazare had with regards to the Lokpal and the Lokayukta.

“I’m satisfied with the assurances given in the meeting with the CM and have decided to call off my fast,” said Hazare. The state government was in talks with Hazare over the last two days, however, the 81-year-old remained unconvinced till the closed-door meeting took place between the two parties.

Anna’s fight against corruption

Reportedly, the 81-year-old has been on a strike since January 30 at Ralegan Siddhi, in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar. Speaking to the reporters on February 3, the anti-corruption crusader said that if the Centre does not concede to his demands, he is going to return his Padma Bhushan award to the President. India Today reported him as questioning, “I will be returning my Padma Bhushan award to the President. I did not work for that award. You only gave me that while I was working for a social cause and the country. If the country or society is in this condition, then why should I keep that?”

Also on the fifth day, Hazare’s health deteriorated significantly. Doctors noted that since Hazare started his indefinite hunger strike, he had lost over 3 kilos. Water Resource Minister Girish Majahan reportedly met with the protesting leader on February 3 and said that he has handed over pertinent documents on behalf of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He even informed that the state government is working towards fulfilling the various demands that have been raised by Hazare.

In support of Hazare’s cause, the youth blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune state highway in the morning which resulted in traffic congestion. However, looking at six-kilometre long traffic congestion on both sides, the local police tried to pacify the irate crowd and asked them to clear the path. Reportedly in support of the protest, around 5000 farmers from the district were likely to stage a protest outside the Ahmednagar collector’s office on February 4, reported NDTV. Moreover, around 110 people were also detained by the police yesterday. However, Hazare has asked the people to protest in a non-violent manner.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray and water conservationist Rajendra Singh met Anna Hazare on February 4, and Thackeray even asked Hazare not to sacrifice his life for the “useless government” reported NDTV. “I have appealed Anna not to sacrifice his life for these useless people. I have also asked him not to trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi and any of his promises,” he said. Moreover, he was surprised that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was part of Hazare’s petition did not come to visit him.

Also Read: Upset Over Non-Implementation Of Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare To Launch Another Series Of Protests Against Centre