Anna breaks fast after eleven days

Pune, Aug 19 (UNI) Noted social activist Anna Hazare broke his 11-day fast-unto-death this evening against the proposed controversial amendments to the Right to Information Bill after Minister of state in Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan assured that the government would not introduce the bill during the current session of Parliament.

He also mentioned that the Government would seek the opinion of all concerned stake holders before introducing the same.

Mr Hazare who undertook the fast at Alandi on August nine, 'Kranti Divas' before Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi broke his fast around 1830 hrs after a ''warkari''(pilgrim) offered him a glass of juice.

Meanwhile, Magsaysay Award winner Arvind Kejriwal who arrived this morning to persuade Mr Hazare to break his fast told mediapersons ''it was a great victory'' for the activists agitating against the RTI amendments after the goverment decided to keep the bill on hold. ''It will be politically suicidal for the government if it tries to dilute such a historical act, now it remains to be seen whether the government merely postpones introducing the bill for which we will have to remain alert,'' Mr Kejriwal said.

Mr Kejriwal further informed that for the next 3-4 months a sustained campaign will be undertaken, to sensitise youth, government officials, and people to the benefits of the RTI. ''It is a misconception that the RTI will be detrimental for government functionaries, if at all it will help honest officials.'' The RTI will specially benefit the youth as there will be transparency in respect of examinations, admissions, recruitment processes, Mr Kejriwal opined.

Meanwhile, social activist and 'Campaign to Save RTI Act' leader Aruna Roy today led a delegation to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in connection with the controversial amendments being proposed in the Right to Information Act.

Ms Roy during her meeting sought categorical assurance from Ms Gandhi and the UPA on the withdrawal of amendments, according to a 'Campaign to Save RTI Act' release.

Meanwhile, the RTI Campaign will continue its 'dharna' at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi till the last day of current session of Parliament or until the government provides an assurance that the amendments would be withdrawn.

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