Anna Hazare to continue vow of silence

Mumbai, Oct 27: Social activist Anna Hazare today (Oct 27) said he would continue his 'maun vrat (vow of silence)' on health ground. "My health still does not permit me to give up my 'maun vrat'. There is still some swelling on my feet and the knee troubles me a lot.

'Maun vrat' helps me heal my body from within and outside," Hazare wrote on his blog. "Verbal Communication with people is an exertion for me, leaving me very weak. Hence, keeping my physical condition in mind, I have taken the decision to go on with 'maun vrat'," he wrote.

The 74-year-old Gandhian has been on the vow of silence since October 16 at his native village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra for "atma shanti (peace of soul)".

His decision comes two days before Team Anna's core committee is set to meet and at a time when the team is mired in controversies. The latest controversy surrounding Team Anna is Kiran Bedi being accused of inflating her travel bills.

In his recent written communications, Hazare had defended Bedi. "To accuse and humiliate seems to be the mantra of the few. This is not the first time that such accusations have been levelled against Kiran Bedi. Every member of Team Anna had to face accusations and character assassination by the 'gang of four'. Who are these people? Those are the very same people who are not in favour of Jan Lokpal Bill," he had said.

PTI