Hazare breaks vow of silence

Anna Hazare today broke his 19-day 'vow of silence', saying it was not against any person or party but in the interest of his own health.

74-year-old Hazare broke his 'maun vrat' at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat at around 7 am, saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. He was observing the vow of silence since October 16.

Hazare, who had reached Delhi last night to attend a meeting of the Standing Committee on Lok Pal Bill, said, "My vow of silence was not against any person or party. After 12-day hunger strike at Ram Lila Maidan, my health weakened. So, there was no other way then 'maun' which Mahatma Gandhi has shown us. So when such a situation comes you should do maun.

"After maun my situation has improved. BP and weight is normal. We have to fight for Lok Pal and corruption. I have regained new strength to fight. I am ready to fight," he said.

Hazare had started his 'maun vrat' at his native village in Maharashtra for 'atma shanti' (peace of soul).

Team Anna had got engulfed in a series of controversies including financial misconduct, during Hazare's 19-day 'maun vrat'.

He had last week held a meeting with prominent members in Ralegan Siddhi during which it was decided that the anti-corruption movement will have a constitution and its core members will have to adhere to certain norms.

Hazare had threatened to launch another hunger strike if a strong Lok Pal Bill is not passed in Parliament's Winter Session.