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Anna's fast enters 12th day, Parliament discusses Lok Pal

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jan 20 2013 | 2:28 AM IST

Anna Hazare's fast entered into the 12th day today as Parliament is all set to discuss the Lok Pal issue which could lead to the Gandhian calling off his hunger strike.

Concerns over his health were raised this morning after doctors said they were more worried than last night as the 74-year-old activist's blood pressure has dipped while heart beat has increased.

However, Hazare has claimed that he can fast for another three-four days, and that his protest "will continue till Jan Lok Pal Bill is passed".

"Hazare's blood pressure has dipped but he is determined. 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 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 came up in Lok Sabha when Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee made a statement requesting Anna to end his fast on the Lok Pal issue, setting the stage for a debate. He said, "Government has followed established procedures in introducing Lok Pal Bill in Parliament."

In a late night meeting between the government and Team Anna, Law Minister Salman Khurshid conveyed to the Gandhian's emissaries that a consensus should be built around the note struck by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his speech in Parliament on the Lok Pal issue.

Asked whether 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 Hazare about its "seriousness and willingness" to ensure there is good and strong Lok Pal Bill.

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First Published: Aug 27 2011 | 11:30 AM IST

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