Anna ends 19-day vow of silence at Rajghat

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare ended his 'maun vrat' (vow of silence) on Friday at Rajghat in the national capital. His first words after ending the maun vrat were 'Bharat mata ki jai'.

"My 'maun vrat' was not against any party or class. After my fast at the Ramlila Maidan, my health had gone bad, I lost weight. People were flowing in to meet me, so I had to go on a 'maun vrat'. Mahatma Gandhi had done it many times, in such situations," Anna said.

He also said that his health has improved and he has also gained weight.

This came just hours before he appears before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lokpal Bill on Friday.

Anna reached Delhi on Thursday night. His team members had appeared fore the panel on Thursday and explained the amendments that they are seeking in the bill.

The 74-year-old had started his vow of silence on October 16. He has since been putting forward his views through his writings that are then read out by his aides or through his blog.

Anna has also threatened to launch another hunger strike if the Lokpal Bill is not passed in the winter session of Parliament beginning later this month. "We have to take forward the fight for Jan Lokpal and against corruption and for Lokayukta in states," Anna said after breaking his 19-day long vow silence.

Team Anna member Kiran Bedi also said that Anna's focus remains the Jan Lokpal Bill as they appear before the Standing Committee to answer any questions on the bill on Friday.

One of the early reactions came from Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh, who tweeted, "Very happy Anna breaks his 'maun vrat'."