End fast, will debate Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament: PM's offer

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saluted the idealism of fasting social activist Anna Hazare in a televised speech to Parliament on Thursday in which he urged him to end his hunger strike. Standing committee will consider all options including Jan Lokpal Bill, he said. "He has become the embodiment of our people's disgust and concern about tackling corruption," Singh said of the ailing 74-year-old, whose populist campaign has put intense pressure on the government.

"I respect his idealism. I respect him as an individual... I applaud him. I salute him."

But Singh asked all MPs to unite in requesting Hazare to halt his fast for stronger anti-corruption legislation.

"He has made his point," the prime minister said. "His life is much too precious."

Singh's public and emotional appeal came as talks between Hazare's aides and the government appeared deadlocked, and amid mounting concerns over the campaigner's health as he entered the tenth day of his fast.

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In pictures: Anna's journey from Tihar Jail to Ramlila Maidan

Civil society activist Anna Hazare said on Friday that he would not leave the Ramlila ground till the demand for a stronger anti-corruption Lokpal bill was met.

"We will not leave this place till the (stronger) Lokpal bill is passed," Hazare told crowds soon after reaching Ramlila ground in central Delhi where he will continue his fast.

Calling upon the youth to be the flag bearers of change, Hazare said they should carry forward the torch of revolution even if he were not there.

"The power of youth is the power of the nation, whether or not Anna Hazare is there or not. This torch of revolution should always remain lit," he said.

The activist reached the Ramlila ground around 2 p.m., after visiting Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat and India Gate. .

We bring to you latest pictures of the historic movement that has swept across the city and the nation and continues to grow unabated.

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Have heard words of admiration from mother about Anna: Kiran Bedi's daughter

Saina Bharucha, the only daughter of Kiran Bedi who is an integral part of Team Anna, has constant prayers on her lips for her mother.

Bedi is the first woman IAS officer of the country. Known for her integrity and honesty, she took voluntary retirement in 2007.
Saina, married to writer Ruzbeh, stays in Pune. The couple has a daughter.

Saina said that she is with her mother through her prayers since Day 1 of her fight to strengthen the anti-corruption laws in the country.

“I have grown up seeing my mother going out for night patrolling. There were times when she had to go out at odd hours to tackle violent agitations, strikes etc. As a young girl, I used to often wonder why my mother had to take the lead always,” she said.

However, realising that her mother was the proverbial “destiny’s child”, Saina started rallying behind Kiran Bedi whole-heartedly.

“Yes there were times when I just broke down. But then my mother told me that she has a calling and she was fulfilling it,” she confided.

It was this calling which made Saina realize that her mother is not meant for the mundane. “It’s only after great introspection that my mother takes up a cause. She makes statements on astute reasoning. I know my mother will not take any rash or ill-conceived steps ever.”

Asked about Kiran Bedi’s equation with Anna Hazare, Saina said that the she (Kiran) has the highest regard for the crusader.

“In the last few months, she worked very closely with Anna on the Jan Lokpal Bill issue. I have heard words of admiration and respect from her about Anna,” Saina stated.

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Kiran Bedi: Anna to go to Ramlila via India Gate and Rajghat

At 11 am, Anna Hazare will emerge from Tihar Jail and make his way to Ramlila Maidan in Central Delhi to launch his 15-day protest against corruption. Hundreds of supporters have gathered outside Tihar. Anna's close associate, Kiran Bedi, says he will move first to Mayapuri. He will then stop at Amar Jyoti at India Gate and visit Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat before heading to Ramlila Maidan, where his base camp has been set up with hundreds of tents and toilets for the thousands that are likely to join him.

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