Anna Hazare's hunger strike for the anti-graft Lokpal bill has reached a critical stage and many, from parliamentarians to intellectuals nationwide, are now pleading with the activist to stop his protest.
Joining the call for a halt on the protest was former Chief Justice of India J.S. Verma who, noting that Hazare's fast has reached a 'critical stage', said 'there is no justification at least now for the continuance of the fast'.
'It's a very positive development'
"The Prime Minister's statement made in the Lok Sabha today assuring discussion of the Jan Lokpal bill prepared by the Team Anna along with all versions of the Lok Pal bill......This is a very positive development....
"In my view, there is no justification at least now for the continuance of the fast undertaken by Hazare and I appeal to him to end his fast forthwith in keeping with the national sentiments and concern for his health," he said.
Verma had earlier written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him to discuss the drafts already prepared by sections of civil society and in the public domain, including those by the Team Anna and the Aruna Roy team as the first step to end the imbroglio.
Apart from the Jan Lokpal Bill advocated by Team Anna, the government is set to take up for discussion civil activist Aruna Roy's version of the Lokpal bill. The third version is the one presented by Andhra Pradesh Independent MLA Jayprakash Narayan.
Singh had replied to Verma yesterday making it clear that parliamentary democracy cannot be undermined and that it is only after 'due deliberation' that a law can be passed that not only meets the aspirations of the people but is also 'practical and effective'.
'Disrespect to the national sentiment'
Singh had also asked him to use his good offices to appeal to Hazare to end his fast.
Verma added: "I am afraid continuation of the present impasse with Hazare's fast may not appear reasonable and may even appear to be a disrespect for the national sentiment as well as for the democratic polity, including that of Parliament and the constitution."
PM Manmohan Singh has been requesting Hazare to call off his fast since the beginning of the week.
In an appeal to Hazare earlier, the Singh said he (Hazare) had more than proved his point.
"I respect his idealism, I respect him as an individual... I applaud him, I salute him," Manmohan Singh said in the Lok Sabha as former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde warned of chaos if anything happened to Hazare.
"His life is much too precious and I would urge Hazare to end his fast."
The PM's appeal was even echoed by opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.
Team Anna dismisses end of fast
But despite the government's assurances, key Hazare associate Kiran Bedi has announced that activist will not end his fast till the three key issues flagged by his group are resolved - the aim to bring the lower bureaucracy within the ambit of the Lokpal bill, appointing Lokayuktas in each state to be under the Lokpal and formulate a citizen's charter for government offices.
"Anna, as I heard, will end his fast only if resolutions on the three issues are passed by parliament," Bedi tweeted on the microblogging website Twitter.com
Concerned doctors
Hazare, has reportedly lost over six kilos since the fast began on August 16.
"Till now his condition is stable. But there is reason to worry as today is 10th day of his fast," Dr Naresh Trehan told reporters at the Ramlila Ground after examining 74-year-old Hazare.
"He has already lost over six kgs of weight... We will keep a close watch on him throughout the night."