Anna Hazare Breaks His Fast, His Team Thanks Pm For Ending Lokpal Logjam

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare on Sunday ended his 12-day long fast against corruption at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, ending months of deadlock over the Lokpal Bill issue.

In a symbolic gesture, a Dalit girl offered coconut water and honey to the 74-year old Gandhian whose campaign galvanised widespread support against corruption. (In pics: India celebrates Anna's victory)

On Saturday, the anti-corruption crusader had announced he would call off his fast after the government accepted his key demands. He said what had happened in Parliament on Saturday was a victory of the people. He said this after Deshmukh read out the letter appealing to him to end his fast.

Earlier, the eight-hour long extraordinary debate in Parliament on the Lokpal issue on Saturday ended with the government finally agreeing to a resolution that includes all three of Anna Hazare's demands.

Soon after the resolution was passed, the prime minister said, "Parliament has spoken. The will of Parliament is will of the people."

Although there was no vote, the "sense of House" resolution was passed unanimously in the House with the thumping of desks.

Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee requested Speaker Meira Kumar to adopt the sense of the House as a resolution and forward it to the standing committee.

The resolution says that the House agrees in principle for a strong and effective Lokpal and also for establishment of Lokayuktas in the state. The House has also agreed to set up a citizens' charter. It also recommends the setting up of an appropriate mechanism to bring lower bureaucracy under the Lokpal.