9.40 am: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal tells newchannels: “I fervently hope Anna ends his fast today. A joint statement will be made by the finance minister shortly. We’ll also have detailed discussions throughout the day. Concerns are being addressed. In fact the Parliament is specially working today.”
9.32 am: Salman Khurshid and Bhayyuji Maharaj to meet at the former’s residence to discuss on the joint statement. Congress’ Pawan Khera and Sandeep Dikshit will also attend the meeting. The joint statement will be approved by Anna.
9.30 am: Supporters at Ramlila Maidan also want Anna to end his fast now. They want a solution now.
9.20 am: Anna Hazare’s BP is low and his samples have been taken for blood test. Anna has also lost weight. Dr Trehan who is monitoring Anna’s health said a final decision whether the Gandhian can continue his fast will be taken this afternoon.
On Anna’s health, Kiran Bedi tweeted: “Dr Trehan has checked him. He looks cheerful and determined. But there are concerns. Wish the Parliament had started the day at 9 Am?”
9.00 am: Congress leaders to meet at Law Minister Salman Khurshid’s residence shortly. A joint statement between the government and Team Anna will be released shortly.
8.45 am: For the first time in 120 years, Mumbai’s famous dhobighat at Mahalaxmi will be shut today in support of Anna Hazare’s cause.
8.30 am: As Anna Hazare’s fast entered the 12th day today, Ramlila ground witnessed the thinnest crowd since the Gandhian began his agitation for a stronger Lokpal Bill. However, the volunteers said they expected strong numbers as the day progresses. Since its weekend, the number of supporters would increase, they said.The absence of usual strength of protestors, a familiar scene since Hazare took centrestage at the maidan on 19 August, could be attributed to the wet ground and muggy weather.
Meanwhile, a definite answer to Hazare’s demands of bringing in a strong Lokpal Bill is still to come as the Parliament is expected to have a discussion on various variants of the Bill.
The security has too been strengthened by the police after a group of people clashed with cops in the wee hours of yesterday and created ruckus. The VIP gate, where the incident occurred at around 3 am yesterday, has been secured by a strong posse of police and CRPF personnel. A Delhi police videographer armed with a handycam has also been stationed there.