Odishatv Bureau
New Delhi: Social activist and anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare today broke his 19-day `vow of silence`, saying it was not against any person or party but in the interest of his own health. 74-year-old Hazare broke his `maun vrat` at Mahatma Gandhi`s memorial Rajghat at around 7 am, saying `Bharat Mata ki Jai`. He was observing the vow of silence since October 16.

Hazare, who had reached Delhi last night to attend a meeting of the Standing Committee on Lokpal Bill, said, "My vow of silence was not against any person or party. After 12-day hunger strike at Ram Lila Maidan, my health weakened.

So, there was no other way than `maun` which Mahatma Gandhi has taught us. So when such a situation comes you should do maun(undertake silence). "After maun my situation has improved. BP and weight is normal. We have to fight for Lokpal and corruption. I have regained new strength to fight. I am ready to fight," he said.

Hazare had started his `maun vrat` at his native village Ralegan Sidhhi in Maharashtra for `atma shanti` (peace of soul).

Team Anna has got enbroiled in a series of controversies including financial misconduct, during Hazare`s 19-day `maun vrat`. He had last week held a meeting with prominent members in Ralegan Siddhi during which it was decided that the anti-corruption movement will have a constitution and its core members will have to adhere to certain norms.

Hazare had threatened to launch another hunger strike if a strong Lokpal Bill is not passed in Parliament`s Winter Session. He has already written a letter to prime minister manmohan Singh and reiterated his demand for passing the Lok Pall bill in the Winter Session of the Parliament failing which he would yet again start his hunger strike.   

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