Fast dwindling numbers: 45 out of 64 end fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai

The number of people on an ‘indefinite fast’ in support of Anna Hazare at Azad Maidan has dwindled.

As the fast entered its eighth day on Tuesday, only 19 among the 64 who had begun the fast are continuing. Others broke their fasts either on Monday night or on Tuesday morning to help in ‘organisational work’.

Mayank Gandhi, coordinator with India Against Corruption, said the people were asked to end their fast so that they could take to the streets and mobilise public opinion in support of the Lokpal Bill. “I felt that the fast had no effect on the government,” Gandhi said. “The only way to make the government listen is to hold rallies. I will ask the others who are still fasting to call it off.”

Of the 19 still fasting, five are women. Cardiac surgeon Dr Ratna Magotra said she would call off her hunger strike only after Hazare ends his fast.

“Many people who gave up the fast had health problems,” Magotra said.