ACTIVIST Anna Hazare has begun to make a good recovery in hospital after ending his 13-day hunger strike, his doctor told reporters today.
Hazare, 74, embarked on a public fast in New Delhi to pressure the government into backing tough anti-corruption legislation, and attracted huge nationwide support for his cause.
His doctor Naresh Trehan said that “there is a 30 per cent improvement in his condition, which is quite satisfactory”.
“Normal recovery would be expected to take two-three days; he is still very weak,” he added.
Hazare broke his fast yesterday after parliament agreed in principle to his demands that all government officials would come under a new anti-graft law currently being drafted and to a citizens` charter promoting accountability.
The activist, who lost 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs) during his hunger strike, was immediately taken to a private hospital outside Delhi for a comprehensive health check.
Trehan told reporters Hazare, who drank just water during his fast, would soon be put on a fruit diet.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s government struggled to respond to Hazare’s campaign, which tapped into deep resentment among many Indians, who routinely have to pay bribes for everything from college admission to death certificates.