Support swells for Hazare as his fast enters 4th day

The third round of talks between the government and the Anna Hazare's representatives Swami Agnivesh and Arvind Kejriwal will take place on Friday after two rounds of talks yesterday failed to end the deadlock. What fits the bill | What is the Lokpal Bill

The third round of talks between the government and the Anna Hazare's representatives Swami Agnivesh and Arvind Kejriwal will take place on Friday after two rounds of talks on Thursday failed to end the deadlock.

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The Centre has already agreed to form a joint committee to draft a new Bill, besides accepting the demand that the committee would have an equal number of representatives from the government and civil society.

There was, however, no consensus on who would head it and whether an official notification should be issued on the formation of the committee.

Meanwhile, veteran activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death enterd the fourth day today as the support for his agitation grew all over the country.

Earlier, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appealed to Anna Hazare to end his fast, demanding a joint committee to draft a strong Lokpal Bill.

Gandhi stepped in and issued a statement, saying she was pained by Hazare's indefinite fast.

Virtually endorsing Hazare's demand for a stronger Bill to check corruption in high places, Gandhi said, "I believe that the laws in these matters must be effective and must deliver the desired results."

Hazare thanked Gandhi for her concern, but did not say anything on ending his fast.

"Please tell the UPA government to pass the Lokpal Bill at the earliest," he said.