Pune:
Anna Hazare received a hero's welcome as he returned to Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra late last night. A cheering crowd shouting slogans like 'Vande Mataram' greeted the anti-corruption crusader as he arrived in his native village, just in time for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
He was discharged from the Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon last evening following improvement in his health. He was admitted on August 28, after he ended his 12-day hunger strike on the Lokpal issue. Earlier in the day, doctors said his blood pressure and pulse rate were normal.
Hundreds of supporters carrying national flags hailed the social activist as he came out of the Pune airport and left for Ralegan Siddhi, about 120 km from Pune.
Police had a tough time controlling the jostling crowds trying to get a glimpse of Hazare as he boarded a car for Ralegan.
Upbeat villagers stayed awake till late in the night to welcome the 74-year-old Gandhian. He reached there at around 1.30 am and visited a temple to offer prayers. His personal assistant Suresh Pathare said he will address the villagers on Friday.
Earlier, Hazare's associate Shyam Asawa had told PTI that the Gandhian had spoken to villagers over the phone and asked them not to arrange any lavish reception for him. (With PTI Inputs)