Former Minister Komatireddy Venkatareddy, now on fast at the NIMS in Hyderabad, today called off his 9-day indefinite fast launched on Nov1 seeking an announcement on the formation of Telangana state.

He called off his fast following continuous pressure exercised on him by his family members, Telangana congress leaders and public representatives of other parties. Though he refused to call off his fast initially till the Centre announced formation of Telangana state, they all told him about the announcement by the Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday in Delhi.

“It is better for you to call off your fast since Azad has announced a decision is likely after Nov 10,” they advised him. He agreed ultimately to give up the fast.

Venkatareddy began his fast in Nalgonda but was shifted to NIMS four days ago as his condition deteriorated drastically. He however continued his fast in the NIMS hospital.

He was given lemon juice by the mother of Yadi Reddy who committed suicide at the Parliament House some months ago.