rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » News » It's a mini kumbh for us: Anna supporters
This article was first published 12 years ago

It's a mini kumbh for us: Anna supporters

Last updated on: August 25, 2011 08:54 IST

Image: A Hazare supporter holds his portrait on the ninth day of Hazare's fast at Ramlila grounds in New Delhi
Photographs: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

As Anna Hazare's fast entered tenth day on Thursday, thousands of his supporters organised mass prayers for the well being of the Gandhian leader. A large number of Anna supporters stayed at the Ramlila ground whole night singing patriotic songs and chanting anti government slogans.

Apart from them, people belonging to different region and religion continues to pour in to show their solidarity for the 73-year-old Gandhian, who has been fasting since August 16, demanding passing of Janlokpal Bill in the Parliament.

The huge ground, which has a mosque and temple inside, was abuzz with activities as protesters were seen making anti-graft posters and pasting them on walls.

...

'Never seen so much public support for any leader'

Image: Hazare supporters wave Indian national flags at Ramlila grounds
Photographs: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

"I have been staying here for past five days, I only go to mosque to offer namaz and come back to join Anna's movement," said Asfaq, a businessman. A number of young volunteers were involved in assisting people in getting medical help and food.

"It is a mini Kumbh for us, I have never seen such a great public support for any leader, Anna will surely help in uprooting corruption from the country," said Rakesh Singh, who had come from Allahabad to participate in the campaign.

During the day scores of people gather around media persons or television cameras covering the protest round-the-clock.

...

'Why is the govt opposing Anna?'

Image: Hazare supporters burn an effigy representing corruption during a protest rally in Ahmedabad
Photographs: Amit Dave/Reuters

"I do not know why the government is opposing Anna. He is asking for an anti-corruption bill for the benefit for the masses," said R K Vij, an event manager. Organisers here have made sufficient arrangements for food at anna ki rasoi and water among other things for visitors and protesters.

People also complained about inconvenience being faced by them in reaching the venue. "The wrong sign boards at New Delhi metro station are confusing people. If you follow them it will take you away from Ramlila ground," said Mrityunjay, a Faridabad resident.

"I had to walk at least one kilometre to reach Ramlila ground, I could not get any auto as all of them have been removed from here due to the ongoing agitation," said 65-year-old Janaki Devi.
© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.