Published: August 20, 2011
Indian Activist Anna Hazare Begins Indefinite Fast Amid Huge Support
By Adil Akhzer 
Vowing to take his anti-corruption movement to its logical end, the 72 year old Indian Activist Anna Hazare who came out of the Tihar jail after 2 days, started his indefinite fast today. With him were his thousands of supporters here in the Ramlila Ground this afternoon.
Flanked by a huge number of supporters from different cities throughout India, the activist led a procession from the Tihar jail to the Rajghat and then moved to the Ramlila Ground, located in the centre of old Delhi. Earlier on Tuesday, he was detained by the Indian police citing prohibitory measures.
Anna, who has brought the government to its knees, is demanding a strong Lokpal Bill. Meanwhile this evening, while threatening to intensify the movement, Anna Hazare says Indian people should not lose the sprit "The whole India should not lose spirit." He further said that "I will fast 'til my last breath; if the government will not pass the bill, I will intensify the movement and jail Bharo would be started."
Supporters Of Prominent Activist Anna Hazare Demanding Introduction of Lok Pal Bill: Youths Shouting Slogans Against the Indian Goverment On Friday In New-Delhi
Photo: Puneet Sharma |
Earlier in the morning, when he came out of the jail, thousands of his supporters followed him to the Rajghat.
At the Ramlila Ground, despite the heavy monsoon, a massive crowd gethered, most of them youth. They were singing patriotic songs, shouting slogans against the government and demanding the introduction of a strong Lokpal bill. As the whole area was submerged in water due to the monsoon, many people including high profile were seen removing water from the ground.
Garima Jain, 19 year old, a student told Newsblaze, "Government should introduce this bill without any further delay," adding that he came from his collage to join Anna Hazare's Movement because "corruption is rampant in the country." Another Youth, Megh Deep, while hoping for a good outcome of the movement said that he will continue his fast with Anna until "genuine" demand is conceded by the government.
Interestingly, many government departments have started to come forward to support the Anna Movement. "We are regularly getting calls from many government departments showing their urgency to support this movement against corruption," an aide to Anna Hazare said today, while addressing the massive crowd here.
The doctors who are regularly monitoring the situation said, "Anna's health is good, but he has lost 3 kgs in the last 3 days."
Meanwhile, Congress sources in the Indian Government told NewsBlaze the government is ready for talks with Anna Hazzare, "We have kept the talks option with the team Anna open. If they are ready, they can come forward for talks" he said, wishing anonymity.
Pertinently, a Congress minister in the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, told a news channel "we are on Anna's side, he should guide us."
Adil Akhzer is a correspondent for NewsBlaze in New-Delhi India. Contact Adil through NewsBlaze
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