New Delhi: In a setback to the government which has been hoping that support for Anna Hazare would fizzle out with time, the second consecutive night of the Gandhian's protest witnessed more crowds than the first.
The large number of supporters was due to a clear sky with rains not playing spoilsport like on the previous night and over the weekend.
Hazare's supporters were seen distributing free food, water, and tea at the Ramlila Maidan. "We are not being funded by anyone. Everyone of us has
contributed whatever they could for this cause. We brought the food here from Palwal... This is all for Anna and his fight against corruption that affects every one of us," said Subhash, a volunteer.
Scores of protesters stayed back at the spacious grounds throughout the night raising impromptu slogans, majority of which were anti-government and anti-Congress, singing patriotic songs, bhajans, and playing musical instruments like tabla and violin.
Hazare's supporters, most of them have come from different parts of the country and some from abroad, slept wherever they could find place, in lawns, on chairs, tables, pavements, and even on the ground.
Ajay Sharma, an IT sales Executive, who came all the way from Singapore on August 16 especially to be a part of Anna's movement, was seen picking up trash left over by the people from the grounds.
"This is my country and I have to clean it. This is what Anna is doing also, he wants to make India free of corruption and I have come from Singapore to do my bit," Sharma said.
Cutting across age and gender people from across the country thronged the Ramila Maidan.
Rahul Singh, who is pursuing MA in Patna, and his businessman friend Neeraj have come from Bihar to bring a "decisive change" in the system.
"Not only us, people from across the country have come here to support Hazare in his fight against corruption and injustice. Look at the condition of the poor living in metros like Delhi... They're living a dog's life. Does anyone care?" Singh asked.
"I would rather become a farmer than pay a bribe to get a job... I cannot loot my own people like our politicians," he said.
People came in groups while some even brought their families to the venue. Anuj Gupta came with his wife, two daughters, two sons and niece to extend his support to a "just" cause and to ensure a better future for their children.
"Everywhere we are supposed to pay bribes to get our work done. Every institution in this country is corrupt... This is not the future I want to give to my children. Anna has touched our souls by raising this issue and we will continue to support him," Gupta said.
Comments
0 comment