Anna-hit Congress missing Sonia Gandhi, badly

With the UPA government looking increasingly helpless in the face of the avalanche of anti-corruption protests led by Anna Hazare, the ruling Congress is sorely missing its president Sonia Gandhi and feels she could have made a difference in handling the crisis.
"Of course, the party is missing Sonia Gandhi,” senior Congress leader Janardan Dwivedi told IANS when asked whether the party was missing the leadership skills of Gandhi, who is abroad recuperating from an illness, at the peak of the popular anti-corruption movement led by Hazare.
"Whatever has happened has happened. Now, the situation should be handled more carefully,” Dwivedi said when asked whether Gandhi could have made a difference amid the widespread perception that the agitation was handled in a ham-handed manner by the government.
Dwivedi is among the group of four party members that include Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Ahmed Patil, political secretary to the Congress chief, and Defence Minister AK Antony mandated by Gandhi to run day-to-day affairs of the party during her absence.
Dwivedi, some party insiders said, was voicing a sense of drift that has set in the party since Gandhi left for the US nearly three weeks ago for medical treatment.
"The party has been missing her leadership. Not only the party, the entire nation is missing her," a senior Congress leader, who did not wish to be named, told IANS.
Sources said the doctors will decide early next month whether she can return to India, but she is not expected to resume active public life for some time.
During her absence, the party has been hit by one crisis after another, starting with the tabling of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report on suspected irregularities in the Commonwealth Games in the parliament.
The report gave another knock to the image of the government that was already on the defensive over charges of corruption in the allocation of 2G spectrum.
But the lack of leadership became more visible when the government decided to detain Hazare on the morning of August 16, leading to escalating protests and projecting him as an anti-corruption icon.
Hazare was arrested, sent to Tihar Jail and subsequently released on the night of August 16. The decision to release Hazare, say party insiders, was decided after Rahul Gandhi intervened and also persuaded the government to refrain from making personalised attacks against Hazare and his associates.
On the 67th birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party leaders admitted that they were badly missing Sonia Gandhi in the thick of this crisis forced by one of the biggest civil society protests in recent years. “All of us are missing her. We pray to god that she recovers soon and guide us once again," Manmohan Singh said at the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Award function Aug 20.

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Anna ready to speak to Rahul, PMO or Chavan

NEW DELHI: On the seventh day of his fast, Anna Hazare said on Monday he would negotiate with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) or Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to break the logjam with the union government on the Lokpal bill.

The IBN Lokmat Marathi news channel quoted him as saying that he would not negotiate with any other mediator, including Home Minister P. Chidambaram or Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal.

According to the channel, the 74-year-old activist added in an interview to IBN Lokmat editor Nikhil Wagle that negotiations could not take place with non-government mediators.

"Hazare said that Lokpal bill negotiations cannot happen with non-government mediators and added that he can talk with the Prime Minister's Office or Rahul. He also added that he was ready to talk with Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan," according to the CNN-IBN channel.

In a similar development, Hazare's close aide Kiran Bedi said the activist wanted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to send his representative to hold talks on a stringent legislation that will set up an independent and powerful anti-graft watchdog.

"Anna is saying let the government come forward to discuss the Jan Lokpal bill. Let the PM send his representatives. Any negotiations are rumours," Bedi tweeted on the microblogging site Twitter.

The prime minister in his address in Kolkata earlier in the day said the government was ready for debate on the Lokpal bill.

Hazare, 74, has been on fast since Aug 16 demanding a stronger Lokpal bill in parliament.

The anti-corruption campaigner also told the Marathi news channel that no official mediator has approached him "till now".

"He also said he would not speak to anyone without the presence of his advisers," according to the news channel.

Hazare reiterated his demand that the Lokpal bill introduced by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in parliament should be withdrawn immediately "as it was weak and cannot fight the corruption menace".

He also hinted at some flexibility on the issue of excluding judiciary under the ombudsman, and said this demand could be discussed during the proposed talks.

He, however, added that a proposed Judicial Accountability Bill must be strengthened if judiciary has to be kept out of the Lokpal's jurisdiction.

Hazare ruled out any future possibility of negotiating with non-political mediators like spiritual guru Bhayyuji Maharaj and senior bureaucrat from Maharashtra U.C. Sarangi.

The two were said to be involved in back-channel talks with Hazare but he denied it.

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Will power keeps fasting Hazare in form: Doctors

septuagenarian has lost five kg of weight as his fast continued for the seventh day at Ramlila Maidan in the capital. Hazare drinks only water during his fast. His blood and urine samples are showing up ketone particles, that are created by the body during starvation, and are meant to provide an alternate source of fuel from fatty acids.
"Ketone particles have been traced in his blood and urine. He was 71 kg. After a week of fasting, he has lost five kg of weight; now he weighs 66 kg," Balram Gupta of Medanta Medicity, one of the doctors treating Hazare at the fast venue, told IANS.
"His health is deteriorating but for his age he is strong," said Gupta.
According to health experts, formation of ketone particles is dangerous as it may affect vital organs like kidney and liver. After 60 hours of continuous fasting, any human being body will get dehydrated and blood sugar levels will go down.
"Normally a person is required to take 1.5 litres of water a day for normal functioning of the body. Anna takes around 3 to 4 litres of water. Fasting is not new for Anna who is a follower of Gandhi," said a member of Team Anna.
Meanwhile, Rommel Tickoo, senior consultant (internal medicine) of Max Hospital, said,"It depends on person to person. As per medical literature, anyone who goes on hunger strike can withstand for three weeks, but after that complications creep in.
"Taking Anna's age into consideration, he seems to be strong after a week's fast and his will power is admirable. He seems to be active and fasting for long periods seems to be a practice for this ex-army man. Even people who are much younger can't do this," Tickoo said.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, 40, had broken his fast against corruption after only nine days. His condition worsened after he kept away from solid food for around a week.
Hazare had earlier gone on a one-day fast protesting police brutality against Baba Ramdev's supporters in June and a five-day-long fast in April when the government conceded to his demand on drafting a strong Lokpal Bill.
"Hazare has high cholesterol and we advised him not to go for such frequent fasts as his health could deteriorate. But he is still going on with the strike," Parag Sancheti, a Pune-based doctor who treated him for osteoarthritis, said.
"We advised him to eat at regular intervals and bed rest. It was really surprising to see Anna running in Rajghat after fasting for four days. I am totally amazed by his will power and determination," Sancheti said.
Hazare has been suffering from osteoarthritis and has been under treatment for the last five years.

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Anna Hazare supporters protest outside houses of MPs in UP

Supporters of Anna Hazare outside the house of BJP leader and Ghaziabad MP Rajnath Singh.

Anna Hazare has scored a hit with his call for a dharna outside the residences of elected representatives to force them to support the Jan Lokpal Bill. Political leaders across Uttar Pradesh faced the heat on Sunday.
Over 3,000 people gathered outside the house of Ghaziabad MP and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh.
Rajnath, however, was in Karnataka for a meeting and senior citizens submitted a memorandum to his representatives.
"The common man is unable to have three meals a day because of rising food prices - a result of corruption. The people of his constituency want Rajnath and his party to support the Jan Lokpal Bill," Rajendra Tyagi, general secretary of the anti- corruption body Social Awareness Society, said.
Earlier in the day, the Gandhian had asked a cheering crowd of around 1 lakh people at the Ramlila Maidan to start visiting their elected representatives' residences. "Go to their residences... go sing Raghupati Raghav raja Ram, sabko sanmati de bhagwan," he had said.
Heeding his call, people across UP protested outside their MPs' homes. "If the Congress government does not listen to the people, it will meet the same fate as in 1977," Hindi daily Hind Kranti 's editor Satyendra Yadav said.
In Kanpur, over 1,000 people organised a sit-in in front of Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal's house. Similar protests were held outside the houses of Union law minister Salman Khurshid in Farrukhabad and Congress MP Raja Ram Pal in Kanpur. The protesters also sat on dharna in front of the house of Samajwadi Party MP Reoti Raman Singh.
Members of India Against Corruption also turned the heat on P. L. Punia, chief of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and BJP MP Lalji Tandon.
The protesters convinced RLD MP Sarika Singh Baghel in Hathras to announce her support for Anna.
R. K. Agrawal, a member of India Against Corruption, said: "We will organise sit- ins near the houses of ministers and MPs every day." Sunday was by far the busiest day for Team Anna. Arvind Kejriwal sounded disappointed at the government's response or the lack of it on Anna's sixth day of fast. He said, "We got a proposal from the government but they haven't even agreed to our smallest of suggestions.
There hasn't yet been any meeting ground." By late Sunday, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and an Indorebased religious leader Bhayuji Maharaj too were seen talking to Anna. Sources said the spiritual guru was trying to bring about a compromise between Team Anna and the government.
Earlier, former Karnataka Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde spoke at the Ramlila Maidan.
"Anna doesn't want to become the PM or President. He simply wants to fight corruption," he said.
Other speakers who addressed the gathering included Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, the vice-chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband. Team Anna also roped in around a dozen sportspersons, many of them Arjuna awardees, for support.
Prashant Bhushan, lawyer and Team Anna member, said: "The government says if the Prime Minister is investigated for corruption charges, the government will be shaken. But if the Prime Minister is corrupt and not investigated, this will be a great danger to the country's security," he said, adding that though their team was ready to talk to the government, it would not compromise on the core issues.
"Our Jan Lokpal Bill has been amended 13 times. All suggestions have been included," he added. He also demanded that the government bring a strong judicial accountability Bill along with the Lokpal Bill.
Swami Agnivesh, another Team Anna member, said they were open for talks but the government should create an atmosphere for it.
"In order to open a door for dialogue, the government has to create an atmosphere. They have to create an atmosphere of trust by withdrawing the government Bill from Parliament and introduce the Jan Lokpal Bill. This is the least they should do to earn our trust," he said.

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Efforts being made to disrupt Hazare's movement: Arvind Kejriwal

As Anna Hazare's fast entered seventh day today, his Team alleged that efforts are being made to disrupt the movement as "certain people" are scared to see the support for the Gandhian.
"Certain people are scared to see the huge support for the agitation. There are efforts to disrupt the movement," Hazare's close aide Arvind Kejriwal said addressing the gathering at Ramilila Maidan.
He said there may be efforts to trigger violence during the protest and asked people to remain vigilant and inform police about such activities.
"There efforts to break our unity. There may be efforts to create communal tensions. We will have to remain vigilant," Kejriwal said.
Accusing the government of being "sympathetic" to the corrupt, he said the official Lokpal Bill has nothing to effectively deal with graft.
"The government Lokapal Bill has nothing to deal with corruption and provide succour to the common man from the menace. We want PM to be investigated by an independent body which is Lokpal," he said
Kejriwal was the second speaker this morning at 'Anna ki Paathshala' in Ramlila Maidan, as it is called by supercop Kiran Bedi.
"If any judge is involved in corruption then seven-member Lokpal bench should be able to file an FIR against him," he said.
"If an MP takes bribe, he should be investigated by Lokpal," Kejriwal said, adding "government Lokpal will be accountable to government but Jan Lokpal will be accountable to the common man."
Asking supporters to "use your heart and mind before supporting Anna and the Jan Lokpal bill," he said anybody raising voice against corruption should get protection from Lokpal.
"No big tenders should be given to such companies that have flouted rules. They should be probed by Lokpal," he said.
Addressing the gathering, Bedi said CBI should be made an independent agency and should be brought under Lokpal.
"Government does not want the CBI to be an independent agency," she said.
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also joined Hazare at Ramlila Maidan to extend his support to the Gandhian.
As Hazare's fast inched close to 150 hours, hundreds poured into Ramlila Maidan to express solidarity with the 73-year-old Gandhian who began his indefinite fast in police custody on August 16.
Government has initiated move for back-channel negotiations by roping in Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Umesh Chandra Sarangi and spiritual leader Bhaiyyuji Maharaj. Both had a meeting with Hazare and his team yesterday.

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Survey shows overwhelming public support for Anna Hazare

A public opinion poll in the Capital has indicated an overwhelming support for social activist Anna Hazare, with 68 per cent of the respondents saying that his efforts would help in introduction of a strong Lokpal Bill in Parliament.

The survey, conducted by the Delhi-based Shyam Vyas MARC, covered responses from 616 people, mostly college students, in different parts of the city to gauge public expectations, views and perceptions regarding Anna Hazare's movement and government action.

A question whether Anna will finally be able to make a dent and reduce corruption, evoked a mixed response. While 44 per cent of the respondents supported him, 48 per cent were uncertain about the outcome.

However, the respondents agreed unanimously that Anna was receiving massive public support because the common man was fed up with corruption at all levels.

According to the poll, 96 per cent respondents felt that the powerful can get away with anything and the government was breeding a culture of non-accountability, 88 per cent said the government was apathetic to public grievances and 84 per cent expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises by politicians.

In all, 84 per cent respondents said they believed that Anna was getting support because he was perceived as a good human being. A whopping 92 per cent was of the opinion that the Prime Minister should have intervened to prevent Anna's arrest and his being sent to Tihar Central Jail.

“The decision to arrest Anna, according to 88 per cent respondents, was made by senior Ministers, while 12 per cent believed it was the Prime Minister himself who gave the go-ahead. Only 4 per cent believed that Delhi Police took the decision on their own.”

All the respondents questioned the sincerity of the senior Union Ministers who had negotiated with Team Anna, while 92 per cent believed that the international media attention over the entire sequence of events had adversely dented the country's image.

All the respondents knew Anna Hazare and about his initiative to bring a strong Lokpal Bill. They were aware of him having undertaken a fast and having been arrested and put in Tihar Jail.

“A whopping 96 per cent of the respondents stated that they approved of Anna Hazare's initiative. The rest were either uncertain or disapproved of it,” said the survey report.

On the handling of the situation by the Prime Minister and his Ministers, 84 per cent disapproved of it, whereas 16 per cent were uncertain.

“In all, 84 per cent respondents believed that Anna has managed to galvanise public opinion on corruption as never before in recent times. Sixteen per cent were uncertain, while no one was in disagreement.”

A huge 92 per cent of the respondents believed that Anna and his efforts have shown the Central Government in poor light and on the side of the corrupt. Only 8 per cent were uncertain. Eighty per cent believed that the damage to the ruling party and coalition was huge and even the Prime Minister's image had taken a hit.

In all, 88 per cent of respondents were of the opinion that Anna's efforts have given hope to the common man that corruption can be removed.

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Anna's fast enters seventh day, govt initiates talks

NEW DELHI: Activist Anna Hazare had lost five kg of weight as he entered his seventh day of fast for a strong anti-corruption bill on Monday, Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said.

"Ketone particles have been traced from his blood and urine... He has lost five kg of weight, his health is all right otherwise," Kejriwal told reporters at Ramlila Ground where Anna Hazare is sitting on fast.

Ketones are particles created by the body during starvation, and are meant to provide an alternate source of fuel from fatty acids.

Anna Hazare was detained on August 16 and taken to Tihar Jail, where he remained until Friday when he shifted to Ramlila ground.

The Anna Hazare camp on Sunday stepped up its campaign by demonstrating at the PM's residence and the Gandhian leader delivering a "Lokpal bill lao ya jao (bring Lokpal bill or go)" call.

The campaign's escalation came on a day that saw crowd support for the protests swelling dramatically, with large turnouts at India Gate and Ramlila Maidan.

Efforts to resolve the standoff also got underway, with intermediaries meeting telecom minister Kapil Sibal late on Sunday evening. Veteran Maharashtra bureaucrat U C Sarangi and longtime Hazare associate Bhayyuji Maharaj met the fasting leader for around 20 minutes earlier in the day. They were later closeted with Sibal.

Sarangi and Maharaj had taken a summary of the government's Lokpal bill to Hazare, but the activists dismissed it, saying it did not amount to any new proposals.

After the meeting with Sibal, campaign leaders said discussions were of a general nature and no proposal was conveyed to the government. Bhayyuji Maharaj said the talks were positive and both sides were flexible.

In response to the government's overtures, Team Anna said they were willing to talk and that a negotiator should be appointed by the government. While Arvind Kejriwal said the government should tell them whom to meet and when, Swami Agnivesh added that the government should introduce the Jan Lokpal bill in Parliament to create trust.

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Protests in support of Hazare continue in Bangalor

As many as 35 people, including renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty and popular Kannada comedian Master Hiranaiah, sat on dharna to support the anti-graft crusader''s fight against corruption. Since early morning, students, working class and IT professionals staged protests at the venue.Some others took out rallies on bicycles, demanding an end to corruption. "The Central Government seems to be without any stand on the matter. Their flip-flop on the issue shows they have been shaken by Anna Hazare''s fight against corruption," they said. Hazare''s demand to bring the Prime Minister''s Office under the ambit of Lokpal is absolutely right, they added. Meanwhile in Karwar, people staged a protest by immersing themselves in the Arabian Sea for an hour. In Mysore, a popular rock band-- "Rock Band Veda"-- performed to the tune of anti-corruption movement to mobilize the mass in support of Hazare.

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Celina Jaitly at Azad Maidan to support Anna

With Anna Hazare's fast in New Delhi entering its sixth day Sunday, the latest from Bollywood to join his campaign against corruption are actors Celina Jaitly and Shreyas Talpade, who showed up at the Azad Maidan here.

"Today is a wonderful morning sreyas, deepti talpade (Shreyas's wife) and myself are on our way to Azaad Maidan to show our support to Anna hazaarey Jai Hind!" Celine posted on micro-blogging site Twitter Sunday.

"Feel enriched/motivated after attending Anna Hazare's anti corruption gathering @ azad maidan with sreyas & deepti..long live democracy," she furter posted.

So far film personalities like A.R. Rahman, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Kapur, Bipasha Basu, Sushmita Sen and Shahid Kapoor have showed their support to Anna Hazare's movement against corruption.

Some celebrities took to social networking sites to express their support, while others like Anupam Kher and Farah Khan flew down to the capital to participate in the protest.

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Two likely outcomes of Anna’s movement

The success of anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare’s protests could be both encouraging and ominous. Whether the benefits accruing out of Hazare’s movement will outweigh some inherent risks will be known in the coming days, maybe months.
To the thousands rallying behind him, this is renewal of Gandhism, or the methods and principles of Mohandas Gandhi, and marks the start of a “second freedom movement”.
Let’s look at some likely outcomes of this upsurge.
What may be to be achieved? Freedom from corruption. From self-centred politicians who don’t look beyond their noses. From power-brokers. People will be able to haul up the corrupt the way they deserve to be. From the highest offices to small-fry government servants, everybody will fall in line. All this can be achieved by bringing in the Hazare-backed draft of a bill for a graft-busting ombudsman. There must be a much tougher Lokpal Bill than what is envisioned in a bill cleared by the government.
To critics – and there are many – Hazare is pushing a nation to anarchy by not recognising either his limit or Parliament’s. He is hurtling people down a path of reckless and obstinate agitation that overlooks India’s successful democracy. Hazare’s agitation ignores the fact that the fundamentals of India as a nation-state have not eroded in anyway.
As a consequence, the restive crowds on Delhi’s streets are giving the impression that India is a banana state without strong institutions. Which is simply not true.
Both the above scenarios – of a new freedom and anarchy – cannot be casually dismissed.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could have pre-empted things from coming to such a pass, but all his government managed to do was fumble, bumble and bungle.
If the government is ‘sleeping’ – as is often said in Hindi about someone not aware of the reality – Hazare could be daydreaming. If one were to so sincerely believe that a law — no matter how draconian – could end corruption, this must be a dream, not vision.
Hazare has not clearly defined what his idea of corruption is? If it is illegal amassing of wealth, than his version of the Lokpal Bill aims giving an ombudsman sweeping powers to probe every part of public life. It is about graft-busting, not graft preventing. The latter may require more innovative solutions, like I-T enabled systems to lessen human interface. And, of course, the moral compunction.
Hazare wants an un-elected, politically unaccountable ombudsman with powers of a Superman. But what will happen if the Superman were to turn rogue? There will about 6 lakh junior ombudsmen all over the country. What is the guarantee that they will be holier than thou? In most countries, similar ombudsmen are not only politically accountable but also complement other anti-graft agencies.
On the other hand, what if Hazare phenomenan sets a precedent for similar public mobilisation for demands to change, amend and dictate laws? What if a movement were to dictate our foreign policy or economic agenda?
Hazare seems to have overlooked another critical factor: the current version of the bill could after all be killed by Parliament if it is not found good enough. That will be his victory.
But, on the contrary, what if the current Bill were to be passed? Will Hazare then accept it Parliament’s supreme verdict and move on?

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Anna campaign gets US prominence, excites Indian Americans

Washington : Anna Hazare's campaign against corruption has caught the imagination of Indian Americans and the US media alike though official Washington was apparently caught on the wrong foot initially.
To be fair, the State Department spokesperson in response to a question merely stated Washington's position in support of people's right of peaceful protest around the world and that it could count on a vibrant democratic India to exercise appropriate restraint.
When Indians took umbrage as a section of the media turned "count on" into somewhat condescending "hopes" and "expects", the official modified it to US was "confident" about India's response to the protests.
And when that too failed to mollify the Indians, the spokesperson blamed the Indian reaction on "extremely inaccurate reporting" and returned to well worn diplomatic phrase that it was India's internal affair.
But the US media has been reporting it prominently with the Washington Post hailing it on the front page as the "awakening of the new middle class" in India and how the "anti-corruption effort could signify change in national psyche."
"Unlike the Arab Spring, it is not an impassioned call for democracy or a new government," it said. "But it is an awakening of sorts, which could change the face of India's democracy."
The influential New York Times agreed noting, "The popular outpouring he (Hazare) has set off has inevitably drawn comparisons with the democratic uprisings of the Arab Spring."
"Most analysts agree, though, that India's moment is a different one. But in its own way it may prove to be no less important," it said seeing in the protests an "Unlikely Echo of Gandhi" inspiring Indians to act.
Writing in the Huffington Post, Sarika Bansal said "Anna Hazare and his supporters should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished." But suggested they should now "allow a much wider ring of experts to develop methods that will, in due course, systemically weed out corruption."
The Wall Street Journal too in a commentary analysed "Why Anna Hazare Is Not India's Arab Spring." But "the movements do genuinely share one thing in common: Their tenacity has caught officialdom off-guard, and no one can say for sure where it will all end."
Lisa Curtis, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation think tank, saw in the movement implications for US relations with India.
"As Singh's government weakens, it could also weaken US-Indian bilateral relations, as members of the prime minister's party who are not as enthusiastic about ties with Washington gain clout," she said.
Starting with traditional India Day parades before India's Independence Day, Indian Americans too slowly but surely started coming out in support of Hazare with gatherings in at least seven cities organised by India Against Corruption and People for Loksatta.
They followed it up with hundreds of e-mails to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and rallies in front of Indian missions. Indian Students at Maryland University began a week-long vigil in front of the Indian Embassy here besides mounting a massive social networking campaign to spread Hazare's message.
More rallies are planned in New Jersey, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Houston, Dallas, Los Angles and other cities across the US Sunday.
"If you haven't heard about Anna Hazare or the whole movement in India then please call your family at India and check the mood of the nation," wrote Atul Kumar of New Jersey in his blog bit.ly/indiaerupts (India Erupts Again) exhorting Indian-Americans to join a planned protest in Manhattan Sunday.

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Anna’s backstage helpers who oversee the Ramlila show

New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Scores of youngsters look busy and hassled, a few are working on their laptops. A short young woman instructs a fellow volunteer to get food for all of them. It is a small band busy managing the Anna Hazare show at the Ramlila ground here.
From food, ambulance, security, crowd management, maintaining links with the media, and transcribing speeches — the 100 plus volunteers from India Against Corruption (IAC) group are the lifeline behind the 74-year-old Gandhian activist’s fast that has gripped the world’s attention.
With the hunger strike entering the sixth day Sunday, the volunteers say they have a lot to tackle. And with thousands of young and old packing the Ramlila ground, some go without sleep at night.
‘We are ready to run from pillar to post. Our leader Hazareji is not 74, he is 14 years old and the battery of this movement,’ IAC’s media manager Aswathi Muralidharan, who has not gone home for many days, told IANS.
Agrees her colleague Sneha Kothwale, a 23-year old graduate of journalism from Delhi University who prepares power point presentation and other inputs for the media.
‘It is like connecting the dots. We have the task of pooling in all the resources, coordinating with the media, people, even those who do not know anything about the movement,’ she explained.
The face of the Hazare campaign for a Jan Lokpal Bill — as opposed to the government-sponsored one — is of course a group of half a dozen who are the Gandhian’s closest aides.
This includes RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal, former police officer Kiran Bedi, lawyers Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan, and social activist Swami Agnivesh.
But with most of them detained or jailed Aug 16 along with Hazare, it was left to the younger lot to keep the flag flying.
Kejriwal said it was this team that provides oxygen to the campaign against corruption. ‘It is the volunteers who have been managing it from the scratch.’
Almost all volunteers are in their 20s. Many have been associated with Kejriwal, a Magsaysay award winner.
Some volunteers admit they strayed into the campaign only because of Hazare.
‘Earlier my parents used to ask me to choose a stable career as this (activism) would not get me a salary or name,’ Sneha told IANS.
‘But the April fast by Hazareji was a life changing moment. My parents never said a single word to me about this work after that,’ she said.
Her reference was to the five-day hunger strike by Hazare here that ignited nationwide passions and forced the government to talk to him about an anti-corruption legislation.
There is plenty of work to be done — day and night.
All developments related to the Lokpal Bill is monitored. The media is regularly briefed. Hazare’s health needs to be checked.
There are logistic issues to be tackled — managing the sprawling Ramlila ground, arranging food for the thousands who throng the venue, providing security, accepting donations, and so on.
The IAC relies a lot on other volunteers to provide security to Hazare. Police frisk everyone entering the ground, even people like Kejriwal.
Kumar Vishwas, who said he is a poet by profession, addresses the crowds.
‘My job is to write speeches. Throughout the day, I address the people and motivate them to support the movement in every possible way,’ he said.
Hazare began his fast Tuesday when he was taken to the Tihar Jail. He was in prison until Friday when he shifted to the Ramlila ground.
‘This is going to be our home for the next 15 days. The leader is younger than us,’ quipped Sneha.

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Bangalore: protests in support of Anna continue

Bangalore: India's IT hub seemed to transform to a different level as scores of anti-corruption crusaders including US students, took centre stage at Freedom Park on Sunday,voicing their support for Anna Hazare.
Eleven American students turned up for rallies and protest marches being held in support of the anti-corruption campaign launched by Anna, whose fast entered the sixth day.
Lending their support, they joined hundreds of national flag-bearing protesters at Freedom Park.

"The Indian government must listen to the demands of the people by passing the Jan Lokpal Bill immediately to curb corruption... Anna Hazare is simply fantastic," they said.
Asked why he came to support Anna Hazare, a student, Robert, replied that corruption has become a global issue and he would take back the idea of non-violent agitation to fight the US government (on issues).
The support for Anna has been increasing day by day. Around 25,000 protesters on Saturday evening converged at the Freedom Park and participated in candle march.
More than 25,000 people are expected to gather at the venue on Sunday.
As many as 35 people, including renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty and popular Kannada comedian Master Hiranaiah, sat on dharna to support the anti-graft crusader's fight against corruption.
Since Sunday morning, students, working class and IT professionals staged protests at the venue. Some others took out rallies on bicycles, demanding an end to corruption.
"The Central Government seems to be without any stand on the matter. Their flip-flop on the issue shows they have been shaken by Anna Hazare's fight against corruption," they said.
Anna's demand to bring the Prime Minister's Office under the ambit of Lokpal is absolutely right, they added.
Meanwhile in Karwar, people staged a protest by immersing themselves in the Arabian Sea for an hour.
In Mysore, a popular rock band - "Rock Band Veda"- performed to the tune of anti-corruption movement to mobilise the mass in support of Anna.

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Speculation rife on Anna-govt talks

New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) Speculation was rife today about back-room negotiations to resolve differences between Centre and Anna Hazare after a senior Maharashtra government official met the Gandhian here but his team ruled out any compromise on its demand for bringing Prime Minister and higher judiciary within Lokpal''s ambit.Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary Umesh Chandra Sarangi visited Hazare last night at the Ramlila Maidan, where he is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding a strong Lokpal, a meeting described by Team Anna as "personal" while maintaining that "no compromise formula" was discussed.The meeting between the official and the 73-year-old anti-corruption crusader figured in today''s meeting of Hazare''s Core Committee, sources in Team Anna said.Attended by Hazare, the meeting decided not to climb down from its position on bringing the Prime Minister and higher judiciary in Lokpal''s ambit but kept its door open for negotiations if the government "earns their trust" by withdrawing the Lokpal Bill from Parliament.Justice Santosh Hegde, former Karnataka Lokayukta and a close associate of Hazare, who proposed that the Team could think of giving up their demands on Prime Minister and higher judiciary provided other key demands are met, also attended the meeting, the sources said.After the Core Committee meeting, Hegde held another round of discussions with key members of Team Anna. The sources said the issue with regard to the Prime Minister and judiciary was also discussed at the meeting but the activists finally decided against lowering their bar."We are open for talks. In order to open a door for dialogue, the government has to create an atmosphere. They have to create an atmosphere of trust by withdrawing the government bill from Parliament and introduce Jan Lokpal Bill.We will not budge from our stand. This is the least they should do to earn our trust," Swami Agnivesh, a Core Committee member, told PTI. (More) PTI KAB MPB SJY ETB SC

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Not just Anna!

His topi has already become a fashion statement of sorts and it's not just IT professionals, house-wives and students Anna Hazare is inspiring. The anti-corruption icon has a new follower. Singer-actor, Adnan Sami says he wants both India and Pakistan to unite in fighting challenges of terrorism and corruption.
Adnan Sami has planned to join a non-political organization as the All India Secretary-General. "So far I was busy with my work. But I recently met Anna for four hours on the sets of a private channel and was very inspired. He is so clear in his goal in making a change in society and at his age, he is a crusader not for himself but for us and our children! His thoughts and comments on how each one of us can do our bit to create a better India and be a better human being left me in deep thought. I felt I should also do something," said Sami.
Sami added, "It would be an honor for me to be of any service that works for the cause of anti-terrorism. of terrorism and corruption. Anna Hazare has emerged as a leader who has given hope to the lost leadership. It is only when leaders come up in both countries that things will change and relationships will improve. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yousaf Raza Gilani, is a friend. So I thought why not start this initiative in Pakistan as well."
One of his dreams now is to end the chasm between the two neighboring countries. "There is a gap between both the nations. I want to end that. I will meet the Pakistani PM and ask him to take an initiative in trying to improve ties with India," explained Sami.

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Indians in Oz rally in support of Anna Hazare

MELBOURNE: Many Indians in Australia today held rallies in Melbourne and Sydney in support of anti corruption campaign led by social activist Anna Hazare in India.

Shouting slogans against corruption and singing patriotic songs a group of over 70 youths assembled in Melbourne's city to show their support for the anti-corruption campaign.

Feeling strongly about issue of corruption, a young Indian student, Sahil Kansal said "I want to see my country free of corruption that's why I am here."

"Even though we are far away from our motherland, as an Indian it is our responsibility to support this movement against corruption," Kansal said, after a 'support Anna' get together.

The rally was also attended by several Indian students who held banners in support of Hazare.

Neeraj Nanda of Melbourne who runs an ethnic newspaper, commented that the Indian youths around the world today had reached a point of frustration in regards to the corruption and now were showing great enthusiasm to end it.

"The issue of corruption is very important for them and I think that's the reason why they are out on streets and supporting it," he said.

In Sydney also there were group of 30 Indians who got together in Paramatta suburb to hold candle light Vigil to show their support.

A Sydney resident Rohit Revo who attended the rally mentioned how he was moved by a news of an Indian in Sweden who stood alone in front of the consulate office to show his support.

"The news of that Sweden-based Indian provoked me to come out and stand in its support," he said.

Council of Indian Australians president Yadu Singh, another participant of the rally in Sydney, said "while we cant do much sitting in Australia, we can definitely participate in this movement, by writing to Consul Generals of India and High Commissioner of India in Australia.

He further suggested that to end corruption Indian government needs a will power in the system and gave example of Independent Commission Against Corruption in New South Wales that he said was a good example.

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Supporters Respond To Anna, Organise Sit-Ins All Over India

Within minutes of Anna Hazare's appeal to organise sit-ins in front of ministers' houses and MPs residences, the supporters all over the country have organised such dharnas. Even Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh's 7, Race Course Road, was witness to such a protest. Around 80 slogan  shouting protestors were detained on their way to PM's residence. Protestors even protested at Congress headquarters in Delhi. Salman Khurshid, Om Praksh Jaisawal and other MPs, particularly from Congress, were focus of attention as their houses were witness to protest march. Seeing the widespread response to Anna's call, the Delhi-based residence of Kapil Sibal has turned into a fortress as Delhi police has deployed additional forces.
Meanwhile, Congress has mellowed down. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said, "Give the Standing Committee a chance. Allow us to do our work. We may collectively surprise all those who are skeptical or cynical".
 
He said the Parliamentary Committee shared people's concerns over corruption.
Singhvi has been maintaining that the panel examining the Lokpal Bill is open to all kinds of views to formulate a strong legislation and has not pre-judged the issue.
A Congress MP has submitted Hazare's Jan Lokpal Bill for consideration before the Committee.

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Supporters throng Ramlila Maidan: 3-tier security for Anna, CRPF called in

New Delhi: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare may have been fasting for past six days for Jan Lokpal Bill, but he has not alone this long drawn battle as villagers from Ralegan Siddhi have camped themselves in Delhi to be at the side of their 'messiah'. Apart from hundreds of policemen deployed at Ramlila Maidan, scores of young volunteers from Ralegan Siddhi are present for Anna's security. Amongst the young volunteers are the two nephews of the Anna who are looking after him well.
Sitting at the elevated platform of Ramlila Maidan, security cordon of Anna is in three levels. The first security ring comprises people of Hazare's village who maintain a strong vigil near the Gandhian, even after he goes to sleep in his rest room. Next, there is a ring of jawans from 'Jai Hind' Sangathan. A chain of 50 jawans is deployed from the main stage thoughout the day. The third level of security is being handled by the police from the stage.
The strength of CRPF jawans at Ramlila Maidan has been increased to manage the crowd. Besides, Delhi police has been present since day 1 of Anna's fast.
In the wake of the sea of crowd at Hazare's fasting site, a Deputy Supritendent of Police (DSP) has also been deployed for the security and well being of the 74-year-old. On Sunday morning, the dog squad reviewed the security arrangements at the Ramlila Maidan.
Anna's routine on the stage
Talking to Dainik Bhaskar about Anna's routine, volunteers from Ralegan Siddhi informed that he has been taking proper sleep so as to avoid weekness during his fast. "Anna begins his day early. However, he has been kept away from 'Yog' following his hunger strike. Unlike his routine at Ralegan, where he used to peform 'Yoga' with the school students, Anna is not practicisng 'Yogasanas'," said Suresh, a volunteer from Anna's village. He also told that it is being ensured that Anna does not take any stress as long as he is fasting.
Support for Anna continues to swell
Sunday morning yet again witnessed a sea of Anna's supporters at the Ramlila Maidan who were present to support the anti-corruption crusader. Filled with enthusiasm, the young and old alike were confident of Anna winning the battle for Jan Lokpal Bill. Here are some excerpts from the ground zero:
Das Gurinder Singh (40) New Delhi: "In my view, this campaign has already been a success. The youngsters, who have been indifferent towards any political issue have been registering their presence to support Anna in this fight for corruption."
Dhananjay Singh (25), Basti (UP): "According to me, we have already won the battle. Anna's campaign has awaken the masses. However, the government is making every possible effort to stall his movement. "
Ish Kumar (70), Loni (Ghaziabad): "One thing is clear that Anna has showed the way to the people of India to fight against corruption, crime and injustice. No problem can be corrected in one go. But we are hopeful that we would head towards success. I belileve that government should also view this movement in a positive way rather than cosidering the campaign against it. "
Sarfarraz Khan (48), Faridabad: "Anna's fast is a peaceful protest against the wrongdoings of the government and so it will be successful. Peaceful agitation never stop. I am sure he will be successful in his movement."
Rajeev Kumar (32): "Anna in real sense is a true leader. Amid the corrupt ministers and officials, Anna like a true leader has shown us the way to fight against corruption."

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Anna supporters protest near PM's residence

to 7 Race Course Road carrying flowers for him, when they were stopped by the police some 200 metres from the prime minister's residence. "We were holding a peaceful march in Hazare's support and to end corruption and were taking flowers for the prime minister, when these policemen asked us not to go ahead. So, we decided to sit near his residence," said Prahlad Pandey, one of the protesters.
Police said that the people have not been detained.
"We have not detained them. They have just been asked not to go ahead," said Satish Sharma, station house officer (SHO) of Chanakyapuri police station, adding that they are, however, free to protest peacefully at the spot.
"This march is not just in Anna's support. It is for us and our children. We want to make our nation corruption free and Jan Lokpal Bill is just a step towards it. Believe it or not, it is a very long fight and we are ready," said a protester.

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Lessons on anti-corruption at 'Anna ki Paathshala'

Anna Hazare's supporters at Ramlila Maidan can learn a thing or two about the Lokpal bill at 'Anna ki Paathshala', as it is called by supercop Kiran Bedi, who has turned into a teacher, informing the public about the issue.
Bedi, who also spoke about what is wrong with the Indian system when it comes to dealing with corruption, added that she would use the large assembly at the Ramlila Maidan to talk about the need for the Lokpal Bill and inform people about what they were fighting for.
While thousands have thronged the grounds in support of Hazare, not all know much about the Lokpal Bill and how the government's version of it differs from that drafted by Team Anna, she said.
"At least now you will know what we are fighting for and when the media asks you, even they will be astonished to know how much you know. You should tell them that you learnt these intricate details at Anna ki Paathshala," she said.
Delivering what she called was her 'first lesson', Bedi said the CBI should be left out of the government ambit.
"The 3,000 people working under anti-corruption wing can work independently," she said.
"I was at recently at Tihar, where normally poor are held and rich are let off, but for the first time four MPs are lodged there," she said.
An atmosphere of festivity is all around Ramlila Maidan.
Hazare is seated at a raised dais, as high as 15-feet, with the public seated at a distance of 60-feet from him.
With the crowd swelling the ranks of Anna supporters, a barricade at the ground broke down today.

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Girish Patel: Fast-unto-death is a very dangerous weapon to use

Anna Hazare's 'fast unto death' agitation for the so-called 'civil society's Jan Lokpal Bill' is totally misconceived, unjustified and dangerous. It is ridiculous to call it a 'movement for second freedom' because we do not know 'which freedom' and 'whose freedom' and whose movement it is, except a demand by a small arrogant and self appointed civil representatives for their own version of 'Lokpal Bill', mainly organized and supported by the communal and rightist forces, nebulous urban middle class and much hyped by the media.
The sufferings of the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized, hardships faced by the lower middle class and unorganised sector, the looting of the country and its resources by the corporate world in collusion with political parties committed to LPG and all pervasive corruption from the bottom to the top in all spheres of the society are the objective forces on the foundation of which a broad based people's movement for liberating the country from the marauding forces of private capital, both national and multinational, could have been created, but that was not to be because Anna Hazare's vision is regressive, authoritarian, myopic and devoid of faith in the common people of India.
Anna's agitation for a Jan Lokpal Bill is no answer to the problem of corruption because it is limited to corruption of public officials, including politicians and judges, but does not cover the large scale corruption prevailing in the private corporate world, which is the primary root cause and source of corruption.
Two, he aims at corruption of the top, but what about the corruption, both political and economic, at the bottom, which really hits the poor and the weak intheir struggle for survival. Three, neither Anna Hazare nor his colleagues except Prashant Bhushan talk of the new economic policy of LPG, which has let loose the reign of ruthless market forces, which have reduced everything including human being to a marketable commodity to be bought over by any means, legal or otherwise.
Nothing is immoral in 'free market'. Four, Anna's unelected Lokpal - omnipresent and omnipotent, acting as a 'Big Brother' with wild jurisdiction over Prime Minister, MPs and Judges, to control, contain and eliminate corruption will not only work, but will also undermine the very foundation of our democratic and republican Constitutional system.
It is nothing but imposing one kind of one man's rule, and who will judge the Lokpal himself and make him accountable to the Constitution and the people? Five, rooting out corruption is not merely a question of making law and creating one legal institution, it really calls for a wide spread institutional reforms, establishing responsible and specifically accountable hierarchical system, eliminating unnecessary discretionary power and subjecting the exercise of all discretionary powers to closer scrutiny and review and increasing transparency and strengthening the Right to Information Act.
to be continued...

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Public support for Hazare will continue: Hegde

Contending that corruption can no longer be ignored and the voice of ‘aam-aadmi’ should now be heard, former Karnataka Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde on Sunday expressed confidence that public support for Anna Hazare and his campaign would continue until his demands are met by the government.

Mr. Hegde, also a member of the Lokpal Joint Drafting Committee, said Mr. Hazare is not asking for the chair of Prime Minister or President but is only fighting against corruption and the need for a strong legislation to deal with the menace.

“We are confident that we will all stand behind Annaji and his cause for any number of days. We stand by him until his demands are met,” the former Supreme Court judge told the large gathering at Ramlila Maidan, the venue of Mr. Hazare’s indefinite on Lokpal issue.

“Our leaders keep talking about people of the country being supreme. But in reality they have become supreme rather than the people. Public servants have become supreme.... Real independence has not reached the ‘aam aadmi’ His voice must be heard,” he said.

Observing that corruption is one of the burning issues, he said, “Annaji doesn’t want the chair of Prime Minister or the chair of President. He is just fighting for the cause of (eradicating) corruption. Can anybody say there is no corruption in the country or can anybody say it can be ignored?” he asked.

Mr. Hegde said the country has been waiting for a Lokpal for the past 42 years when the first bill on Lokpal was introduced in Parliament as no government could get the measure passed.

He said there are many scams other than 2G scam that have not come to light yet. “The CAG has recently released a report on KG basin. God knows how many zeros will be there in that scam,” he said.

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Facebook users' support grows for Anna Hazare

PUNE: The online community has pitched in with support to veteran social activist Anna Hazare in large numbers. On Facebook, the already active Pune chapter of the 'India against corruption' (IAC) page, received angry responses from users after his detention on Tuesday. Several events carried out in support of Hazare are also being pasted on this page while other support pages are requesting users to change their profile pictures to 'black' as a sign of protest.

The IAC page has over three lakh users supporting Hazare including nearly 6,000 users from Pune. The page had a minute-by-minute update on happenings in the city including supporters being arrested along with the pictures of the protest. Faizan Shaikh, one of the users, urged people through Facebook to wear black bands to work on Wednesday to protest Anna's arrest.

An angry Rahul Vitkar, wrote on the page, "Inkalaab zindabad!, Anna Hazare zindabad." Many users showed interest in participating in events planned by the Pune users in support of Hazare.

Several users changed their profile pictures to Anna Hazare's poster which read, 'I support Anna'.

A universal website, www.indiaagainstcorruption.org, has also been created by a few youth to inform all about the Jan Lokpal Bill. While the movement started in April, the 'indiaagainstcorruption' website was set up in February and feedback can be posted on the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Anna went on a fast on April 5, and within a few days, people realised its importance, and the movement gained momentum. When Anna first went on a fast over corruption, a basic Facebook group was started, and it now has more than 2.80 lakh members. Slowly, Chennai, Mumbai, Chhattisgarh, Bangalore, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram started their own groups on 'Facebook'.

Some users demanded the resignation of prime minister Manmohan Singh following Anna Hazare's arrest in the morning. Rohini Mishra, a user on 'Facebook' wrote, "Go ahead Anna, we are with you. Jai hind!" Another user, Rakesh Mishra wrote, "We will fast until you are released. The entire youth is with you." Jashan Joshi said, "Who says Mahatma Gandhi is dead. He is still alive and the world is supporting him."

Besides Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal also received support from thousands of users and they urged that Bedi must lead the campaign after Anna's arrest.

On the other hand, Manmohan Singh's 'Facebook' page faced public fury. A separate page saying 'Manmohan Singh please resign' was also created with several users subscribing to it.

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PM defends Anna's arrest, says his path is 'totally misconceived'

Asserting that Parliament was the sole body to frame laws, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said Anna Hazare had sought to impose his version of lokpal bill which was "totally misconceived" and fraught with "grave consequences" for Parliamentary democracy. Making a statement in

both Houses of Parliament in the wake of action against Hazare and his supporters, Singh said the government acknowledges the right of citizens to hold peaceful protests but permission for these is given subject to "appropriate conditions". Amid continued chants of "shame shame" by Opposition benches, he appealed to all political parties to ensure that the government and its processes and Parliament and its processes function smoothly and effectively.
While giving details of the sequence of events that led to civil activist's arrest and subsequent release, Singh said Hazare had been held as a preventive measure because of apprehension of breach of peace.
"Government does not seek any confrontation with any section of the society. But when some sections of society deliberately challenge the authority of government and prerogative of Parliament, it is the bounden duty of the government to maintain peace and tranquility," he asserted after demand by all Opposition parties that nothing short of Prime Minister's statement would satisfy them.
"Hazare may be inspired by high ideals in his campaign to set up a strong and effective lokpal. However, the path that he has chosen to impose his draft of a bill upon Parliament is totally misconceived and fraught with grave consequences for our Parliamentary democracy," he said.
Singh, who spoke in Parliament soon after a Congress Core Group meeting, asserted that it is the sole prerogative of Parliament to make laws and government has gone by well-settled principles.
Insisting that "the issue" between the government and Anna Hazare is "not one of different attitudes to fighting corruption", the Prime Minister said the civil society activists "must allow the elected representatives of the people in Parliament to do the job that they were elected for.
"With respect to the events of yesterday, I will only say that a functional democracy must allow multiple voices to be heard. But differences of opinion must be resolved through dialogue and consensus. Those who believe that their voice and their voice alone represents the will of 1.2 billion people should reflect deeply on that position," he said.
Singh said everyone in Parliament agrees that lokpal bill must be passed as early as possible. "The question is, who drafts the law and who makes the law. I submit that the time-honoured practice is that the Executive drafts a bill and places it before Parliament and that Parliament debates and adopts the bill with amendments if necessary," he said.
"However, I am not aware of any constitutional philosophy or principle that allows any one to question the sole prerogative of Parliament to make a law," he observed.
He said that in making a law on lokpal, the government has "faithfully adhered to well-settled principles" and Hazare "questions these principles and claims a right to impose his Jan Lokpal upon Parliament."

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Crowds swell in Chhattisgarh to support Anna

Raipur, Aug 17 (IANS) Crowds started swelling at protest venues across Chhattisgarh for the second consecutive day Wednesday to support social activist Anna Hazare, fasting at the Tihar Jail in New Delhi.
People from all walks of life and different age groups – students, office-goers, homemakers and farmers – stepped out from their houses to join peace protests to back Hazare, who despite being released has refused to move out of the Tihar Jail in Delhi until he is allowed to carry on his hunger-strike without any conditions.
Increasing number of people were rushing to protest venues in Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Jagdalpur, Ambikapur, besides industrial towns of Korba, Raigarh and Bhilai, according to reports.
About a thousand people gathered at Budha Talab area of state capital Raipur since morning.
‘The Congress-led government at the centre has exceeded all limits by defying Anna… the time has perfectly come now for the people of the country to rally behind Anna to wipe out corruption culture,’ said a supporter Nilesh Vishwakarma.
Housewife Shalini Singh, 45, said: ‘My house is located close to the peace protest venue…so I did not stop myself and joined in protest with great enthusiasm.’
Nearly 80 people courted arrest in various parts of the state Tuesday against Hazare’s arrest.
Hazare was jailed Tuesday ahead of his fast for an effective anti-corruption law. The Delhi Police action led to protests across the country. The government later decided to release him.

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Jan Lokpal Bill: Anna Hazare supporters throng outside Tihar Jail

NEW DELHI: After a night of candlelight vigil and sloganeering, thousands of people gathered outside the Tihar Jail here to support activist Anna Hazare who has declined to move out of the prison until his demands are met.

"The message is loud and clear - the citizens of this country are proving that the country is independent. This is the message from the movement," said social activist Medha Patkar.

Former police officer Kiran Bedi also addressed the people outside the jail.

Government officials, students, commuters and bystanders -- every one was supporting Hazare.

The area was abuzz with people shouting slogans, waving the tricolour and donning caps and clothes that read 'Me Anna Hazare -- India Against Corruption'.

"You can't call it a democracy if a 74-year-old is not allowed to raise his voice against corruption. This is dictatorship," said an enthusiastic Jolly Batra, a resident of Rajouri Garden who has been outside the jail since Tuesday evening.

Patriotic songs were also sung as the crowd spread on to the streets.

Hundreds gathered at the Chhatrasal Stadium in north Delhi.

"This is it. Anna is people's voice and I am not going back until he is released on his own terms," said Amit Pathak, a student who had come all the way from Haryana.

Earlier in the day, Hazare's associate Manish Sisodia came out of the jail and said: "Anna said that I will not go till the issue of location for fast is sorted out."

"If I come out, the same problem will be there again where the fast should take place," Sisodia said quoting Hazare.

People refused to budge from the Jail Road near Tihar in west Delhi throughout Tuesday night in solidarity with Hazare who was jailed ahead of his fast for an effective anti-corruption law.

Hazare was jailed Tuesday. The Delhi Police action led to protests across the country. The government changed its mind later in the evening and released Hazare but he refused to come out until he was allowed to carry on his hunger strike without any conditions.

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Pune Pune Sikhs show solidarity with Anna Hazare

PUNE: As an act of solidarity with activist Anna Hazare, the Pune Sikh Sangat, an association representing Sikhs across the city, has demanded his release and fair decision on the current scenario by the prime minister, Manmohan Singh. A memorandum on the same lines will be sent to the District Collectorate on Wednesday, said Rajwant Singh, member of the Sikh Sangat.

"Pune's Sikh Sangat is and has always stood against corruption in various walks of life especially since Sikhism teaches one to be fair to all and leading a pure life. We wish the prime minister of India takes a free and fair decision as per the tenets of Sikhism. Our community is supporting all the citizens protesting for the anti-graft cause and in our letter we have requested the prime minister to take the right decision to handle corruption," added Singh.

The letter demands transparency from the government in power. "The Sikh community just wants to prime minister to take the right stand keeping in mind the situation as far as corruption goes. We dont think he should step down because that is not necessary," said Inderpal Singh.

The government should provide reasons for its acts, said Gurmeet Singh. "On what basis is the government arresting people who are protesting? We can see clearly how much Hazare has struggled for our country. And it's shameful to put him behind bars," said Gurmeet Singh.

Some of the community members are also joining the relay fast on Wednesday and Thursday, said Narendra singh. "All those people joining in the cause are Anna Hazares. The activist is right, otherwise the entire nation wouldn't be supporting him today. It's because corruption was never controlled in the past, that we have reached this stage today. The richer are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The 'chalta hai' non-chalant attitude typical to our society, is also a result of corruption. this needs to stop. And our community is supporting anyone, who is fighting to ward off corruption through such protests," he said.

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Anna Hazare inside, Tihar turns protest venue

New Delhi: Tihar jail overnight became the new Jantar Mantar for team Anna Hazare and a protest venue for thousands of Anna supporters. Anna's associate Manish Sishodia said, "I would appeal to people that please come here and sit with us till Anna Hazare is freed."

By 11 pm on Tuesday, there was a crowd of atleast 3000 people outside the prison complex - students, elderly couples, even working professionals.
One of the protestors Gurdeep Singh said, "I'd like to correct you, its 2 am in the morning and I don't think anyone should sit at home right now. If you're sleeping, you're doing a great injustice to your nation."
Like Gurdeep there were many others who came to Tihar straight after finishing their day's work.
No one looked tired or bored, perhaps it was because of all the spirited singing.
It is 3:30 am, the numbers have reduced but the enthusiasm of these people hasn't gone down. Many of them were singing patriotic numbers and there are others who are just present to show their solidarity.
But they're all clear in their resolve and that is no one will leave this location till the time Anna Hazare steps out.

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Anti-corruption wave sweeps Chandigarh roads

CHANDIGARH: After a bike rally that criss-crossed the city on Tuesday morning, Anna Hazare's supporters took out a mammoth car rally on Tuesday evening. Over 200 cars and 100 bikes moved around the city roads in long, serpentine queues, leading to traffic bottlenecks at several places.

Hazare was detained by Delhi police in the morning, shortly before he was to initiate an indefinite fast to press for a strong anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.

Tens of hundreds of people of different age-groups, carrying tricolours and raising slogans in support of Hazare and his movement, were out on the city roads this evening.

The rally, which had scores of hi-end cars and two-wheelers, passed through various sectors like 18, 7, 8, 23, 22, 34 and 37 and Panjab University campus before finally culminating at Sector 7-8 roundabout. The strength of the rally kept swelling as it passed through different sectors.

"Anna Hazare has emerged as a national hero and the whole country is following his footsteps. We want Delhi police to release him immediately and there should be no policing on free expression and speech," Jaidev Singh, a young protester, told TOI.

Manisha Aggarwal, a fine arts student, said, "I have borrowed my father's car to take part in this rally. This is our way to express support for Anna Hazare. Despite all restrictions, we are with Anna and want him to continue his campaign against corruption. Today's incident has backfired and has in fact gathered more support for Anna."

There were smiles on faces of protesters after late on Tuesday, they got the news that Anna would be released in two hours' time.

"Though we have got this news, so far, it is not confirmed. We would be very happy if he is released and we would celebrate it in a big way," said Raman Moudgil, another protester.

The problem of traffic jams was experienced in the city's various parts where the rally passed. Heavy police presence kept the situation under control.

"Corruption has been troubling every Indian for a long time but people were not finding the right channel to express their discontent and anguish. Anna Hazare's movement has provided them a common platform to raise their voice and come forward to fight the menace of corruption," Wg Cdr Prem Kumar, a former Indian Air Force officer, told TOI.

He added, "Irrespective of whether one is rich or poor, educated or uneducated, everyone wants to come forward and fight against the system. Corruption pervades all levels of the society and it is the reason behind all our problems. We have got to make sure this movement moves forward. Anna does not need our money, he only needs our support."

On Anna's call, members of a local NGO Lions Welfare Society sat on an indefinite hunger strike near CBI's office in Sector-30.

"We started a hunger strike after performing a havan. We will continue our struggle till we get a final call from Anna," said TR Kapoor, media in charge of the society.

Homemaker Rachna Mehta said, "This protest is not about following any political party's ideology. It is a reflection on the pent up frustration of millions of Indian citizens wanting to put an end to the evil of corruption."

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From streets to 'walls', Anna grips all

LUCKNOW: Citizens took to streets on Tuesday to lend support to Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption. As the news of Anna's arrest in New Delhi reached here, his supporters gathered at various places and shouted slogans like "Anna tum sangarsh karo, hum tumhare saath hain" (Anna you continue the struggle, we are with you) and "Jan Lokpal bill pass karo, pass karo".

Sources said about 2,500 people assembled at different spots and expressed solidarity with their leader. While 500 supporters gathered at the Jhulelal Park on morning, at GPO the number swelled from 400 in the morning to 800 in the evening. About 200 lawyers also took part in the protests. Over 600 citizens were present at the Shaheed Smarak in the evening.

At around 8.30am, Anna's supporters assembled at the Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Hazratganj and hailed their leader's decision to court arrest. They raised anti-government slogans and praised social activist Anna's fight against corruption. Nine persons sat on an indefinite hunger strike here to support the cause.

India Against Corruption convener Akhilesh Saxena, who was on an indefinite fast, told TOI: "Anna's arrest shows that the Union government is bent upon crushing voices raised against corruption. We will continue the fast till further communication from Anna comes."

At Jhulelal Park near Lucknow University, people sang patriotic songs demanding the government to pass the Jan Lokapal bill. "We will not tolerate the dictatorial behavior of the government. By arresting Anna, they have given us more strength to fight and sit on hunger strike," said Neelam Insaan.

At various places in the city, effigies of senior politicians were also burnt. Neelam's mother sat on an indefinite fast in Pratapgarh while her father DP Insaan was arrested in Delhi while protesting government's move to arrest Anna.

Shouting slogans against the UPA government, Shivani Singh, a housewife, was present at the dharna sthal, along with her husband and their three-year-old son. "I was disillusioned to see Anna Hazare being arrested and sent to Tihar jail. The government by this act has violated our democratic rights. The Prime Minister, who is not even an elected by the people, is imposing a ban on the hunger strike which is illegal," she said.

Sporadic protests continued here till late evening. "We will continue our fast till the Gandhian is set free and the Jan Lokpal bill is passed," said Munna Lal Shukla who was on a hunger strike.

Lucknow's civil society took out a candle light march at the GPO in evening. More than 800 participated in the march. Residents of Eldeco Green, Gomtinagar, also carried out a candle march in the colony on Tuesday night. "Our protest will continue till the Jan Lokpal bill is passed and Anna and other activists are released," a member of Eldeco Green residents association said.

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Anna Hazare spends night in Tihar jail; UPA in bind, gropes for a face-saver

NEW DELHI: After Anna Hazare's refusal to walk out, Tihar jail authorities allotted him a room to spend night in the jail, TV channels reported. Anna is continuing his fast in the jail.

The government on Tuesday was at sixes and sevens over Anna Hazare's steely determination to carry on with his indefinite fast despite his unexpected arrest and his equally sudden release in the face of mounting countrywide protests. Anna scornfully rejected his release, saying he would leave Tihar Jail only if the government unconditionally allowed his protest for a stronger Lokpal Bill. In any case, he said, he was fasting in Tihar.

The government's desperate attempt to cut its losses-releasing Anna within 12 hours of his arrest and seven-day judicial remand-failed badly as it was outwitted by the Gandhian and his growing band of supporters, who appeared to be thinking three steps ahead of government managers. Not only was it seen to be eating humble pie after Anna's arrest, it was nowhere close to easing its discomfiture.

Anna's tough stance has put the government in a bind. It can let Hazare stay in Tihar but only at the cost of growing popular resentment: the very same consideration that led to a rethink on his imprisonment. On the other hand, permission to let Hazare launch his fast at J P Park will show up the initial refusal of the site as arbitrary and unreasonable.

The high-risk gamble to check Anna by arresting him appeared to be an ill-thought move. While the government possibly thought that an indefinite fast would lead to a huge problem for it in the days ahead and reckoned action right now would scatter the movement after initial protests, it had not foreseen the extent of support for Anna or the intensity of the anger against it.

In the city, there were spontaneous demonstrations and candlelight protests. A strike of auto-rickshaws has been called in Delhi on Wednesday as a mark of support for Hazare: a sure sign that his camp has now spread beyond the middle class. And everywhere, supporters waved the national flag, lending the movement a rare patriotic fervour.

The spontaneous display of solidarity encouraged those in the Congress with misgivings over government's handling of the Hazare challenge, with sources disclosing that Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi was among those who counselled against a confrontation with the anti-graft agitators banded behind Hazare. There were reports that Rahul had a meeting with the PM in the evening. Earlier, he had held a meeting with senior leaders Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram and Kamal Nath.

Celebrations broke out across the city as news of Hazare's imminent release spread, with crowds raising victory slogans and candles twinkling on a cool evening after a rainy day.

While maintaining that the decision to arrest Hazare was that of Delhi Police (a line that few bought), home minister P Chidambaram had strongly justified the arrest saying that the anti-graft campaigner had committed a cognizable offence by refusing to obey prohibitory orders. The legalistic reasoning failed to impress most people, who saw his arrest as an unacceptable attempt to muzzle democratic protest.

Although both government and Congress kept their distance from Hazare's release, saying it was the decision of Delhi Police, the reversal of course was seen as simultaneously signalling confused thinking in the government as well as its diminishing options in the confrontation with the anti-corruption upsurge. Delhi Police, which works directly under the Union home ministry, has never before displayed the degree of autonomy government vested it with on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Hazare had said that despite being Gandhian, he was not averse to emulating Chhatrapati Shivaji, who exhausted his opponents by harrying them with his guerrilla tactics. His refusal to be released till his conditions were met showed that the veteran campaigner had indeed borrowed tricks from the Maratha warrior king

After the morning crackdown, the remarkable turnaround came late on Tuesday evening as Delhi Police officials confirmed that Hazare and his associates were to be set free. Some 1,500 persons detained through the day were also let off. After having sought to nip the protest in the bud in order to prevent a repeat of the April surrender to the Gandhian, UPA appears to have compounded its woes.

The flip-flop over tackling the Hazare campaign firmly has only eroded the authority of a government buffeted and battered by corruption scandals since mid-2010. It has opened itself to further uncertainty as Team Anna may scent victory and renew its plans for a fast at a public venue. It will also seek the cover of the courts that it will approach on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, senior ministers P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal were at pains to argue that the government was as keen as Anna to combat corruption but could not agree with his methods. But the legalistic argument about Hazare defying prohibitory orders fell short of a political answer to his demands.

The current situation is even more precarious for the government than in April where a four-day fast brought the government to its knees. In Parliament, BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley said the government was snatching the right to protest while the Congress's political leadership was hiding behind the uniformed force. The CPM said the government had attacked the democratic right to peaceful protest.

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NGOs stage dharna against Anna’s arrest

FEROZEPUR: Representatives of different NGO's sat on dharna at Shaheed Udham Singh Chowk on Tuesday, to support Anna Hazare's fight against corruption and to protest his arrest.

The NGO's criticized the Delhi police and UPA government for the undemocratic arrest; they demanded an early release of Anna and his aide. Subash Tuli a businessman said the incident has exposed the real face of the UPA government, which never wants the truth to unfold.

The NGO's have also planned a candle light march in the evening to spread the message among fellow residents.

Professor K.C. Arora said until the corrupt leaders are overthrown nothing worthwhile will happen, he claims that Anna's campaign had nothing to do with winning elections. "It is the call of the time that clean politicians like Anna should come forward and take the lead to construct a new corruption-free India. After all what is wrong in wanting to boot out corrupt rascals and trying to "reboot" the country," he added.

Young Municipal Councilor, Davinder Bajaj said it is time to put strong resistance in front of the old political, administrative and social set ups. He claims that only then will it be possible to create a new, corruption-free India.

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Akali Dal slams government on Anna's arrest

Chandigarh : The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab Tuesday slammed the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) central government for the arrest of activist and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare in Delhi.
Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also the Punjab deputy chief minister, said the central government's action brought back memories of the era of Emergency.
He said in a statement issued here that Hazare and his core team were arrested Tuesday even before they could start their formal peaceful protest in the national capital to press for a strong, anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.
Badal said the mass-scale arrests throughout the country reflected the level of panic of the Congress leadership and that they wanted to scuttle any anti-corruption movement fearing their imminent arrest in the multi-lakh crore rupee scams.
Badal said: "It is a black day for the largest democracy of the world when its citizens are not allowed to carry out their peaceful protests against rampant corruption in the government and citizens are jailed without specifying any charge."
"By curtailing the freedom of citizens just after the 65th Independence Day of the nation, the Congress party has pained the souls of all those known and unknown freedom fighters, who laid down their lives for the country," he added.
Chiding the Congress for its action against Hazare, Badal said: "The Congress, which calls itself the votary of Gandhian ideology and his methods of peaceful and non-violent protests, was out to tarnish Gandhi's image internationally by launching a nationwide drive against Hazare's Gandhian movement."
"Mahatma Gandhi must be turning in his grave after the arrest of Anna Hazare," Badal said.
He said that the UPA government could be listed as the most corrupt by the Guinness World Records.

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