The Numbers Keep Growing. No Stopping Anna Now.

Press Release

August 21, 2011

The Numbers Keep Growing. No Stopping Anna Now.

On day six of Anna s fast support for the Jan Lokpal Bill and Annahas ballooned

to enormous proportions. Support from across the country is unprecedented.

The citizens of India poured into streets, parks and grounds demanding an

effective anti corruption law the Jan Lokpal Bill.

The sun shone bright but the heat did not deter supporters from flocking to

Ramlila Ground in Delhi to stand by Anna. Number today crossed one and a half

lakhby afternoon and by evening people were marching all around the maidan,

India gate and surrounding areas. The total count of Indian marching in support

of Anna around Ramlila Maidaan and those in the maidaan touched two lakh by

sundown.

A rally took place expressing support and solidarity for the Jan Lokpal Billfrom

India gate to Ramlila grounds. Over a lakh participated in the rally. The spirit was

upbeat.

Sri Sri Ravi Shanker of the Art of living came to extend support to the movement

and inquire after Anna s health. Sri Sri spoke about the importance of a social

movement like the one we are seeing and the rise of consciousness and Anna s

contribution to it.

Rishi Prabhakar a prominent spiritual leader from Bangalore and founder of the

SSY - Siddh Samaj Yoga also came to Ramlila ground and extended his support to

the anti graft movement. Speaking to the citizens of India gathered there he said

that we are fortunate to have someone like Anna amongst us. HE spoke about the

importance of fighting graft and put his weight behind the Jan Lokpal movement.

Team Anna gave a call to sit on peaceful protest outside the houses of MPs and

ministers and sing, urge and appeal to them to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill. Team

Anna also appealed to the citizens of India to convey to their MPs that they will

not vote for them next election if they don t pass the Jan Lokpal Bill. Let the

elected representatives do what their constituents want.

Eighty people protesting outside the Prime Ministers house at race course were

detained and later released.

Arvind Kejriwal clarified speculation about a compromise formula being worked

out. He made clear to all gathered there that there is no such effort happening

behind the scenes. Umesh Sarangi the Asst. Secretary home of Maharashtra State

had come to meet team Anna. He carried a note which was a 13 point summary

of the Govt. Lokpal Bill. A copy of the summary is attached.

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Anti Corruption Crusader Call For Action From Anna s Platform

Justice Santosh Hegde came to Delhi to lend his support to Anna. Even though he

has been actively supporting the anti graft movement and the introduction of a

Jan Lokpal bill from Bangalore he decided to come to Delhi to make a point. He

addressed the people gathered there and explained why this struggle to fight

corruption is so important. Justice Hegde spoke at length about corruption and

ways to tackle it. He said that the intention of the govt has been dishonest right

from the outset. The need of an anti corruption law he said was so urgent that it

can not be delayed any more. Corruption is responsible for land grabbing and

resources being grabbed the country over. The common man has to deal with it

at so many levels that a tough anti corruption law being delayed is a grave

injustice.

Darul-uloom issued a statement extending support to Anna Hazare and the

movement for an introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Arjuna Awardee Sportspersons came and lent support. They were accompanied

by their coaches.

Syed Shahabuddin came to lend supportto Anna Hazare and addressed the

people gathered there. Praised Anna and his revolutionary spirit and

Preity Zinta gave an interview saying that anyone who is a true India will

support Anna Hazare.

Shreyas Talpade and Celina Jaitly made an appearance at Azad maidaan in

Mumbai extending support to Anna Hazare and demanding the introduction of

the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Anna s I am Anna topi became a fashion statement in fashion shows in

Mumbai.From Viday Balan to Sridevi, models and audiences were seen sporting

the latest fashion statement - honesty and the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Members of innumerable groups from Kisan Unoins, religious groups to market

associatopns came from all parts of the country and lent their voice to the

demand for a Jan Lokpal Bill.

Support pours from various personalities and associations

Sports personalities in support of India against corruption movement

Sunita Godara (Asian Marathon Gold Medalist) is one of the India against

corruption forum member who signed the FIR lodged against CWG Scam on 14th

Nov 2011 along with other eminent members of the India against Corruption

Team .

She along with several other sports persons came and lent their voice to the

movement. She and her colleagues appealed to sport people the nation over to

support the movement. Olympians and Champions of int l repute who have

brought glory to the country are joining hands together and supportin g the

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movement.

1 Sunita Godara- Asian Marathon Gold Medalist

2 Bhim Singh Arjun Awardee Athletics

3 Raj Kumar Sangwan Arjun Awardee Boxing

4 Omparkash Arjun Awardee- Basketball

5 Chand Ram Arjun Awardee Athletics

6Damayanti Tambe Arjun Awardee Badminton

7 Indu Puri Arjun Awardee Table Tennis

8 Daler Singh Arjun Awardee Volley ball

9 Amir SinghArjun Awardee Volley Ball

10 Ashok Kumar Arjun Awardee Wrestling

11 Mahaveer Arjun Awardee Wrestling

12 Mehtab Singh Arjun Awardee Boxing

13 Vivek Singh Arjun Awardee Shooting

14Parmod KumarAsian Games athlete

15 AnishaCWG & Asian Gold Medal Shooting

16 ,Saveta Chaudhry CWG & Asian Silver Medal Shooting

17 Dharam Singh Super Veteran Marathon Winner

18 Bhagwati Marathon Int l Marathon Winner

19 Deepika Kaliraman Wrestling (Master Chandagi Ram s daughter)

20 Shri RS Bhola Hockey Olympian twice Gold medal winning team

member

Other Events that happened All Across the Country

Support March for Jan Lokpal Bill. Location: Outside SIES College, Nerul

Mumbai

Time: Saturday, 20 August 2011 16:00
Nasik: Today, 20 august 2011, rally to support Anna Hazare at 2 pm,

Dongre Vasti Ghraha, Nasik. it is a yuva morcha and u can bring frnds also

Candle March by Homoeopathic Doctors and Students at Shahid Smarak

Park Jabalpur MP.Time:5.30pm, Sunday 21 August 2011

Group Relay Fast in Iselin, NJ in support of Anna and Jan Lokpal bill.

Location: Outside Chowpatty restaurant

Today's Events in CHENNAI.8AM March from Marina, Gandhi Statue 2 LB

Road

10AM Car/Bike Rally 4M Marina, Labour Statue. 6PM- Candle Light

@Marina, GandhiStatue

Protest in support of Janlokpal: 6835 Professional Court, Mississauga,

Ontario, Canada at 12 Noon on Sunday, Aug 21, 2011. Contact -

Darbhanga: Hundreds of students of college participated in a

demonstration 9798824338, 7870582785

Kolkata: Rally from Minto park to Louden Street.
Chennai: March at Marina beach 9500935352
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: Protest in support of Janlokpal: 6835

Professional Court, at 12 Noon on Sunday, Aug 21, 2011. Contact -

Bellevue (WA ,USA): Candle silent march in downtown park.
Protest at UN HQ in Geneva near the Swiss border

Gurgaon: Candle march to support Janlokpal Bill. Contact: 9999623000

Delhi, Vasant Kunj: Candle-light march at 8 pm in Vasant Kunj today,

contact 9899419319

Mohali: candle protest march. Contact :9988324137, 09810883117
Varanasi: 21 August, 9:15 am, Rally from Sheetla Mata Mandir, Saket

Nagar Colony to Lanka (BHU Gate). Contact P N Tiwari : 9935512984

Panchkula, Sector 20 (Haryana ): Candle Protest March from VITA booth

(outside Park) near GHS 40 in order to support JANLOKPAL Bill -

Contact: 9569254160

GURGAON - Join candle light protest to support Janlokpal, Sunday 21 aug

at Galleria market Phase 4, DLF, 6 pm onwards. 9999623000

support anna hazare for lokpal bill at Town Hall, Ellis Bridge, Ahmedabad

Location: Town Hall, Ellis Bridge, Ahmedabad

Time: Sunday, 21 August 2011 07:30

JAIPUR : ANNA supporters join us 4 MEGA RALLY on 21 AUG. Start: MNIT

Maingate, End: AMAR JAWAN JYOTI, TIME: 2PM. Its a fight 4 a better

future....

MAHARALLY

Location: From MNIT Jaipur, Main Gate to Amar Jawan Jyoti

Time: Sunday, 21 August 2011 14:00

Vizag March in support of Anna Hazare !

Location: Kali Temple - Victory At Sea

Time: Sunday, 21 August 2011 07:00

Takin it to the streets today" be there at Marina beach, Chennai @ 5 30

PM and join India Aganist Corruption candle lit March. Let's show we

belong info : 9600117391

36 Sathyagrahis Complete 102 hours of fasting & resolve still continues.

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March from Marina Beach to Fast Venue at No.153, L.B.Road, Adayar

(Next to HDFC Bank) starting 8.30AM Contact 9500935352

March against corruption and support Anna Hazare in our war against

corruption.March Place: From Bharat party plot, Rabaricolony to CTM

Double Decker Bridge. Ahmedabad. Time 7:30 PM 21th august, 2011

Delhi: Candle march in Munirka DDA Cental Park at 7pm

AJMER: Anna's supporters met at VIJAY SMARAK at BAJRANGARH For

SILENT CANDLE MARCH of students in the evening at 7.30PM from

BAJRANGARH.

Candle March (21Aug) @ 7:00pm From Railway Station to Degree College

Chauraha, Raebareli,

Delhi: Candle-light march at 8 pm in Vasant Kunj today, contact

9899419319

Delhi: Mega March from India Gate to Ramlila Maidan at 5 pm today

Hisar, Haryana - candle light protest to support Janlokpal, Sunday at Old

Govt. College Ground at 7 PM (Daily)

Gorakhpur (UP) - Foot March. Date: 21 August, 2011. Time: 5 PM.

Location: Chetna Tiraha.

Pune - Motor cycle protest to support Janlokpal, Sunday 21 August at

kothrud depot to Deccan, 5 PM onwards

Bulandshahr: Aug 21 candle march and janchetna rally atKale-Aam in

support of Anna Hazare

GURGAON - candle light protest to support Janlokpal, Sunday 21st aug at

Residency Greens, Greenwood City, Opposite Unitech Cyber Park, 7 pm

onwards.

Candle Protest March at Mohali Phase-7 ,at 7.00PM ,Chawla Chowk in

Support of Jan Lok Pal and Shri Anna Hazare contact :9988324137,

09810883117

Kotdwara, Garhwal -candle march from Jhanda chowk to Tehsil, for Anna

Hazzre movement support.

Burning of the Govt Lokpal Bill & Candle March in support of Anna Hazare

and Janlokpal Bill.Date & Time: Today 7 PM.Venue: Sachkand Darbar,

Sindhi Colony, Gondia, Maharashtra

Sector 20 Panchkula ( Haryana ) :: DAILY :: Candle Protest March at 7.00

p.m. from VITA booth (outside Park) - near GHS 40 ::: in order to support

JANLOKPAL Bill - Contact :: 9569254160

GURGAON - candle light protest to support Janlokpal, Sunday 21 aug at

Galleria market Phase 4, DLF, 6 pm onwards. 9999623000

Indore: Mega rally at 5 pm at Regal Square
JHANSI: Candle march, Sadar Bazar, Pushp Vatika petrol pump @ 7.30 pm

sunday 21st August

New York for Anna & JanLokPalLocation: Madison Avenue and 38th

Street. Time: 11:00AM Sunday, August 21st

Kanpur: Manav shrankhala railly at green park starting at 10 am.

CHENNAI: Bike rally @ 10AM, starting from Adayar fasting venue to

showkarpet.

PUNE: FC College Main Gate 9-10am, Citizens sweep the footpaths to

symbolize Sweeping of Corruption - Carry own brooms

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Delhi: Car and bike rally in support of Janlokpal Bill from Janta Flats, DDA

Market, GTB Hospital to Ramlila Maidan @ 1.30 pm today, contact -

8802981819, 9560112288

Ajmer: Candle March (21Aug) @ 6:00pm at Gandhi Bhavan Ajmer,
Bangalore: Bangalore Demanded a strong JANLOKPAL with a strong voice

of 50000 people at FREEDOM PARK. Despite rain people were holding

candles!

Varanasi: 21 August, 9:15 am, Rally from Sheetla Mata Mandir, Saket

Nagar Colony to Lanka (BHU Gate). Contact P N Tiwari : 9935512984

Jaipur: 21 August, 6:00 am, National Handloom, Vaishali Nagar

Chauthi Duniya- Must watch Videos

Anna & Rahul Gandhi

Congress versus Anna Hazare

सरकारी लोकपाल बिल एक राजनीतिक चाल

काले धन का पूरा सच -Truth of Black Money

नकली नोट - सबसे बडा ख़ुलासा

Fake Money : Govt. and RBI pumping Counterfeits in country

काले धन का पूरा सच -Truth of Black Money

Shah Rukh Khan supports anti-corruption stir

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has supported the anti-corruption movement launched by Anna Hazare but says every aspect of the cause should be looked at seriously.

“I think we all support the cause. I think there should be no corruption in the country. I think this whole aspect is becoming so large and so big and there are so many aspects of it that we need to look at it seriously, quietly, step-backedly. We just can’t keep saying we support anti-corruption,” said Mr. Khan, who was here to inaugurate a hotel complex.

Khan, 45, said a legislation to curb corruption should be implemented after holding discussions with all concerned.

“All of us want to support anti-corruption. It’s the worst kind of stigma that one can have for the country. But this wonderful cause has so many aspects too it....I think as an intelligent section of the society, we have to think about the implementation of it. What are the constitutional aspects of it? What are the parliamentarian processes of the same? What is the practicality of the same, how is it going to happen.

“Unless we do that, we just keep talking about it, we just keep doing agitations. We should think how to take the best out of it so that it does not die out. That’s the second step,” he said.

Corruption in India: 'All your life you pay for things that should be free'

As Anna Hazare leaves prison to continue his protest, residents in Delhi explain how bribery forms part of everyday life

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Anna Hazare waves to the crowd during an anti-corruption protest in Delhi. Photograph: AP
Vishal is an ordinary man with an ordinary story of corruption in India. He lives in east Delhi, part of the traffic choked sprawl of India's capital. He owns a fried chicken takeaway similar to thousands of others that have sprung up in recent years to serve the new tastes of the burgeoning middle class. And he faces an ordinary Indian daily routine of petty corruption. The number of people Vishal has to pay off is bewildering. There are the local beat constables who take free lunches, and the more senior police officers who can cause problems with opening hours. They take 10,000 rupees (£130) on the 10th of each month to allow Vishal to stay open late. Then there are the officials from various local authorities who also receive regular payments – around £50 per month – to ensure that health, safety and hygiene inspections go smoothly. "Of the 40,000 rupees (£520) I earn a month from my restaurant, I pay at least a third in bribes," Vishal, 26, said. But bribery also extends into his personal life. Vishal has two young children and to get the eldest in to the best local school he paid a "donation" of 25,000 rupees (£3,400) in cash to the headmaster. A driving licence needed another bribe. Getting an appointment with a competent public doctor cost a substantial amount. And then there is the traffic police. Every other week Vishal says he is stopped, told he has committed an offence and has to pay 100 rupees (£1.25), the standard fee to avoid "too much bother". "I am so disappointed [about] everything you have to pay," he said. "And no one does anything. The politicians won't do anything because they are all corrupt too." Such sentiments are widespread in India and explain the sudden outpouring of anger over recent days as tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the country to protest about the arrest of anti-corruption campaigner Anna Hazare. Though a string of major corruption scandals such as the telecoms licence scam that cost the country up to £26bn, and the alleged fraud surrounding the high-profile Commonwealth Games in Delhi, has fuelled some of the fury, it is the grinding daily routine of petty corruption that is at the root. "You pay for a birth certificate, a death certificate," said Varun Mishra, a 30-year-old software engineer and one of thousands who marched in Delhi to support Hazare. "All your life you pay. And for what? For things that should be free." Hazare, 74, has harnessed this grassroots frustration to launch a popular movement. Having been jailed as a threat to public order, he went on hunger strike and refused to leave prison when released. He has finally left jail, having been granted permission to hold a 15-day fast in a public park. His public relations team has run rings around clumsy and slow official spokesmen. India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, has an impeccable reputation for personal probity but has looked distant and out of touch. Hazare is campaigning for a powerful new anti-corruption ombudsman which would have the right to investigate senior politicians, officials and judges. His critics say this would be undemocratic, and worry about the division of powers. But for people like restaurateur Vishal, Hazare is a hero. "At least he is doing something," he said. "No one else is." Though bribery, or "graft", is a fact of life for more or less everybody in India, the demonstrators are largely urban, educated and relatively well-off. "What you are seeing on the street is a middle-class rebellion," said Mohan Guruswamy, a former senior official in the ministry of finance and founder of the Centre for Policy Alternatives thinktank. There are reports in local media that call centres and other back office operations in IT hubs such as Gurgaon, a satellite town of Delhi, and Bangalore, the southern city, have faced staffing problems with up to half of workers joining the protests. Teachers, lawyers and medical professionals have also featured prominently. Support for Hazare is particularly strong among those who have benefited most from India's recent breakneck economic development but are frustrated by a largely unreformed public sector that delivers poor and haphazard services. They are often the young. Many of those who waited outside Tihar jail in Delhi to greet Hazare on his triumphant exit were in their teens or even younger. One 12-year-old carried a placard saying "save my future". Tens of millions of school and college-leavers pour into the Indian jobs market each year. State institutions have not kept pace with aspirations raised by years of rapid economic growth and with skill levels low and good jobs scare, unrest could rise. Senior Congress party politicians this week argued that some level of graft was "inevitable" in a developing economy. However, analysts said the extent of the problem in India – which ranks at 87 out of 178 on the campaign group Transparency International's index of corruption – is unique. "India is comparable to China, doing better than Russia, less well than Brazil," said Robin Hodess, the group's research director. "But bureaucratic and petty corruption is extreme in India." Some say India's generally patchy law enforcement is to blame. "We are politically advanced in terms of institutions," said Guruswamy. "We have courts, a parliament and a long tradition of democracy ... but very few people are ever held to account." Last week a senior judge faced unprecedented impeachment proceedings 25 years after the alleged offence. Others say those who pay the bribes are to blame too. One supreme court lawyer who refused demands for commissions in return for sanctioning payment for work he had done for the government, said giving in to corruption could be down to "deep powerlessness" or simply a "I just want to get on with my day" type of attitude. "As Indians we see corruption as something that permeates our lives, like air pollution, but we need to think much more carefully about it," he said. Raghu Thoniparambil, who runs the website ipaidabribe.com, pointed out that corruption in the private sector was just as prevalent. "All these protests are very inspiring but will people really change? I don't know," he said. Less ambitious and spectacular measures could have more impact than the ombudsman office Hazare and his followers want to create, Thoniparambil argues. As well as perceptions of general corruption, Transparency International also compiles an index of nations where bribes are paid most frequently, particularly in business. India ranks 19 out of 22, above Mexico, Russia and China. Manu Joseph, editor of the news magazine Open, speaks of "hypocrisy". "The Indian relationship with corruption is very complex and politicians are representative of society as a whole," he said. But the widespread anger is also due to a sense that modern India not only deserves better but needs to at least moderate rampant corruption to compete on the world stage. The most high profile cases have already damaged the nation's image sufficiently to slow economic growth. One text message circulating in India last week focused on the huge sums of "black money" illegally stashed by wealthy Indians in overseas assets and bank accounts. The return of these funds could pay for "Oxford-like universities", borders stronger than "the China wall" and roads "like in Paris", the text said. "We want a great country, stronger than the US, UK and Australia," said 18-year-old Sushil Kumar as he waited for the protest march from Hazare's jail to start. "India will be great, with its traditions, its culture. But we have to beat corruption."
The anti-bribery website
Launched last October, ipaidabribe.com is the brainchild of Raghunandan Thoniparambil, a retired official from the elite Indian Administrative Service. By Friday 12,076 people had posted their personal stories of graft for all to see. They included businessmen forced to pay 50 rupees (70p) to traffic police, 300 rupees (£3.20) paid for a passport verification, 40,000 rupees (£540) handed over to have property registered, 5,000 rupees (£67) for a birth certificate and travellers who had to give 100 rupees (£1.30) to get berths on otherwise full express trains. Software takes names off the site. "The aim is not to identify people but to identify the problem," Thoniparambil said. In June, after a BBC report about ipaidabribe.com several similar sites opened in China. Within two weeks they were shut down. "In India we are sometimes a little slow or dysfunctional but civil society, simple democracy can make a huge difference," added Thoniparambil.

Prakash B. Bajaj Editor Mumbai-Times of India - Anna's Campaign

Dear Mr. Prime minister,

I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which has capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mice. Mouse at least squeaks, but we don't even do that.

Today I heard your speech, in which you said, 'NO BODY WOULD BE SPARED'. I would like to remind you that fourteen years have passed since serial bomb blasts in Mumbai took place. Dawood was the main conspirator. Till today he is not caught. All our Bollywood actors, our builders, our Gutka king keep meeting him, but your Government can not catch him. Reason is simple; all your ministers are hand in glove with him. If any attempt is made to catch him, everybody will be exposed. Your statement 'NOBODY WOULD BE SPARED' is nothing but a cruel joke on these unfortunate people of India.
Enough is enough. As such, after seeing terrorist attack carried out by about a dozen young boys, I realize that if same thing continues, days are not far away when terrorists will attack by air, destroy our nuclear reactors and there will be one more Hiroshima.
We the people are left with only one mantra. Womb to Bomb to Tomb. You promised Mumbaikar Shanghai; what you have given us is Jalianwala Baug.
Today only your home minister resigned. What took you so long to kick out this joker? Only reason was that he was loyal to Gandhi family. Loyalty to Gandhi family is more important than blood of innocent people, isn't it?

I am born and brought up in Mumbai for last fifty eight years. Believe me, corruption in Maharashtra is worse than that in Bihar.Look at all the politicians, Sharad Pawar, Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Bal Thackray , Gopinath Munde, Raj Thackray, Vilasrao Deshmukh all are rolling in money. Vilasrao Deshmukh is one of the worst Chief ministers I have seen.His only business is to increase the FSI every other day, make money and send it to Delhi, so Congress can fight next election.Now the clown has found new way and will increase FSI for fishermen, so they can build concrete houses right on sea shore. Next time terrorists can comfortably live in those houses, enjoy the beauty of the sea and then attack our Mumbai at their will.

Recently, I had to purchase a house in Mumbai. I met about two dozen builders. Everybody wanted about 30% in black. A common person like me knows this and with all your intelligent agency & CBI, you and your finance ministers are not aware of it. Where all the black money goes? To the underworld isn't it?Our politicians take help of these goondas to vacate people by force. I myself was victim of it. If you have time please come to me, I will tell you everything.

If this has been a land of fools, idiots, then I would not have ever cared to write to you this letter. Just see the tragedy. On one side we are reaching moon, people are so intelligent; and on the other side, you politicians have converted nectar into deadly poison. I am everything Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Schedule caste, OBC, Muslim OBC, Christian Schedule caste, and Creamy Schedule caste; only what I am not is INDIAN.You politicians have raped every part of Mother India by your policy of divide and rule.

Take example of our Former President Abdul Kalam. Such an intelligent person; such a fine human being. But you politician didn't even spare him and instead choose a worthless lady who had corruption charges and insignificant local polititian of Jalgaon WHO'S NAME ENTIRE COUNTRY HAD NOT HEARD BEFORE. Its simple logic your party just wanted a rubber stamp in the name of president. Imagine SHE IS SUPREME COMMANDAR OF INDIA'S THREE DEFENCE FORCES. what moral you will expect from our defence forces ? Your party along with opposition joined hands, because politicians feel they are supreme and there is no place for good person.

Dear Mr Prime minister, you are one of the most intelligent persons, a most learned person. Just wake up, be a real SARDAR. First and foremost, expose all selfish politicians. Ask Swiss banks to give names of all Indian account holders.Give reins of CBI to independent agency. Let them find wolves among us. There will be political upheaval, but that will be better than dance of death which we are witnessing every day. Just give us ambience where we can work honestly and without fear. Let there be rule of law. Everything else will be taken care of.

Choice is yours Mr. Prime Minister. Do you want to be lead by one person, or you want to lead the nation of 100 Crore people?

Prakash B. Bajaj
Editor Mumbai-Times of India

Anna on NDTV

All Videos from IBN7 till 19th Aug 2011

New Delhi: Enthused by the nationwide support for his anti-corruption campaign, civil society activist Anna Hazare on Thursday vowed to be on fast till a strong Lokpal Bill was passed and called for a "transformation" of India.

Addressing thousands of cheering supporters on reaching the rain-drenched Ramlila ground in New Delhi, after a nearly three-hour journey from Tihar Jail where he had been since Tuesday, the 74-year-old was full of energy as he took a hardline stance on an anti-corruption legislation.

"We will not leave this place till a (stronger) Lokpal bill is passed," Hazare said, urging the young collected at the spacious ground not to abandon the fight against India's endemic corruption.

"This is the start of a new revolution, of a new freedom struggle," declared the soldier-turned-activist whose arrest Tuesday sparked off nationwide protests and put the government in a political fix.

"This torch of revolution should always remain lit. It is not just about Lokpal. We have to bring about a transformation in this country," he said in chaste Hindi. The crowds responded with slogans hailing him.

People, he added, would not tolerate any more the loot of national wealth.

The brief speech, heralding the start of an indefinite fast at Ramlila ground, came on the fourt day of the Anna saga which has left the Congress-led coalition wondering how to tackle him.

Hazare was arrested and sent to Tihar Jail on Tuesday when he set out to begin his hunger strike. As mass protests erupted, the government did a U-turn and ordered him released.

But he refused to leave the prison until he was allowed to fast without fetters. Eventually, the authorities agreed to let him use the vast Ramlila ground that can accommodate thousands of people.

As he stepped out of Tihar Jail on Friday morning, hundreds of people, many of who had been camping outside the prison for days, cheered even as heavy rains lashed the area.

With a protective ring thrown by police and activists of India Againt Corruption (IAC), Hazare started a journey in an open truck decorated with Indian flags, negotiating his way through massive crowds.

At one point, the procession was two kilometres long. The crowds was made up of people from all ages and varying socio-economic backgrounds.

Accompanied by thousands, it took Hazare nearly three hours to reach Ramlila via Rajghat, where he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, and a halt at India Gate, now dedicated to Indian soldiers.

An ebullient Hazare at one stage was seen sprinting away from police personnel at Rajghat.

The crowds appeared quite unmindful of the rain. Some said it was a good omen.

As Hazare stepped out of the Tihar Jail, he shouted slogans of "Inquilab zindabad", "Jai Hind" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai", betraying the fact that he had lost three kilograms since his fast started Tuesday.

Hazare was emotive: "I thank you all for the support. We got independence in 1947 but our fight for complete independence has begun on Aug 16 and we will fight till we manage to get a corruption-free India."

He added to loud cheers: "The fight against corruption should continue whether or not I am alive. It's a people's movementm and you should fight on even after I am gone."

At Ramlila ground, there was a sea of school children, some who had bunked their classes to come out in support of Hazare.

"I have come here to support Annaji and we will get the civil society version of Lokpal bill passed come what may," said Prateek Babar, student of Rajkiya Sarvodya Vidhyalaya School in west Delhi.

Protests against the government version of the Lokpal Bill and in support of Hazare also continued in several cities and towns of India for a fourth straight day.

Team Hazare is bitterly opposed to the government-sponsored Lokpal Bill that excludes from its ambit the prime minister, the judiciary and the mass of government officials.

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