Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (SP)
New Delhi, Aug 16: Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption is getting popular support in almost all the states. The opposition including the BJP and the Samajwadi Party raised questions about Anna’s arrest in the Lok Sabha and demanded his release. Former minister, Arun Jaitley, who termed the action as murder of democracy, wanted to know the grounds for Anna’s arrest, alleging that Hazare was not told by the policemen why he was being detained. However, the Lok Sabha witnessed turbulence as the speaker refused to suspend question hour to pave way for discussions on Anna Hazare’s fast. In Rajya Sabha too, the issue hogged limelight. The home ministry is likely to make a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the issue later in the day.
Protestors have also been observing a symbolic one-day dharna at Freedom Park Bangalore. Former Lokayukta, Justice Santosh Hegde, was one of the participants of the dharna. The dharna is led by an organization named ‘India Against Corruption’, which is also holding such protests all over the country. In Pune, the protestors took out a march, while in Mumbai, people in large numbers, began gathering near Dadar. The main programme of protest is planned at Azad Maidan in Mumbai later today. Leading supporters of the movement including Medha Patkar, are expected to address this gathering.
A number of demonstrations by people from various walks of life were held at Lucknow in favour of Anna Hazare. These protests were held at places like Gomti Nagar, Aliganj and Vikas Nagar. The protestors held aloft the national flag and chanted Bhajans and patriotic songs. Many protestors voiced their anger at the union government’s action in muffling the voices of peaceful protestors. However, information and broadcasting minister, Ambika Soni, in support of the government, said it is impossible to ensure peace and order when thousands of protestors assemble at one place.
Residents of Gandhian activist, Anna Hazare's village, Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra, flocked out of their homes to support their leader. Protests and demonstration were also reported from various places of Maharashtra. Shops and establishments in Ralegan Siddhi downed their shutters voluntary to pledge solidarity with Anna. The people of the village including women went in a procession to the depot of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, where they raised slogans against the government.
In the morning, NDA leaders met at L K Advani’s residence to take stock of the situation and chalk out future course of action in view of arrest of Anna Hazare and other activists.
The cabinet committee on political affairs is slated to meet later in the day. There is a call from Anna Hazare group to switch of lights of houses between 8 and 9 pm today to show solidarity with Anna’s initiatives. Candle light marches have also been planned at various places across the country. Prashant Bhushan has said that a petition is being moved in the Supreme Court later today.