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.