Man cycles from Bangalore to Ralegan Siddhi to meet Anna Hazare

Traversing his way through the bordering Karnataka on a makeshift welded cycle cart, 35-year-old M Mahesh arrived in Ralegan Siddhi on Sunday, braving the bad weather, to pay his tribute to anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare.

Curious crowd, gathered at Padmavati 'Bhakta Nivas' where Hazare is put up, stared at the man who looked weather beaten but high in spirits as he entered the compound on his cycle cart which displayed the poster of Anna Hazare with a line "I salute Anna".

"Justice Santosh Hegde (a key member of Anna team ) flagged me off from Bangalore on August 17 appreciating one-man mission en route to Ralegan to spread the message of Hazare", Mahesh said in his broken Hindi.

What prompted him to undertake this long arduous journey in his personal capacity without outside financial support?

With a clenched fist, Mahesh said "Ghussa (anger) against corrupt ministers" and "Abhiman (pride) of Anna's selfless crusade".

On his way from Bangalore to Ralegan, Mahesh addressed groups of people who came to see his queer looking vehicle, urging them to join Anna's movement.

But, sitting atop his cycle cart, the tired man presented a sad spectacle as he waited endlessly to meet his hero, urging the volunteers to send a word to Hazare and clear the heavy security cordon.