Citizens positive to Anna Hazare’s call

Villagers of Ralegan Siddhi, where anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare resides, on Tuesday organised a vehicle procession to the Ahmednager district collectorate in accordance with Hazare’s clarion call to the nation to start a massive protest movement against the Union government’s decision to overlook Team Anna’s suggestions for a strong Lokpal Bill.

Hazare had appealed to people to organise rallies, candlelight marches and public burning of the government’s draft of the Lokpal Bill from August 9, coinciding with the anniversary of the Quit India movement of 1942.

This, he reasoned, would build up a strong nationalistic fervour before he himself starts his fast to death from August 16, for a strong Lokpal Bill.

More than 300 villagers on two- and four-wheelers took part in the procession. Carrying the Tricolour, they raised slogans against the weak Lokpal Bill. Eknath Bhalekar, a resident of Ralegan Siddhi, said they would hold rallies in the village.

In Pune, various organisations organised rallies and marches on Tuesday. Trupti Desai of Bhumata Brigade organised a two-wheeler procession from Swargate to Pune station to mark the anniversary of the ‘Quit India movement.’

India Against Corruption (IAC), the umbrella body working for a strong Lokpal Bill, organised a peace procession from Sarasbaug to Savarkar memorial in Kothrud in the evening. Activists BB Somani, Sandeep Khardekar and others were present for the occasion.