Some people who are on extended leave just to join the anti-corruption movement travelled to South Mumbai to participate in one of the biggest rallies in support of Hazare despite the fear of being detained.
A sea of humanity converged at Azad Maidan for the second consecutive day on Wednesday to express their solidarity with Anna Hazare.
Some people who are on extended leave just to join the anti-corruption movement travelled to South Mumbai to participate in one of the biggest rallies in support of Hazare despite the fear of being detained.
Business developer Aniket Mehta and his friend Shubhang Talwar did not hesitate to miss work to be part of what Hazare calls the second freedom struggle. “We had been thinking of joining the movement. We wanted to be part of it ever since we saw it on TV, but didn’t know where to start,” said Mehta.
“When we got to know of the rallies here, we decided to skip work and participate. Looking at the fabulous response, we may even extend our leave.”
Some others are so gung-ho about the ‘national movement against corruption’, that they have either quit their jobs or have decided to resume work only after the Jan Lokpal Bill sees the light of day.
“I decided to quit my job when I heard about this movement,” said Rajesh Unnikrishnan. “I have lived in the UK for six years but moved to India as I felt nostalgic about my country. But the system here is too corrupt. I wanted to do something about it. Now, I will fight till the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed in Parliament.” He said he may take up odd jobs if the clearance of the Bill takes a really long time. As of now, he is surviving on his savings and his wife’s income.
“I left my job last May. It was around that time when I met people working for India Against Corruption. I have always wanted to do something for my country and now I feel I am doing something,” said Naresh Thakur, who quit as assistant manager at Three Global Services, an MNC, with the intention of taking up challenges for India’s benefit.
He said he is surviving on his savings and has no idea about his future source of income.
People’s anger against corruption and the corrupt is palpable. “Everyone should devote seven days of their life for the country. I am fasting for seven days. I was upset at the PM’s Independence Day speech. If fasting and non-violent means of protest are wrong, what does he think Gandhi was doing?” asked 43-year-old marketing executive Kailash Wagh.
Despite the peaceful protests, around 2,500 people were detained across Maharashtra on Wednesday. There were no detentions in the city.
The Diamond Merchants Association also organised a rally from Panchatantra building to Azad Maidan. Around 4,000 traders took part. “This is a way of showing solidarity with Hazare. We support him as the bill the government plans to place is rubbish. We may not agree with Anna, but that does not mean we don’t talk to him. The government must negotiate with him across the table,” said Sanjay Kothari, member of the association.
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