Bangalore braces for Anna storm

Bangaloreans are gearing up to welcome anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who arrives in the city on Saturday. Volunteers have taken it upon themselves to clean up the Freedom Park where Anna will address the people. At least 25 organisations will participate in rallies in which thousands of people are expected to participate. A cartoon exhibition showcasing Anna in various avatars will also be inaugurated at the park.

The first to greet Anna and his team will be the anti-corruption crusaders and freedom fighters from the state. “They will discuss the Lokpal bill and the way ahead for the movement. The Lokayukta issue will also be discussed at length, considering that Karnataka was an inspiration for a number of other states,” said Srinivas Allivilli of Saaku Corruption, who is also one of the coordinators of the event.

Anna will address the public in the afternoon at Freedom Park. A meeting with the volunteers of IAC has also been planned.

But the organisers are unwilling to answer the query over the number of people expected to turn up at Freedom Park.

According to Prithvi Reddy, Coordinator, IAC, “A number of organisations have called us to show their support. There will be at least 25 rallies from various parts of the city.  Number of schools and colleges will also be taking part. But when it comes to a number, your guess is as good as mine. We simply do not know how many people will be coming to the Park on Saturday. But we are preparing to the best of our abilities.”