17 August,2011 09:49 AM IST | | Amit Kumar
Once again, the government failed to deal with the Anna Hazare protest, as its decision to free him backfired. The Gandhian refused to come out of Tihar Jail if the release was conditional. As a result, by midnight, not only Chhatrasal Stadium, a venue that was turned into a detention centre for those who came from different parts of the country to support Anna, was the focal point for his supporters, but thousands of people also gathered in front of Tihar Jail.
"Anna has refused to come out of jail. Until the conditions about the proposed protest are removed, he will not come out. He has made it clear that he will not secure a release with conditions," said Manish Sisodia, a member of Team Anna. Sisodia, after his release, again sat on dharna in front of Director General's office of Tihar Jail, demanding unconditional release for Anna.
Sisodia said Anna was insisting that he be allowed to hold his protest without conditions at Jai Prakash Narain Park or any other place, such as Jantar Mantar and Ramlila Maidan. Anna was arrested on Tuesday morning for insisting that he will defy the prohibition orders at JP Park and go ahead with his hunger strike.
Autos on strike
Meanwhile, commuters in the Capital might have to deal with a difficult Wednesday. One of the auto-rickshaw unions has called for a day-long strike to protest against Anna Hazare's arrest and more unions are expected to join in. "All auto drivers affiliated to our union have been asked to stay off the roads on Wednesday to mark our protest against Hazare's arrest," said Rakesh Agarwal of NyayaBhoomi.
He claimed the union has a membership of over 10,000 auto drivers. "Like all citizens of the country, auto drivers are badly affected by corruption. And we condemn the way the government is trying to crush the anti-corruption movement led by Hazare," said Agarwal. He said all auto-drivers belonging to the union have been asked to participate in a protest march, India Gate to Parliament House, on Wednesday.
