Hazare's agitation gathers steam online

More than 40,700 netizens have already joined the Facebook page of the movement 'India Against Corruption'

More than 40,700 netizens have already joined the Facebook page of the movement 'India Against Corruption'

Jantar Mantar remains the focal point of activity, but the fight against corruption isn't being fought only on the streets. As Anna Hazare continues his fast-unto-death, demanding a more stringent anti-corruption law, those who can't make it to the concourse are showing their solidarity through the Internet.

All is well:Doctors examine social activist Anna Hazare at Jantar Mantar
in New Delhi on Wednesday, the 2nd day of his fast. Pic/Rajeev Tyagi

Social networking sites are flooded with updates and requests to join the fight against corruption. A group by the name "Join Anna Hazare in fast unto death to demand anti-corruption law" has seen more than 7,500 people joining in the past 48 hours.

People's movement
The official Facebook page of 'India Against Corruption' now has been joined by more than 40,700 users. The activists have set up a helpline at Jantar Mantar (09718500606) with six people to receive calls. Hazare's aides say they have been receiving numerous calls from even the remotest corners of the country. Their 'missed call number' in Mumbai (9122- 61550789) has received almost 2.5 lakh calls so far.

Facebook and Twitter have seen around 45-50 updates per minute on Hazare. Users are updating their views and are asking others to join the cause. Even the Google Trend shows that keywords like Anna Hazare and Lokpal Bill have been among the top 10 searches by netizens in India in the last two days.

'Protest like an Egyptian'
Some Facebook users are looking at this crusade in the context of the movement in Egypt. Rishab Manocha wrote on Facebook: "It was Egypt and Libya...And now we will see same in India. Let this protest go on; we are with Anna Hazare."

Many young students and college-goers came to see the Gandhian ideologist at Jantar Mantar. "I read it in newspapers how Anna Hazare is on hunger strike to change the system for a better future. I couldn't do anything other than supporting him by coming here. I have clicked his picture and will share it with other friends on social networking websites," said Harsh Vardhan, a resident of Sheikh Sarai area.

Similarly, cyclist Gaurav Jain came to Jantar Mantar on his trek bike and has decided to starve for day to support the cause. "On Tuesday I came on my trek bike from Rajghat to India Gate and then to Jantar Manar to fight against corruption and support Hazare. I have decided to starve for a day and to be with the cause till the end," he added.

Politicians not allowed
Political leaders trying to meet anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare at the fasting site here were on Thursday prevented from speaking to him by his supporters, prompting a rebuke from the Gandhian who said they should listen to all shades of views.

RLD chief Ajit Singh, INLD president Om Prakash Chautala and Hindutva leader Uma Bharti along with their supporters reached Jantar Mantar separately where Hazare was sitting on a indefinite fast demanding 'Jan Lokpal Bill' since Wednesday.

As soon as the leaders arrived, Hazare's supporters shouted slogans and prevented them from going on the dais and discussing issues with the 72-year-old activist. The leaders beat a hasty retreat without meeting Hazare.

History of the bill
The first mention of an anti-corruption ombudsman (Lokpal) was made in the early 1960s when Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister. But it was in 1966 that a Lokpal was proposed at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states.
In 1968, a Lokpal Bill was presented for the first time in the fourth Lok Sabha. The House passed it in 1969. But while it was pending, LS was dissolved.

The Bill was revived in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998 and 2001. But each time, it was referred to some committee of Parliament. The government has now prepared a rough draft of the Bill.

A fresh movement for an effective Lokpal began in 2010 after a series of scams. An alternative draft - Jan Lokpal Billu00a0- was prepared by activists India Against Corruption under the guidance of Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan.

Pawar steps down

The sub-committee on the Lokpal bill is headed by Defence Minister A.K. Antony. Apart from Sibal, its members were Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Law Minister M Veerappa Moily. After questions were raised about their credibility by Hazare's supporters, Pawar decided to resign from the GoM on Wednesday.

Aamir's request

Aamir Khan Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him to pay heed to the voice of Anna Hazare.

"I am merely one of many who fully support Hazare, and have come to appreciate that this upright 72-year-old man is willing to sacrifice his life in the fight against corruption," wrote Aamir Khan, in his letter, to the PM. Khan described himself as "one of over billion citizens of this country who is affected by corruption".

Letteru00a0to PM

Hazare wrote an open letter to PM Manmohan Singh on Wednesday, raising many questions and seeking his reply. "It is being alleged that I am being instigated by some people to sit on this fast. Dear Manmohan Singh ji, this is an insult to my sense of wisdom and intelligence. I am not a kid that I could be "instigated" into going on an indefinite fast.

I am pained that the government, rather than addressing the issue of corruption, is trying to allege conspiracies, when there are none," Hazare wrote in the letter. "It is being said that I have shown impatience when the government has "initiated" the process. I would urge you to tell meu00a0- exactly what processes are underway?" he asked in the letter.

Celebs tweet support

I support Anna Hazare's fast for national debate on Lokpal Bill. Atleast need Parliament to come out and respond to issue. People like Anna Hazare will force a people's movement against the system. Like Gandhi did against the British."u00a0
- Shekhar Kapur, filmmaker

"When somebody is fighting corruption, I don't judge his ways. I applaud his intentions and actions. I am with Anna Hazare. Are you? (sic),"u00a0u00a0
- Anupam Kher, actor

"Finally, people are voicing strong support for a man that has, should and will be a great example to our generation. I support Anna Hazare."u00a0
- Diya Mirza, actress

"That it takes an Anna Hazare fasting unto death to effect systemic change is comment enough. Corruption part of our DNA."u00a0
- Rahul Bose, actor and activist
u00a0
"I am complete and absolute supporter of Shri Anna Hazare! All those with a conscience and a clean heart speak up.u00a0
- Juhi Chawla, actress