Pro-Anna chants reverberate as 2 lakh people hit the streets

Support for the social activist has been swelling to unbelievable proportions at the Freedom Park and other parts of the city and is creating a ripple effect of sorts

Support for the social activist has been swelling to unbelievable proportions at the Freedom Park and other parts of the city and is creating a ripple effect of sorts
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The recent developments leading to the arrest of Anna Hazare, and his refusal to leave Tihar Jail, has not only sent ripples of a revolution across the country, but has brought over 2 lakh supporters out onto the streets in a show of solidarity to his cause.


Worthy cause: Santosh Hedge addresses the protestors who has
gathered at Freedom Park yesterday. Pic/Ramesh HS

Hazare's anti-corruption movement is steadily gaining momentum and the fight for a stronger Jan Lokpal Bill grows more intense with each passing day. Even as thousands gathered outside the Tihar Jail, to witness history in the making, hundreds more came together across the city to mark their support for the man and his initiative. Anti-corruption sentiments ran high amongst supporters at the Freedom Park and while some held the national flag high, others chanted anti-government slogans and an equal number sat in silent protest.

United in will
Well-known personalities and common folk converged as one, defying the driving rain and chaotic traffic as they made their way towards Freedom Park. More supporters joined the groups converging on the venue from all across the city and the number swelled to over 2 lakh supporters by nightfall.

Over 2,000 people, including school and college students, faculty members, historians IT employees, NGO's and activists sat on an indefinite hunger strike in the true Gandhian sense. Former Lokayukta Santosh Hedge also reached the Freedom Park to show his support.

Among some known faces was Captain Gopinath, Magsaysay Award winner Harish Hande, Veteran Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy along with thousands from various associations, unions etc. While patriotic songs filled the air at the Freedom Park, groups of musicians and artists carried out their own protest at different locations in the city.

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