Ramdev sit-in, Anna fast did Ramlila one good turn: Maidan all laid out

Ramdev’s protest and Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption fast have done Ramlila organisers one big favour. Because of their sit-ins, the Ramlila grounds are in a much better shape than previous years.

Preparations are on in full swing and security has been stepped up at the venue as organisers gear for the upcoming Dussehra festival.

According to police, CCTV cameras have been installed and additional security forces have been deployed around the venue, before Ramlila begins on September 28.

“The demos of CCTV cameras are complete. We will also have door frame metal detectors and channelisers at each gate of the venue, apart from police personnel for manual frisking. We have requested for additional companies of CRPF, who will be working in two or three shifts,” said Aslam Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central).

The route of the Ramlila procession, which begins from the Gauri Shankar temple and culminates at the Maidan everyday, will have stringent security measures.

“Policemen will accompany the procession. This year, we have also lessened the number of licences given to contractors for holding fair at the Ramlila Maidan. Only three people have been given licences for the mela,” Khan said.

Meanwhile, preparations are on at Ramlila Maidan, with labourers and contractors working full-time to get the ground ready for the Ramlila. Colourful pandals have come up on the grounds, being levelled by the MCD.

Pradeep Gupta (40), a member of the Ramlila Committee said the authorities have been extremely co-operative.

“The ground needed serious repairing after hosting the two anti-corruption fasts. The MCD has been leveling the surface with the help of red sand and stones. Later, they will line the boundaries with white powder, giving the whole place an immaculate look. Preparations will also be made for sanitation and drinking water,” Gupta said.

The main Ramlila stage is divided into three parts — the Ravan Durbar, Ram Durbar and Ashok Vatika. Elaborate sets, including props such as trees, palaces, jungles, waterfalls, wells, huts and demons are being prepared to “give a feel of the scene”, Gupta said.

The stage is double storied and all the “sky scenes” will be enacted from the upper floor, done up in navy blue drapes.

The sitting area is covered in bright red, pink, purple and yellow curtains, with rows of lights dotting the venue. Backstage, it is a volley of colours as Shyam Sunder Daksh, the set decorator from Mathura, decorates the stage with his 20-member team.

Daksh, who learnt the art from his ancestors, has been decorating the Ramlila stage for the past 35 years. “We come to Delhi from Mathura every year and try to do something innovative each time,” he said.

The other half of Ramlila Maidan — dotted with swings and stalls, which were put up three days ago — will be removed two days after Dussehra. Organisers said 25,000-30,000 visitors are expected to visit the mela everyday.

‘Jan Lok Pal Express' to roll into Mumbai today

India Against Corruption volunteers will board a local train from Borilivi station

The ‘Jan Lok Pal Express' will roll into Mumbai on Saturday — in it, Anna Hazare supporters will spread the word on the Bill among the city's train commuters.

Volunteers of India Against Corruption (IAC) will board the 10.57 a.m. Churchgate-bound local train from suburban Borilivi station. “We will be using the public announcement system [for spreading awareness on the movement]. The motormen have allowed us 20-minute slots to speak about the Jan Lok Pal,” said campaign coordinator Mayank Gandhi.

The supporters have also planned a 1-lakh march on Sunday, along the lines of the recent million man march at the Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.

A group of physically challenged people belonging to the Disabled Sports Federation (DSF) have also jumped into the fray. Disability was no deterrent to four sportspersons from the Federation, three of whom were on crutches, to come from faraway suburbs. Prakash Nadar, from the Federation, said the DSF was planning a rally on Sunday at the Azad Maidan. “There is a Ministry for us and special funds, but when do they ever reach us? If corruption ends, perhaps we will get what is due to us. I had met Anna when he came to the August Kranti Maidan. I told him about my activities and work. He told me: ‘you are not disabled; it's the others who are disabled.' I liked that,” he said.

Another physically challenged person Ramesh Sartape said: “Anna's cause is right. He did the right thing by releasing himself and not walking out when the government released him. This cause is very important.”

People in Ralegan Siddhi come together in support of Anna Hazare

“This is not the age to fast. He should spread his message through dialogue”

The celebrations are on at the main village square. But inside Anna Hazare's brother's home here the mood is sombre.

On Friday afternoon, the news that he has he has left the Tihar Jail for the Ramlila Grounds in Delhi reaches Mr. Hazare's family, all huddled in front of the television set.

“He hasn't eaten for four days. The government should agree to his demands at least now. This is not the age to fast. He should spread his message through dialogue,” Mr. Hazare's sister-in-law Kantabai tells The Hindu. The pride that the family feels for him as the television anchor says that “he is now ready to lead the nation in its second struggle of independence” does not hide the anxiety. “He has always been adamant. Once he takes up an issue, he will always fight for it till the end. Our mother used to fast with him in the earlier days, but even then he wouldn't give up,” says his brother Maruti Hazare.

“I was in Delhi for the last three days, but I hardly got to see him. We haven't spoken to him on the phone since the last two weeks,” says Anna's nephew Ganesh.

Kantabai says the family has not cooked for the past two days. “We don't have any option but to watch. But he is doing this for the country. I am sure the fight will be successful,” says Ganesh.

PROCESSION OF DEITY





Outside the Yadavbaba temple, which Mr. Anna Hazare has made his home, and at the main square, the stage is set for the celebration of ‘freedom from corruption.' Slogans in support of Anna are a constant throughout the day.

The focus of Ralegan Siddhi residents is on the happenings in Delhi. In the morning, the locals participate in the procession of the village deity, Yadavbaba. “Anna worships Him, and so do we. This will give him energy to go on,” says Shanta Gaikwad.

People from various villages come to Ralegan Siddhi to show solidarity.

S.T. Padhir, who came from Hiwre Bazaar, a village in Ahmednagar district that has emulated the principles of rural development for which Ralegan Siddhi stands for, says: “Our village has benefited from Anna's ideals. So we had to come here in support.” Later in the day, the villagers take out a candlelight march.