New Delhi: Anna supporters can be seen in huge numbers - outside Tihar Jail where Anna Hazare is staying, at Chhatrasal Stadium, where protesters were held and at JP Park, where Anna Hazare was to fast. They came in all shapes and sizes - some on their feet and some even on wheels.
So, who are the faces behind thousands of people out on the streets of Delhi - waving the national flag, passionately screaming slogans and sometimes even doing the things they would usually not do.
Mohammad is a driver and he doesn't know what the Lokpal or the Jan Lokpal Bill is, but he learnt about the 74-year-old man dressed in white with a Gandhi cap when he saw him on television on Wednesday morning. He was moved. So Mohammad came to Tihar Jail early this morning to show his support.
"I saw him on the news, so I come here to support him," said Mohammad.
Pramod, a student from Bihar, however knows both Anna and the two anti corruption bills behind this standoff. He came all the way to tell Anna - I am with you.
"The Government should just let him go," said Pramod.
What started as a crowd of just about 80 people outside the Tihar Jail practically tripled in number by the end of the day, with residents from neighbouring houses and students from nearby schools and colleges joining in the protest.
At Chhatrasal Stadium, Gaurav Gupta, an architect from Rourkee may seem like he's here for the publicity - deciding to make an entry on roller skates. But he says he just wants to be different. Picked up by the police on Tuesday, he spent the entire night at Chhatrasal Stadium and plans to be here till Anna Hazare is released.
"I thought this is the right time when I can rightfully and effectively contribute to the democracy," said Gaurav.
At Jai Prakash Narayan Park, where Anna Hazare had wanted to fast, 72-year-old Ranjit Singh, who is partially blind, said he will support Anna till his last breath. In the last seven decades, no one, he says, has moved him the way Anna has.
"I am ready to die, not just for Anna, but for all these people," said Ranjit Singh.
Groups of massive crowds have become a common sight for the last two days, where no two people are alike, but each one of them agrees that they have come because they wanted to be here and be counted.
0 comments:
Post a Comment