Slogans “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” rent the air as tricolour-waving supporters staged a protest outside Chhatrasal Stadium against Delhi police’s preventive detention of Gandhian Anna Hazare. The crowd refused to budge, unmindful of the rainy weather. “We will stay here tonight through rain,” announced a supporter carrying a mike and customised speakers.
People
carried placards reading, “Annaji sangharsh karo hum tumhare saath hain”, “Rahul tum ek kaam karo, chudi pehan ke dance karo”, “Origin of Ganga — Gomukh Gangotri, origin of corruption — Parliament”.
Over 15,000 people from across the country from all walks of life and sections gathered outside the stadium in support of Anna.
“I have come here to lend my support to a pious man who is fighting for all of us. I am ready to court arrest. I support Anna because he is our well-wisher,” said Guddi, a maid servant.
Rajendra Dhull, principal of a college in Kaithal, Haryana, said that he never misses any programme of Anna.
“Anna has been asked not to go on fast, what about those who do not get one meal a day in the interiors of Orissa and Bihar because these leaders are eating their share. This is just a beginning. I am hopeful soon this protest will transform into a revolution as in Libya and Egypt”.
“I have taken a week’s leave to express my solidarity with Anna. I have worked enough for my family, now I want to work for my country. After retirement that is due in coming November, I will become Anna’s associate,” said B.D. Joshi, a government servant.
“Nepotism has spread its tentacles everywhere. I am forced to work with a contractor despite being a graduate while less educated are in government jobs,” said Praveen Bhardwaj who had come from Sonepat.
“The government is nervous, hence it is coming up with these mindless tactics,” said Daljit Singh, an Anna supporter.