Mumbai: Though the government has shown
willingness to break the logjam over Jan Lokpal Bill by having
a debate in Parliament, Hazare's supporters at Azad Maidan
here were not in celebration mood and instead were gearing up
to intensify the agitation if no resolution came forth.
"Until our demands are met, we will not break our fast.
We will wait for 24 hours. If there is no productive outcome,
then we intend to fill up jails...sit on roads," Mayank
Gandhi, Mumbai unit in-charge of India Against Corruption
(IAC), told agency.
Nineteen IAC activists are on a fast here. "We will break
our fast only with Anna. We are with him. It is good news that
government has agreed to hold discussion in Parliament but we
are not in a mood to celebrate," said Dr Ratna Magotra who is
on fast from August 16.
70-year-old AB Chavan, a resident of suburban Malad,
said "I will continue my fast as long as Anna does. As our
intention is good and will-power intact, we will win."
Madhu Padaya, another activist, did not give up the fast
though her husband Anupam had to discontinue as his health
deteriorated. "My husband was not just fasting but also
co-ordinating the movement. So, he was requested to quit. I
will continue the fast," she said.
As Hazare entered the tenth day of his fast, support for
him continued to pour in from all quarters in the city.
A 'maha-rally' was organised from suburban Bandra to
Kurla. Over 5,000 people came out in support of Hazare.
Sassoon Dock was closed for some time as more than 1,500
people, including fishermen, seafood suppliers, exporters and
people from other allied activities took out a procession in
Hazare's support from Colaba to Azad Maidan.
Chanting slogan 'Khaya Hamara Bhi Chara, Jan Lokpal Bina
Desh Bechara', over 500 people took out a procession at
Bhandup. A buffalo was a part of the protest march.
PTI
First Published: Friday, August 26, 2011, 00:21