Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare’s indefinite fast on Monday entered its second day, and maintained its momentum. Belying scepticism that on working days, crowd would be thin, people thronged fast venue at Jantar Mantar and responded energetically to the call of the anti-graft activist.
“There is wave of protest against corruption; I feel that the government will have to bring a strong Lokpal Bill, or else, it’ll have to go,” Hazare said addressing supporters.
According to the health bulletin issued by the India Against Corruption (IAC), Hazare’s blood pressure was normal and pulse rate stable.
His associates, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai, entered the sixth day of the fast. While Anna concentrated on strong Lokpal, other members of the Team Anna reiterated their demand of constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations against 16 ministers including the prime minister. “We have been reiterating that we want an independent investigative agency that does not perform under any pressure,” said Kiran Bedi talking to reporters.
Protesters held
About 50 supporters of Anna protested outside the residence of Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar. A similar protest was organised on Saturday outside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence at 7 Race Course Road. Anna supporters gathered near Pawar's residence at 6 Janpath and shouted anti-government slogans. Delhi Police arrested and took them to Tughlaq Road police station. However, Team Anna disowned the protest.
“India Against Corruption (IAC) is not associated with the protest. We have not organised it,” IAC media coordinator Ashwathi Muralidharan said.