Citizens join protest, support Anna

PUNE: Hundreds of people registered their support to social crusader Anna Hazare's three-day fast to press for a strong Lokpal bill on Tuesday. Participants said the Union government must take a firm stand against corruption.
Elaborate arrangements were made for the protest at the venue on the Mutha riverside near Bhide bridge in Deccan Gymkhana where people sat for a token fast.A pandal was put up with a stage for the relay fast. More than 200 chairs were placed for those on the relay fast organized by the city unit of India Against Corruption (IAC).
High definition speakers were made available to play patriotic songs, which created the right mood. Sajag Nagrik Manch president Vivek Velankar, president of Bhrastachar Virodhi Jan Andolan K D Pawar and other activists spoke on Lokpal and corruption during the relay fast and during knowledge-sharing sessions.
A projector was used to telecast agitations in support of Hazare from various parts of the country and also the discussion in Parliament on the Lokpal bill. Regular updates were being given to participants about the happenings in Mumbai and Delhi.
Experts shared details of the Lokpal bill tabled by the government and the Jan Lokpal bill prepared by Team Anna in the knowledge-sharing session. Senior citizens, college youths, professionals, women and volunteers registered their support for Hazare's agitation.
Some supporters took leave from work to participate in the movement. Mallinath Madgunaki, an employee of a private company, said, "I participated in the previous agitation held from August 16 this year. Corruption should be eradicated. It is our duty to come together and show our support to Anna Hazare who is fighting for a national cause. I have taken two days official leave for the agitation. I expect others to take leave and record their support for the agitation."
Mahadev Joshi, a senior citizen and resident of Kothrud area, said, "We are fed up of corruption and lengthy procedures in governance. There are some senior citizens like Anna Hazare, who are motivating the society and bringing the nation together to fight against the corruption."
Raisa Sheikh, a resident of Gultekdi area, who is contesting the civic elections on behalf of Pune Nagrik Sanghatana, said, "Citizens should think about the objective behind the movement and participate. If a senior citizen like Anna can fight for our rights and for eradicating corruption, people must come together and cooperate".
Kishor Prasad, a Khadki resident and an employee of a pharmaceutical company, said, "As citizens of the country, we should come together and press for a strong Lokpal to bring an impartial and transparent system in the country. I don't know whether corruption will stop, but I am sure such movements and agitation will keep the people concerned on their toes. We need a time-bound programme to ensure effective governance. If we have to pay huge bribes, what will be the situation in the villages?"
Avinash Patil, a competitive exams aspirant, had some reservations. He said, "I support the agitation against corruption. I feel Lokpal bill should be passed without harming the constitutional framework. Corruption is a mindset which cannot be eradicated only by passing bills and by creating independent bodies. There should be strong opposition to corruption through peoples' actions. If all of us stop paying bribes, this malpractice can be curbed."
S V Tare, a retired bank employee who lives in Karvenagar, said, "It is difficult to stop corruption in our society, but such agitation will bring down the level of corruption. The agitation should succeed, otherwise the belief of the common man in democracy and in the system will be affected".
Kiran Dabhale, a management student who is a volunteer for the agitation, said, "It is a shame that we have to have an agitation against corruption and press for a strong bill and independent bodies to curb corruption. Change of government cannot solve the problem of corruption as it is in our system. If the Lokpal bill is passed and implemented, at least the level of the corruption will decrease".
Gokul Ojha, a youth from Kondhwa, who runs an organization, said, "Anna's agitation motivated many youths like me in the country. He is a leader with clear vision. I and my brothers are participating in the agitation for next three days. I convinced my employees and requested them to participate to record their support to the demand for a strong Lokpal."