A jam-packed Metro train from Gurgaon almost got empty at New Delhi station at 3.30pm on Monday. A large number of young people wearing Anna caps and shouting slogans came out of the coaches. And it's evident that all of them were heading towards Ramlila Maidan.
Minutes later, another train from Jahangirpuri reached New Delhi station. As soon as the doors opened, a crowd entered the train and coaches got almost packed.
Minutes later, another train from Jahangirpuri reached New Delhi station. As soon as the doors opened, a crowd entered the train and coaches got almost packed.
Some youths shouted "Vande Mataram" and no one was complaining. Almost everyone was talking about how corruption has crept into the system and every level of governance. Commuters immediately relate to the speakers the moment they start talking about the bribe they end up paying even for making a passport.
One of them said, "It starts from the day you apply for a passport. The cop who comes for verification has to be offered something and the postman who delivers the passport takes a tip. It is no different when one applies for a passport through the Tatkal scheme."
Soon, several others joined them. The issue of corruption in the issuing of a passport and driving licence was commonly discussed among the passengers. Then one of the members of a small group said how one can get the best and maximum information on the protest sitting in front of television.
"At Ramlila Maidan, you don't get any clue of what's happening on the podium," he said. Immediately, another member rebutted, saying, "If everyone sits in front of the television, how will the movement continue?"
Without wasting a minute, the other man who started the debate, said, "Yahan to aana zaroori hai, chahe kuchh bhi ho (We must visit Ramlila Maidan come what may)."
In another part of the same coach, a young mother with her daughter with an Anna cap was busy in an intense conversation with another elderly woman. It could be easily made out that all the three were returning from Ramlila Maidan. The elderly woman said, "You can't get anything done without paying a bribe. From a birth certificate to death certificate, you have to grease government employees' palms every time."
As two women got into a serious discussion, the young girl listened to them intently, suggesting that even she wanted the country to be free from corruption.