when mumbai walked with Anna
Mumbai: Ahead of his proposed fast-unto-death in New Delhi on August 16, supporters of anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare held a torch rally in Mumbai on Tuesday demanding a strong Lokpal Bill. Thousands of Mumbaikars marched from Azad Maidan to August Kranti Maidan, shouting slogans in favour of the bill. Mr Hazare is opposed to the government's version of the Lokpal Bill that was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 4. The bill, among several other crucial points, excludes the Prime Minister from its ambit, something that civil society activists led by Mr Hazare have been demanding.
Mr Hazare had, in April, led a week-long fast in the national capital demanding for the inclusion of civil society in framing of a strong Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizens' Ombudsman Bill) to fight corruption. His agitation galvanised thousands across the country, turning it into a modern-day mass movement. The government finally gave in to the Gandhian's demands. Thus, a Joint Drafting Committee was constituted for the Lokpal Bill that comprised five members from the government and five from the civil society led by Mr Hazare.
But after nine arduous meetings, at times confrontational, both parties were unable to arrive at a consensus over the broader points of the bill.
8.30 am
Anti-graft crusaders assemble outside Dadar station to participate in the India Against Corruption rally. Senior citizens are joined by young students from Anandratri Vidyalaya, Santacruz and chant slogans 'Inquilab Zindabad, Anna Hazare, aage badho hum tumhare saath hain.' AR Pathan, a retired policeman, said, "This is our second freedom struggle against the cancer of corruption."
9.00 am
The 74-year-old crusader Anna Hazare arrives and lights a torch to symbolise the start of the protest. The rally begins.
9.30 am
Members of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association greet Anna Hazare.
10.30 am
People make their way to Azad Maidan and sing patriotic songs. While Vinod Shenbaga, a local, chose to take a day off from work, Sanchita Pawar, a Xavier's student, missed class to join the rally.
12.30 am
By mid-afternoon the crowd grows, with protesters condemning politicians.
2.00 pm
Huge crowds of businessmen's associations throng to the maidan. They move to Churchgate station and the Gateway of India to garner additional support.
5.30 pm
Anna Hazare arrives at Press Club for the conference. Hazare and Kejriwal request people to switch off their lights from 8 to 9 pm on August 15 and request citizens to refrain from going to work from August 16.
6.00 pm
Hazare arrives at Azad Maidan to lead a torch rally to August Kranti