72yr Anna Hazare on indefinite fast, demands Jan Lokpal Bill

72yrs old Anna Hazare Announces Fast Unto Death to Save the Future of us and for our Children
1 man fighting for 1210000000 (1.21 billion)

About Anna Hazare :



Dr.Kisan Baburao Hazare, popularly known as Anna Hazare (b. June 15, 1938), is an Indian social activist who is especially recognized for his contribution to the development of Ralegan Siddhi, a village in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India and his efforts for establishing it as a model village, for which he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by Govt. of India, in 1992. On April 5, 2011, he has started a fast unto death to make a pressure on union government to enact a law on Lokpal that deals with corruption in public offices.



Veteran social activist Anna Hazare on 5 april began a fast-unto-death in the capital demanding enactment of a comprehensive Jan Lokpal Bill to give wider powers to Ombudsman to check corruption.



It's a fight to the finish for citizens' rights: Anna Hazare


Joined by scores of people including noted reformist Swami Agnivesh, former IPS officer and activist Kiran Bedi and Magsaysay award winner Sandeep Pandey, 72-year-old Hazare began his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
"I will observe fast-unto-death till the government agrees to form a joint committee comprising 50 per cent officials and the remaining citizens and intellectuals to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill," Hazare said at Rajghat.

He then proceeded to India Gate in an open jeep where tricolour waving supporters, including school students were present.
Hazare went ahead with his agitation despite the Prime Minister's Office last night expressing disappointment over his decision to go on fast unto death. The PMO release said that the Prime Minister has enormous respect for Hazare and his mission.
"The Prime Minister says we trust you (Hazare), we respect you. But, then why did the PM not sit with us even once after the meeting last month," Hazare said.

The anti-corruption crusader said he was disappointed after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had in the last meeting with social activists over the proposed law to tackle corruption rejected their demand for a joint committee.

"If the government alone drafts this bill, it will be autocratic not democratic, there will be discrepancies," Hazare, who has observed fast to protest against corruption many times in the past too, said.
He lamented that views of eminent persons like Justice (Retd) Santosh Hegde, lawyer Prashant Bhushan and Agnivesh "were not considered important by the government".

Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav, who was present to show solidarty with Hazare, said he was convinced that the Jan Lokpal Bill was the need of the hour to tackle corruption in the country.
"Just as Election Commission and Supreme Court are effective bodies, similarly an institution which is to fight corruption has to be equally powerful," Yadav said
"I approve of the draft prepared by Hazareji and others. I am willing to back it in Parliament," Yadav said.

Hazare's supporters held banners demanding enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill at the earliest and claimed that at least six lakh people had vouched their support to the anti-corruption drive by signing a letter.
"All the activists present here would be on a day-long hunger strike, but, Hazareji, would continue his fast till the government agrees," Kiran Bedi, also a Magsaysay award winner, told the gathering.
She urged people across the country to join Hazare in this "crucial demand" for an effective anti-corruption legislation and said all citizens should observe a day-long fast.

"We need bodies like the Lokayukta to stem corruption at state-level. We all know what is the condition of the only one that is presently functional... in Karnataka. He is fighting a battle himself," Bedi said.




Hazare's crusade against corruption gets nationwide support

NEW DELHI: Support for social activist Anna Hazare for his campaign against corruption and for the Jan Lokpal Bill swelled on Thursday with tens of thousands of people in scores of cities across the country responding to his indefinite fast.

In Bangalore, four techies and MBAs joined the hunger fast even as people rallied in support of the 71-year-old Magsaysay award winner. In Mumbai, 25 people went on indefinite hunger fast in solidarity with Hazare.

National Advisory Council (NAC) member Aruna Roy lent her full support to Hazare in Jaipur saying the Lok Pal Bill needs wider consultation. "This is only the beginning of a (struggle for) a seminal legislation which is the basis of people's hope to build a more accountable system," Roy said.

Hazare got more traction in Rajasthan with NGOs staging demonstrations in various towns and cities. There were candle-holding processionists at the statue circle in Jaipur on Tuesday evening.

In Chandigarh, Gandhian Sham Lal began his hunger strike even as several people and organisations in towns and cities across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh joined Hazare's fight against corruption.

While Kultar Singh Sandhwan, grandson of Giani Zail Singh, too threatened to start a hunger strike, social activists in Sangrur are on dharna outside the deputy commissioner's office. There were protests in Sirsa, Jind, Rewari, Ambala and Kurukshetra against increasing corruption. Many others from Haryana are leaving for Delhi to join Hazare's fast.

Supporting Hazare in Lucknow are people from across the society. Teachers, lawyers, social activists, senior citizens, students, trade and bank unions came forward and pledged support to citizens movement to demand a strong anti-corruption law and Jan Lokpal.

"We'll spend two to three hours protesting every day until the demand for a comprehensive Lokpal Bill is met," said RB Singh, secretary, Lucknow University Teachers Association.

The villagers of Ralegan Siddhi, where Hazare lives, will observe a bandh on April 7 in solidarity with his indefinite hunger strike. Ralegan Siddhi sarpanch Jaisingh Mapari said that villagers hoisted black flags on April 4 as a mark of protest against the government.

"After Thursday's bandh, the villagers will begin a chain hunger strike for two days. On April 11, a morcha will be taken to the Parner tehsil office and a jail bharo agitation will be launched from April 12 as asked for by Anna," Mapari said.

Around 60 villagers left for Delhi in two batches on Monday and Tuesday to sit with Hazare on his strike, he added.

Before leaving for Delhi, Hazare had told villagers that he would not return until his demand was met by the Centre. He also told the villagers that in the event of his death, his body should be brought to Ralegan Siddhi and buried under the first step of the Yadavbaba temple (village deity).




What is Lokpal Bill

The Lokpal will be a three-member body with a chairperson who is or was a chief justice or Supreme Court judge, and two members who are or have been high courts judges or chief justices.

Implementation of the Lokpal bill will hopefully reduce corruption in India.

The basic idea of the Lokpal is borrowed from the office of the ombudsman in other countries.
It provides for filing complaints of corruption against the prime minister , other ministers and members of parliament with the ombudsman.

Anyone, except for a public servant , can file a complaint and the Lokpal has to complete the inquiry within six months.

For 42 years, governments have tried to put in place the law.

The bill was for the first time presented during the fourth Lok Sabha in 1968, and was passed there in 1969. However, the Lok Sabha was dissolved , resulting in the first death of the bill.

It was revived in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008.

In September 2004, prime minister Manmohan Singh said the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government would lose no time in enacting the bill. But strong lobbies blocked it.

The Lokpal Bill, 2010, awaits an okay from a select committee.

Former chief justice of the Delhi high court and rights activist Rajinder Sachar feels the bill is "shamefully toothless and meant to give a false reassurance to the people that the government is serious in its fight against corruption" .

But former chief justice of India M N Venkatachelliah feels the PM must be out of its purview.

Re: Anna Hazare on indefinite fast, demands 'Jan Lokpal Bill

Anna Hazare begins indefinite fast,Thousands of people joined, DO WE SUPPORT HIM ? ---- YES I AM



Hazare, who had announced an indefinite hunger strike more than a month ago, has been demanding representation from civil society in drafting of the anti-graft Lokpal bill.

'I am here because Anna is risking his life for making the country corruption free,' said Ramesh Rajpal, who came to Jantar Mantar from Gurgaon to support the hunger strike.

Waving Indian flags and placards in support of a more effective anti-corruption law, the supporters gathered at Rajghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi Tuesday morning, where Hazare paid his homage to the Mahatma before starting the hunger strike. Supporters also thronged India Gate and Jantar Mantar, as the activist finally sat for his fast.

'I am going on a fast because we want representation from civil society in drafting the Lokpal Bill, 50 percent from civil society and 50 percent from government. If government frames the bill without people's participation, it will not be democracy, it will be bureaucracy,' Hazare told reporters before embarking on his fast at Jantar Mantar.
Waving Indian flags and placards in support of a more effective anti-corruption law, the supporters gathered at Rajghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi Tuesday morning, where Hazare paid his homage to the Mahatma before starting the hunger strike. Supporters also thronged India Gate and Jantar Mantar, as the activist finally sat for his fast.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday expressed 'deep disappointment' over Hazare's decision to go ahead with the planned hunger strike, but said he had enormous respect for the social worker and his mission. Fear of exposure by his ministers ...taklu puppet dumb PM




--- Hazare's supporters keep politicians away goooood
Political leaders trying to meet anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare at the fasting site in New Delhi were today prevented from speaking to him by his supporters, prompting a rebuke from the Gandhian who said they should listen to all shades of views.

Anna Hazare makes Maha CHOOOOOR Sharad Pawar back off
Social activist Anna Hazare today (April 6) rejected Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar's offer to quit from the Group of Ministers on Corruption and asked just how corrupt ministers will quit?

Sharad Pawar, who is under attack from anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare, today said he would be happy if he was relieved from the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Corruption. When asked to react on Hazare's remarks about him, Pawar made light of the issue, but said: "I will be happy if you relieve me from all GoMs, including that GoM (on corruption)".

Pawar was asked whether he was disturbed by the comments that he should not be part of the GoM on Corruption. Hazare, who has been on an indefinite fast here since yesterday, is pressing for enactment of the Lok Pal Bill with stringent measures against corruption. The seventy-two-year old social activist, supported by eminent persons including Kiran Bedi, has been demanding that the drafting committee for the Lok Pal Bill to tackle corruption should include members of civil society.

Displaying a lack of trust in some members of the GoM, he had said on Monday, "A minister like Sharad Pawar, who is known for possessing large amounts of land in Maharashtra, is heading a committee that will draft the Bill." The ministerial panel is headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and comprises Home Minister P Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister M K Alagiri and Telecommunications Minister Kapil Sibal.



Hazare continues fast, protest becomes national outcry
Anna Hazare's fast has entered its second day but Hazare stands firm on his demand on passing of the Lokpal bill. The Veteran social activist has also slammed the Govt, saying politicians are not to be trusted.

Hazare accused the Govt of not implementing any measures to check the rise of corruption in its cadres.

Ignoring Prime Minister's appeal, veteran social activist Anna Hazare yesterday began a fast-unto- death here to press for a comprehensive anti-corruption bill to give wider powers to the Ombudsman, a demand supported by BJP and JD (U).

Joined by scores of people including reformist Swami Agnivesh, former IPS officer and activist Kiran Bedi and Magsaysay award winner Sandeep Pandey, 72-year-old Hazare began his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his samadhi at Rajghat.

In his home state Maharashtra, anti-graft groups and activists too rooted for the cause with protesters taking to streets in Mumbai. "I will observe fast-unto-death till the government agrees to form a joint committee comprising 50 per cent officials and the remaining citizens and intellectuals to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill," Hazare said here.

Hazare went ahead with his agitation despite an appeal last night from the Prime Minister's Office which expressed disappointment over his decision to go on fast unto death.

Requesting Hazare to heed the PMO's appeal and engage in a discussion which could lead to enactment of a comprehensive legislation, the Congress described his agitation as "unnecessary" and "premature". It said the government had constituted a panel headed by Defence Minister A K Antony to
go into the issue.

"Prime Minister has already constituted a sub-committee headed by Antony..... When the process was already on, then adopting such a path is perhaps not appropriate, probably unnecessary. We respect Hazare very much.... The path he has adopted is premature," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters.

Noting that the PMO has appropriately articulated its disappointment over Hazare's course of action, he said in a democracy, "there is enough scope that if any constructive suggestion comes, amendments can be moved."

From Rajghat, Hazare proceeded to India Gate in an open jeep where tricolour waving supporters were present.

Appealing to Hazare to end his fast over the Lokpal Bill, the BJP asked the government to incorporate necessary changes in the proposed anti-corruption legislation so that it is more effective, and "not make it a prestige issue".

"The Lokpal Bill should become an effective and credible instrument for fighting corruption among bureaucrats and those in power.... The entire country is today waiting for effective action against the cancer of corruption. The wish of the people should be respected," BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The principal opposition demanded that the Centre convene an all-party meeting to discuss the 'Jan Lokpal Bill' issue.

"The Lokpal Bill has to be credible. Many good suggestions can be incorporated. Government should not make it a prestige issue," Prasad said.

Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav, who was present to show solidarity with Hazare, said he was convinced that the Jan Lokpal Bill was the need of the hour to tackle corruption in the country and said he was ready "to back it in Parliament".

"Just as Election Commission and Supreme Court are effective bodies, similarly an institution which is to fight corruption has to be equally powerful," Yadav said Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi also lent his support to Hazare.

"I lend personal support to Hazare and other activists for a comprehensive Lokpal bill for uprooting corruption," Modi told reporters on the sidelines of his 'Janata Darbar' programme in Patna.

The PMO release on Monday night said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has enormous respect for Hazare and his mission. "The Prime Minister says we trust you (Hazare), we respect you. But, then why did the PM not sit with us even once after the meeting last month," Hazare said.

The anti-corruption crusader said he was disappointed after Prime Minister had in the last meeting with social activists over the proposed law to tackle corruption rejected their demand for a joint committee.

"If the government alone drafts this bill, it will be autocratic not democratic, there will be discrepancies," Hazare, who has observed fast to protest against corruption many times in the past too, said.

During 'Gudi Padwa' celebrations in Hazare's village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district, villagers displayed their support by putting up black clothes in on their 'gudis' as a mark of protest against government.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and MPCC president Manikrao Thakre too asked Hazare to call off his fast.

Activists of the 'India Against Corruption' movement began a fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, to support Hazare.

A rally of around 100 cars and bikes was organised from Shivaji Park in central Mumbai to Azad Maidan this morning, as a part of the protest.

"Several people have pledged their support via text messages and e-mails. Others are fasting at their homes or offices," Mayank Gandhi of NGO Jagrut Nagrik Manch, claimed. In Delhi, Hazare's supporters held banners demanding enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill at the earliest and claimed that at least six lakh people had vouched their support to the anti-corruption drive by signing a letter.

"All the activists present here would be on a day-long hunger strike, but, Hazareji, would continue his fast till the government agrees," Kiran Bedi, also a Magsaysay award winner, told the gathering.

She urged people across the country to join Hazare in this "crucial demand" for an effective anti-corruption legislation and said all citizens should observe a day-long fast.

"We need bodies like the Lokayukta to stem corruption at state-level. We all know what is the condition of the only one that is presently functional... in Karnataka. He is fighting a battle himself," Bedi said.

Hazare's supporters staged sit-ins, took out peace marches and undertook fasts in Uttar Pradesh.

Meetings were held at several places where youths took pledges to wage a fight against corruption.

Re: 72yr Anna Hazare on indefinite fast, demands Jan Lokpal

Social activist Anna Hazare, who entered the second day of his indefinite fast, on Wednesday (April 6) slammed the Congress for "misleading" the people by dubbing his agitation as unnecessary and premature.

72-year-old Hazare, who is demanding enactment of an anti-corruption bill to give wider powers to the Ombudsman, said, "The party's (Congress) statement is misleading people. Why is this agitation unnecessary and how is it premature? 42 years the nation has been in need of such a bill. Why can't the government enact it?"

He asserted that he would not end his fast unto death till the government agrees to have citizens' participation in the drafting of the legislation.

When pointed out that the BJP too had embarked on a anti-corruption campaign today, the reformist said the party was taking advantage of the nationwide movement he had begun.

"But, they are a political party and are free to do as they wish. In the past too, when I agitated against corruption in the BJP government, the Congress party supported me. Now, its the other way around", Hazare said.

Yesterday, BJP leaders Maneka Gandhi and Prakash Javadekar visited Hazare's protest site at Jantar Mantar but did not make any speeches.

JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav too sat on the dais with Hazare and offered his support for the Jan Lokpal Bill and even said he was ready to take it up in Parliament.

Hazare said he would not allow politicians to sit with him on the dais anymore. The anti-corruption champion began his fast yesterday and has been joined by thousands of people.

Hazare said he did not have faith in the government or any political party and decided to take things in his own hands. "How can they say I am using pressure tactics? Just as we sought an audience with the Prime Minister for the Jan Lokpal bill, we also tried to meet Sonia Gandhi. She did not even reply", Hazare claimed.

On the response from the Prime Minister, the social activist said, "He (Prime Minister) should not turn a blind eye towards corruption in his government and should muster the courage to not succumb to the pressures of coalition politics".

He said this protest was different from his previous ones as he saw a national uprising against corruption.

Meanwhile, members of the GoM have also reacted this morning.Reacting to Anna Hazare's statement, Veerappa Moily today said, "Corruption has been an ongoing issue. We are anxious to bring the bill. We are ready with it and will present it in the next session of Parliament."

"We are ready to talk with Anna Hazare and any group on this issue. The Prime Minister has already appealed and we appreciate that he should take note and give up his fast."

Reiterating the government's stand on the matter Kapil Sibal added, "We have always been ready for a discussion but they wanted us to immediately agree to a joint committee. But as a sub group we did not have such powers. We asked them to give us a reasonable amount of time so that we could go back to the GoM. They did not agree to that but we are always ready to talk on the issue.


https://www.unp.me/

[B][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit][FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=3]Don't insult this movement, Hazare tells Manmohan[/SIZE][/FONT]

NEW DELHI:[/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit] [FONT=Arial]Anguished by the Congress-led coalition government's critical response to his agitation, veteran social activist [I]Anna Hazare wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday urging him to stop finding faults and suspect any conspiracies in the movement.[/I]

Hazare, whose indefinite fast for enactment of the Lokpal Bill with stringent measures against corruption has mobilized people across India, said that he was pained to read and hear about government's reaction to his stir.

In his letter to the PM, Hazare said that it was alleged that he was being instigated by some people to sit on this fast. "This is an insult to my sense of wisdom and intelligence. I am not a kid that I could be 'instigated' into going on an indefinite past. I am a fiercely independent person. I take advice from many friends and critics, but do what my conscience directs me to do," he wrote.

"It is my experience that when cornered, governments resort to such malicious slandering. I am pained that the government, rather than addressing the issue of corruption, is trying to allege conspiracies, where there are none," Hazare added.

( Read: Hazare's supporters keep politicians away )

The veteran, who has been on the fast for the last two days, expressed disappointment for being accused of showing impatience. "So far every government has shown complete insensitivity and lack of political commitment to tackling corruption. 62 years after independence, we still do not have independent and effective anti-corruption systems. Very weak versions of Lokpal Bill were presented in Parliament eight times in the last 42 years. Even these weak versions were not passed by Parliament. This means, left to themselves, the politicians and bureaucrats will never pass any law which subjects them to any kind of objective scrutiny. At a time, when the country has witnessed scams of unprecedented scale, the impatience of the entire country is justified."

Hazare concluded his two page letter by urging the PM to stop finding faults and suspecting conspiracies in "our movement". "There are none. Even if there were, it does not absolve you of your responsibilities to stop corruption," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari had said, "The Prime Minister has already constituted a sub-committee headed by Antony. When the process was already on, then adopting such a path is perhaps not appropriate, probably unnecessary. We respect Hazare very much, but the path he has adopted is premature."

Noting that the Prime Minister's Office has expressed disappointment over Hazare's decision, Tewari had said, "In a democracy, the government moves the Bill and Parliament enacts it. And in between there is enough scope that if any constructive suggestion comes, amendments can be moved."[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][B][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit]

[/FONT][/FONT][/B][CENTER]Note # Update your FACEBOOK . ORKUT etc.....show support for this movement.
[URL]http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/97.php?cl_tta_sign=041c7b7cb226c295591485dba89ed77d[/URL]


• • • • • [URL]http://www.annahazare.org/[/URL] • • • • •


Till now Over 1,00,000 followers on Facebook; over 7 lakh people express their solidarity through phone lines






Official Website of the Movement:
[url]http://indiaagainstcorruption.org/citycontacts.php[/url]
[/CENTER]

Re: 72yr Anna Hazare on indefinite fast, demands Jan Lokpal

Bollywood Celebs Support Anna Hazare

Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement has garnered support all over India and the world. Bollywood celebs also expressed their support for Anna through Twitter.com posts. Here’s what they said:
Priyanka chopra
Just read about Anna Hazare. It’s incredible to see the support he has received from across the country…Also what’s remarkable is the uprising of the youth of our country in support of Anna Hazare. I pledge my support to this cause.

Anupam Kher
Speaking up for Anna Hazare, Jan Lokpal and ONE BILLION INDIANS

Satish Kaushik
Corruption is killing our country from inside..pledging my support to today’s Gandhi Anna Hazare for his fight against corruption..


Purab Kohli
Know more About The Real Hero. annahazare.org


Celina Jaitly
Hazzare saab is equal to “anek hazaar”.. Every one has a Hazaare in them .. The frog in the well mentality continues to supress him..


Vishal Dadlani
How many of us will stand alongside Anna Hazare? The passing of the Lok Pal Bill is THE most important change we need to ensure in India.


Kunal Kapoor
Anna hazare has expressed what we all desire.. A corruption free nation.. A nation, where ppl in power, are NOT above the law!!


Anubhav Sinha
Want to go to Delhi to join the movement that has no political motives, fast with the people who are fighting for a better tomorrow.


Vivek Oberoi
Feelng deeply inspired by Anna Hazare &his incredible commitment 2giv us a better India, free frm the social disease of Corruption Jai Hind


Neha Dhupia
Tweeting In support of a positive democratic movement by Anna Hazare… Let’s all come together as a nation and fight Corruption!


Chetan Bhagat
In Anna Hazare’s support, launching “Mera Neta Chor Hai” campaign. Need ur support.


Pritish Nandy
Anna Hazare is the new JP. Like JP, he has inspired the young and shamed us all for being so tolerant of the corrupt.


Resul Pookutty
I support Anna Hazzare’s fast for national debate on Lokpal bill, a 72 year old man is fasting to make us realise our own contradictions! Its the indian middle class has to take a stand against corruption. Its them who doesn’t protest, its them who are most vulnerable. the power is in your finger tip, react now. An old man is showing us the truth! Years ago, an old, frail man walked with us and showed us…


Minissha Lamba
V all complain abt corruption. One man Anna Hazare, has decided to do something abt it! WE, THE PEOPLE r gonna make this a MOVEMENT!!


Dia Mirza
Finally people are voicing strong support for a man that has, should and will be a great example to our generation. I support Anna Hazare


Aamir Khan Supports Anna Hazare; Writes To The PM

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has pledged his support to Anna Hazare’s nationwide anti-corruption and Jan Lokpal movement in a letter written to the Gandhian leader, who is on a fast unto death at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Aamir Khan said that Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement had brought people together like never before. In fact, Aamir added, Anna Hazare deserved even more support than the Indian cricket team! The actor also wrote to the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh pleading him to support the people’s movement. “…with great hope and all humility that I request you to pay heed to the voice of Mr Anna Hazare. I would like to submit to you that the nation is slowly but surely collecting behind Mr Hazare in appreciation for what he is fighting for,” Aamir wrote to the PM.


Hrithik Roshan backs Hazare's stir

MUMBAI: Hrithik Roshan is the latest Bollywood personality to come out in support of noted social activist Anna Hazare, who is on a fast-unto-death in New Delhi demanding stringent anti-corruption law.

"I support Anna Hazare. It's TIME to make a CHANGE," Hrithik, who is shooting for 'Agnipath' here, said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, superstar Aamir Khan had written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, requesting him to consider Hazare's demand.

Filmmakers Shekhar Kapur and Madhur Bhandarkar, and veteran actor Anupam Kher have also backed the 72-year-old activist's anti-corruption campaign.

Priyanka also took the help of internet to voice her support.
‘Just read about Anna Hazare. It’s incredible to see the support he has received from across the country… Also what’s remarkable is the uprising of the youth of our country in support of Anna Hazare. I pledge my support to this cause,’ she said.

Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and actress Sonakshi Sinha also rallied behind the 72-year-old campaigner.


‘I support Anna Hazare. Our country has suffered from corruption for too long… NOW is the time we get together and do something about it,’ wrote Farhan.

Sonakshi said: ‘It’s usually ONE person that makes a difference. Mahatma Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Abe Lincoln. Kudos Anna Hazare. We’re with u.’
Director Madhur Bhandarkar was the first from the film industry to go and meet Hazare at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and offer his support

Re: 72yr Anna Hazare on indefinite fast, demands Jan Lokpal

Dandi March was in US against corruption in India

WASHINGTON: A group of NRIs, inspired by the historic Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi in India's fight for freedom from foreign rule, have organised a 240-mile walk in the US against corruption in India.

Starting at Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park, San Diego, California March 12, "Dandi March II" goes through Los Angeles and ends March 26 at Gandhi Statue, San Francisco. The dates coincide with the dates Gandhi did his historic march in 1930.

Every major city in USA, 10 major cities in India and 8 other countries globally join the movement by organizing supporting events March 26, the organisers said.

Conceived to fight those who seek to plunder and enslave their own country are to push the government to enact Jan Lokpal bill and ratify UNCAC which are designed to free India from the clutches of corruption, and to bring back the hidden money from foreign banks, they said.

"The recent scams involving unimaginably big amounts of money, such as the 2G scam, are well known. It is estimated that more than trillion dollars are stashed away in foreign havens, while 80 percent of Indians earn less than 2$ per day and every second child is malnourished," the organisers said.

"While this rampant corruption is a cause for serious concern, the good news is that movements against it have arisen all over the country. Dandi March II is the attempt by NRIs to bring together and escalate these movements into a powerful force."

This effort now has support from the stalwarts in anti-corruption movement and other progressive groups in India such as Lok Satta Party, India Against Corruption, The 5th Pillar (Chennai), Youth For Better India ( Hyderabad) Saaku ( Bangalore) and Save India From Corruption, the organisers said.


Anna Hazare Facebook: The Gandhian leader Anna Hazare’s fast unto death has already created enough buzz and is gathering lots of motivation, attention and now the rage has spread to the internet. The number one social networking website Facebook has already registered over 40, 000 followers for Anna on the first day itself.

There are huge number of people vouching their support for Anna Hazare’s fast unto death through mobile phone registration. Arvind Kejriwal, an activist and a leading campaigner for the movement against corruption, says that the response, particularly from the youngsters is enormous.

“The social media is abuzz with our movement against corruption. Thousands of people from across the country are contacting us through Facebook and Twitter. In at least 400 cities, youngsters are continuously joining in to help us with the logistics,” said Kejriwal.

On Wednesday, Arvind also added that many students from Delhi colleges and Universities among other are participating in the campaign. “In the US, Australia and many other nations, Indians are coming together, to support the public movement against corruption.”



Minute by minute messages are being updated on the Facebook page in order to participate and support the objective from different strata and also the Government’s response is being posted for the same. “It is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of India – a freedom struggle for freedom from corruption,” posted one Asha Singh on Facebook.



Support builds up in Bangalore for Hazare's fast against corruption
April 7,

An indefinite fast by a group of people in Bangalore in support of the anti-corruption campaign by social activist Anna Hazare continued for the third day Thursday with more than 300 people gathering to express solidarity.

A crowd collected at Freedom Park in the heart of the city to express support for the four people on fast, one for the third day and the other three for the second day Thursday.
Veteran Kannada theatre personalities like 'Master' Hirannaiah and Bhargavi Narayan joined the protest that started all over India three days back with Anna Hazare taking the lead with his fast-unto-death at New Delhi to demand a role for the civil society in drafting a stringent anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.

In the evening, the protesters are to hold a candlelight vigil against corruption and in support of a strong law to curb growing graft in the country.
The country-wide protest is also supported by religious leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living.

"The Art of Living Foundation and I have always stood with him (Hazare) in his fight against corruption and work in social transformation. He is the voice of millions of Indians and I sincerely hope that the prime minister takes immediate steps to form the joint committee for the Lokpal Bill," Ravi Shankar said in a statement from Germany.

The Bangalore-based Public Affairs Committee, a not-for -profit organization which campaigns for good governance, said it had a written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to 'urgently set up the joint committee to redraft the Lokpal Bill".

"The groundswell of support to Anna Hazare's fast is not only on account of the dissatisfaction with the Lokpal Bill but also because people are fed up with the insensitiveness and corruption in the public services of the country," the letter by PAC founder Samuel Paul said. The letter was released to the media.

Former chief justice of India M.N. Venkatachalaiah is the chairperson of PAC board of directors.


Italian waitress Sonia Gandhi pleads but Anna Hazare doesn't give up as talks fail

NEW DELHI: His crusade against corruption triggering a virtual tsunami, social reformer Anna Hazare on Thursday vowed to fast until death even as Congress president Sonia Gandhi urged him to end his hunger strike saying his demands will get the government's "full attention".

Addressing thousands of young and old who continued to pour into the protest venue here, Anna Hazare, who began his fast Tuesday, said he would not eat until the government gave a role to the civil society in drafting a stringent Lokpal bill to battle the cancer of corruption.

"My fast will continue till there is life in my body," Anna Hazare, sounding firm but looking weak, told a swelling crowd close to the Jantar Mantar monument in the heart of the city.

"I am pained by Anna Hazareji's fast unto death. The issues he has raised are of grave public concern. There can be no two views on the urgent necessity of combating graft and corruption in public life. I believe the law in these matters must be effective and must deliver desired results," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement. "I am sure that Anna Hazareji's views will receive the government's full attention as we move forward to fight this menace. I appeal to Annaji to give up his fast," Gandhi said.

His assertion ignited emotive cries of 'Joh kabhi nahi haare, Woh Anna Hazare!' (One who never gives up is Anna Hazare) and "Bharat Mata ki Jai!"

Cries of Vande Mataram and patriotic songs filled the air.

The 72-year-old, a former soldier respected for his integrity, said Indian politicians "need to be trained in democracy".

Anna Hazare's refusal to back off followed the failure of two rounds of talks human resource development minister Kapil Sibal held with activists Arvind Kejriwal and Swami Agnivesh.

By evening, Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, stepped in, pleading with the Gandhian to end his protest.

"I am pained by Anna Hazareji's fast unto death," she said in a statement. She promised that his demand for a war on corruption would be given "full attention" by the government.

"There can be no two views on the urgent necessity on combating corruption in public life," she added.

The statement had no effect on Anna Hazare, whose campaign has ignited solidarity rallies all over the country -- from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and from Gujarat to West Bengal.

In a first of its kind, Indians settled in foreign countries also took out protest marches, voicing support to the fasting man.

After his first dialogue on Thursday morning, Sibal sounded confident.

"We had a very constructive dialogue. The broad parameters are generally agreed upon... We want Anna Hazare to give up the fast. We believe the civil society and the government should sit together and deal with the problem of corruption through an effective legislation," he said.

But after more talks, Sibal admitted there was no agreement on the procedure to set up a panel to draft a Lokpal bill. "We need more time and we will be meeting tomorrow (Friday)."

As news of the impasse reached the venue, protesters -- whose numbers have varied from a few hundred to thousands at any given time -- denounced the government for not taking a firm stand against corruption.

In the evening, hundreds holding candles marched to the India Gate for the second straight day.

Doctors said on Thursday that the Gandhian's blood pressure was slightly high. But the feisty leader appeared unperturbed. He addressed the media in the evening and constantly waved to the sea of supporters.

But with the sun beating down, some fell unconscious. Doctors at the site quickly attended to them.

Anna Hazare asserted: "I am just a little weak, otherwise am fine... I can continue like this for at least another seven days." He sipped water frequently.

Political parties voiced support for Anna Hazare but he has refused to let them hijack his movement.

BJP's Prakash Javedakar said: "The BJP agrees with the essence of the demand and the Gandhian way of protest. That's why we have supported him."

In Mumbai, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray said that the central government was not scared of the fast but of the "public anger" it has aroused.


The Communist Party of India-Marxist sought "a strong Lokpal authority" to probe corruption charges against public servants and government officials.

Bollywood, which normally keeps away from political issues, came out openly in support of Anna Hazare, an iconic figure in Maharashtra.

Bollywood hearthrob Hrithik Roshan tweeted: "I support Anna Hazare. It's TIME to make a CHANGE!"

Director Madhur Bhandarkar met Anna Hazare to tell him that the entire film industry supported his crusade.

Even Gopal Dass, who returned to India Thursday after spending 27 harrowing years in a Pakistani prison, told journalists at the border that India needed Anna Hazare.
"This India is not that of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the India of scams and corruption," he added.



Support grows for India's anti-corruption fast


(CNN) -- Support swelled for an anti-corruption crusader in India, as his indefinite hunger strike seeking tough new graft laws entered its third day Thursday.
Hunger-striker Anna Hazare wrote a stiff letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, after his office insisted in a statement that talks failed because activists demanded their version of a citizen ombudsman bill be accepted in totality.
"It is being said that the government wants to talk to us and we are not talking to them. This is utterly false. Tell me a single meeting when you called us and we did not come. We strongly believe in dialogue and engagement. Kindly do not mislead the country by saying that we are shunning dialogue," Hazare wrote to Singh in a letter which was released to the media.
Meantime, demonstrators showed their support for Hazare in the streets of New Delhi and several other cities. Protesters carried flags, candles and banners condemning corruption.
The 72-year-old Hazare began his "fast-unto-death" at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar observatory on Tuesday.
Hazare's campaign comes in the wake of a series of high-profile alleged scandals that have rocked Singh's administration and investor confidence in Asia's third largest economy.


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Support grows for India's anti-corruption fast - CNN.com

Re: 72yr Anna Hazare on indefinite fast, demands Jan Lokpal

Honestly.......... I like the fact the Bill is this way. .........Sounds more like developed country