Supporters chase out politicians

They came to show their support but were shown the door. Politicians, including former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala (Indian National Lok Dal), Ajit Singh (RLD chief), former BJP leader Uma Bharti and Mohan Singh (Samajwadi Party), were welcomed with jeers as they reached Jantar Mantar to join the protest against corruption. HT reports.

They came to show their support but were shown the door. Politicians, including former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala (Indian National Lok Dal), Ajit Singh (RLD chief), former BJP leader Uma Bharti and Mohan Singh (Samajwadi Party), were welcomed with jeers as they reached Jantar Mantar to join the protest against corruption.

HT Image

Hazare is leading more then 200 people on fast-unto-death as part of India Against Corruption campaign, spearheaded by civil society activists and supported by hundreds and thousands of people across the country. The activists and supporters are demanding independent Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukts at state-level to tackle corruption.

The supporters did not allow the politicians to reach the stage, where Hazare is sitting.

While Bharti was mobbed, Chautala was gheraoed and taken away till his vehicle parked few metres away from the stage.

“They just want to hog the limelight. What have they done yet to stop corruption?” said a visibly angry Anil Prasad, a final-year university student.

Later, Arvind Kejriwal, social activist, told reporters, “It was a spontaneous reaction by the people. Their anger against the politicians was channelised in this manner.”

Hazare, during interaction with supporters and the media, reiterated, “The protest should continue in a non-violent manner.”