Anna Hazare supporters in Maharashtra on hunger strike

In his home state Maharashtra, there is growing support for social activist Anna Hazare who began his indefinite fast in Delhi today, demanding implementation of Jan Lokpal Bill.

In his home state Maharashtra, there is growing support for social activist Anna Hazare who began his indefinite fast in Delhi on Tuesday, demanding implementation of Jan Lokpal Bill.

HT Image

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.

Requests to Hazare by Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and MPCC president Manikrao Thakre to defer the fast were of no avail as the veteran Gandhian began his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

Activists of the 'India Against Corruption' movement began a fast at Azad Maidan here, 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 said.

In the evening, activists will distribute pamphlets near the CST station to make citizens aware of the issue of corruption menace and the imperative need of the Lokpal Bill with people's participation," he said.