Opposition joins pro-Anna clamour

Opposition parties in the state on Tuesday rushed to criticise the government and show their support to citizens protesting the arrest of anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare. HT reports.

Opposition parties in the state on Tuesday rushed to criticise the government and show their support to citizens protesting the arrest of anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare.

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Across the state, BJP workers participated in demonstration. “We support Hazare’s campaign and the BJP will be a part of it,” said state BJP president Sudhir Mungantiwar, in Nagpur. Party general secretary Vinod Tawde led the party agitation at Azad Maidan, as many BJP workers participated in the jail-bharo agitation.

While the Shiv Sena did not join the protests, it condemned Hazare’s arrest and Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, at a press conference, called it a blot on democracy.

“This government is not run according to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, but takes inspiration from Mussolini,” said Thackeray.

However, when asked if his party would join the protests, he said: “That decision would be taken by Balasaheb,” he added. He was also unwilling to spell the party’s stance on the Lokpal bill.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) did voice their stance. “We are neutral in our approach,” said MNS chief Raj Thackeray.