Said members of IAC at a rally organised in support of the fasting Anna; organisers slam media personnel, saying reports of low turnout harm campaign
A rally was organised by members of India Against Corruption (IAC) in support of Anna Hazare yesterday. In spite of the fact that the rally was held on a Sunday, the turnout was not impressive.
In the name of corruption: Anupam Kher flagged off the rally from Andheri, which culminated at Azad Maidan where 150-200 supporters had gathered yesterday. Pics/Suresh K K, Sunil Tiwari
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Anupam Kher flagged off the rally, which was held in support of the new leg of Team Anna’s campaign for a strong Jan Lokpal Bill, which entered its fifth day yesterday. Bike riders and motorists joined the march, which started at Andheri at 2 pm and culminated at Azad Maidan at 6.40 pm, where 150-200 supporters greeted them.
Team members and supporters then sang patriotic songs and delivered speeches.
IAC members claimed that about 2,000 people participated in the rally, but eyewitnesses claimed that a fewer number of people were present.
The low turnout, however, failed to deter staunch supporters who did show up. “We don’t care if there are few who want to stand with us — we will continue to fight. Change can be brought by one: we don’t need thousands,” said Mehul, member of IAC.
Earlier in the day, Hazare began his indefinite fast in the Capital, and joined Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai, who have been fasting since Wednesday.
Media were prevented from covering the event, on grounds that their reports on the poor turnouts detract from Anna’s cause. A lensman was surrounded by supporters who shouted slogans against the media. Some crewmembers from a TV channel were also stopped from recording footage of the rally.
“The cameramen are doing what they have been asked to do. We will not fight with the media. We are not doing this for media, and we don’t need them,” said Mehul. u00a0
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