2:30 pm: Anna’s fight stirs interest in China’s netizens
Chinese microbloggers praised Anna Hazare for raising public interest and bringing thousands to the streets in his battle against corruption, drawing a contrast with their home country where anger at corruption is widespread, but protests are rare and not tolerated.
“China has more corruption than India, but when will we ever have protests?” asked one microblogger named Tianya Lu Tu, in response to the post. Hindu has the story
2:15 pm: Telugu film industry extends support to HazareThe Telugu film industry members took out a rally and observed a day-long fast demanding that the Jan Lokpal bill of activist Anna Hazare’s team be tabled in parliament.
Actors, producers, directors, writers, artists and workers from various units of the industry joined hands to express their solidarity with Hazare leading the fight against corruption.
The film personalities took out a peace rally from the office of the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce in Film Nagar to condemn the arrest of Hazare and his supporters. More on this story
2: 00 pm: Sea of humanity awaits Anna’s arrival at Ramlila Maidan
With the whole nation uniting to support Anna Hazare in his crusade against corruption, an unprecedented crowd has gathered at the Ramlila Ground and awaiting the arrival of veteran social activist, who will launch his 15-day anti-corruption fast at this venue. More
12: 45 pm: Our fight will continue until India is free of corruption, says Hazare
Veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who moved out from the Tihar Jail this morning, urged people not to give up the fight against rampant corruption.
The 74-year-old social activist, who moved towards Mayapuri Chowk in an open truck, urged thousands of his supporters not to give up the fight against corruption.
“I will join you all people at Ramlila Maidan. We should not let this spirit die down. Our freedom struggle is incomplete till corruption is wiped out. We want corruption to be completely removed from India. The fight against corruption is far from over. The fight for freedom has started,” said Hazare.
Emphasizing that this is India’s second freedom struggle, Hazare thanking his supporters for the massive support said: “The second freedom struggle has started from August 16. India will not really be free until this movement is successful. This movement must not die.” Full story
11: 50 am: Anna Hazare leaves Tihar jail to begin hunger strike
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has left Tihar jail to the cheers of thousands of supporters as he prepares to embark on a 15-day public hunger strike. Read more
11: 30 am: Advani calls for unity amongst political parties against graft tainted govt.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani has called upon all political parties in the opposition to come together in support of Anna Hazare’s movement against graft and in turn corner the Congress-led central government. Read more
11: 00 am: Hazare to reach Ramlila via Rajghat, India Gate
Anna Hazare will continue his fast for a stronger anti-corruption at the Ramlila ground here, his aide Arvind Kejriwal said Friday, shortly before the civil society activist was to leave Tihar Jail.
‘He’ll (Hazare) address the gathering once he comes out of jail and leave for Ramlila ground. He should leave Tihar Jail around 11 a.m.,’ Kejriwal said. More
