After protests through the day over the arrest of Anna Hazare, the Government is preparing to release him from Tihar Jail later tonight, say sources.Government sources also add that they never wanted Mr Hazare to be sent to Tihar Jail.
Mr Hazare was brought to Tihar Jail at 3:30 pm, eight hours after he was arrested. The 74-year-old activist has not touched any food or water all day. His hunger strike against corruption has begun, say those who are in touch with him.
At India Gate, a few hundred people gathered for a candlelight vigil. In other cities across the country, crowds gathered, making the same point - that they support Mr Hazare's call for action against corruption. The strength of the crowds varied. Thousands in Bangalore and Mumbai, a few hundred in Kolkata and Hyderabad.
What Mr Hazare is fighting is the Government's draft of a new bill to counter corruption among politicians and bureaucrats. Mr Hazare wants the Prime Minister and senior judges to be covered by the Lokpal Bill. He also believes that the Government has too hefty a vote inter selection of the Lokpal or ombudsman committee. Mr Hazare and his supporters have their own version of the Lokpal bill - which has also been criticized for imagining an ombudsman panel with totalitarian powers. For now, though, it is the arrest of Mr Hazare that the Opposition has leapt upon. In Parliament, parties united to slam the government.
Reports says that Anna Hazare will continue his fast,immediatly after his release from Tihar jail.
Mr Hazare was brought to Tihar Jail at 3:30 pm, eight hours after he was arrested. The 74-year-old activist has not touched any food or water all day. His hunger strike against corruption has begun, say those who are in touch with him.
At India Gate, a few hundred people gathered for a candlelight vigil. In other cities across the country, crowds gathered, making the same point - that they support Mr Hazare's call for action against corruption. The strength of the crowds varied. Thousands in Bangalore and Mumbai, a few hundred in Kolkata and Hyderabad.
What Mr Hazare is fighting is the Government's draft of a new bill to counter corruption among politicians and bureaucrats. Mr Hazare wants the Prime Minister and senior judges to be covered by the Lokpal Bill. He also believes that the Government has too hefty a vote inter selection of the Lokpal or ombudsman committee. Mr Hazare and his supporters have their own version of the Lokpal bill - which has also been criticized for imagining an ombudsman panel with totalitarian powers. For now, though, it is the arrest of Mr Hazare that the Opposition has leapt upon. In Parliament, parties united to slam the government.
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