This time Anna Hazare’s fast has failed to gather mass support from people. For Anna Hazare’s fast in Delhi over the passage of lokpal Bill in Parliament the lone Anna supporter, Amritesh Pathak has staged a dharna at Mohrabadi maidan. Despite the issue hit national headlines not more than ten people sat on the dharna on Saturday.
On being asked about the support of people for his dharna for the lokpal Bill he said, “I am getting support from my friends and students also. Members of Annawadi Insaaf party, Students of Birsa Agriculture University, Rajendra Institute of Medical Science and Ayurvedic Doctors have supported me.”
In the year 2011 there was a huge support of people from across the country for Anna Hazare’s movement of India against corruption. There were a series of demonstrations across the State. Jharkhand against corruption, other likeminded organisations and many student groups also staged protests in the capital city. This time the fervour of people is nowhere close to that of the first Anti-Corruption movement.
“Things are not clear about the Bill that how it will work. Till now I could not understand the bill completely. Youths are dillusioned over it. I do support anti-corruption movement morally but I do not have much awareness about the anti corruption bill and its working. Moreover the split-up among the party members and confusion about the lokpal Bill is the main reason which has created confusion among people,” said Harish, a student of Ranchi University.
The ideological differences and the rift among the party members are also seen as the reason for the lack of support this time. “I do not know who Amritesh Pathak isIJ We are in support of the Jan lokpal Bill. The current bill which is tabled in the Rajya Sabha is the lok Pal not Jan lokpal. The lack of support and mass movement this time is because of the split up in the party. There is no one to motivate and gather people and there is a lot of confusion among people also,” said the Jharkhand convener of Aam Aadmi Party, Sunil Mahto.