Ramdev to kickstart agitation

 With two days to go before Baba Ramdev launches his anti-corruption movement, preparations at the venue – Ramlila Maidan – were in full swing on Tuesday. While the agitation will start on Thursday, Ramdev supporters have already taken over the venue as hundreds of them have already started flocking there.

 Even as the members of Bharat Swabhiman are still giving final touches to the venue site, supporters have already started finding suitable spots for themselves. “I have come two days early so that I find a suitable place for myself. We have to be prepared for a long battle,” said Ramsehwar Dayal from Bhilwara.   One  supporter reached the venue cycling from Muzaffarpur in Bihar. “I covered 1,200 kilometres in nine days. I started from Muzaffarpur on July 28. I am a follower of Baba Ramdev and I am here to extend my support,” said Mohammad Rustam, a tailor.   Waterproof pandals are being erected to cover the entire ground. Adequate arrangements for makeshift toilets and temporary overhead water tanks are also being made.  “The turnout would be in lakhs. While supporters will  stay under waterproof pandals, arrangements are also being made at different dharmashalas in the city,” said Sushil Yadav, a Bharat Swabhiman volunteer.   Free kitchens by Ramdev supporters have already become operational. “We distributed food for volunteers and supporters in Anna’s fast as well. While it is not possible for me to feed so many people, several other people are donating whatever they can,” said Sanjeev Verma, member of social group Anubhuti Nayayug Nayisoch.  The supporters also allayed fears of repeat of a crackdown by the government as it happened last year.  “You don’t quit driving a bike if  you meet with an accident. We are not afraid of any crackdown,” said Simran Kaur, a resident of Sonepat.