Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare will be in the national capital again this week with the new agenda of opposing the land acquisition ordinance.
This time around, the Gandhian may not have his old comrades Arvind Kejriwal or Kiran Bedi to share the dais at the Jantar Mantar on Tuesday. However, many credible names including Medha Patkar and Aruna Roy would be there to promote the cause.
However, Hazare has welcomed the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In an interview to a TV channel, Hazare said, “I have spoken to Arvind Kejriwal, if he wants to contribute to the movement, he is welcome (to join).” Hazare will meet Kejriwal on Monday when he enters Delhi.
“Arvind Kejriwal is a Chief Minister, he cannot be treated like any ordinary citizen. The movement will welcome them, but they will not share the stage,” he clarified.
Hazare has also made concessions for other chief ministers. “If chief ministers of any state want to come and be a part of our protest, they can. This ordinance is against the farmers and in favour of corporates,” he said.
Hazare made his preference clear and said that the manner in which Modi criticised Kejriwal during elections is unbecoming of a Prime Minister.
“We have not invited any party. All the organisations working among the farmers are joining us except those which are affiliated to RSS,” said National Coordination of People’s Movement(NAPM) activist Rajendra Ravi. The NAPM along with other organisations are organising the rally.
Ravi explains that many people belonging to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be participating in their individual capacity. “Moreover, the AAP is opposing the Ordinance and mobilising people,” he said.
AAP leader Yogendra Yadav has been busy in his Jai Kisan Yatra in Mewat region of Haryana to oppose the Ordinance. Jantar Mantar rally is also supported by farmers’ wing of CPI, CPM and CPIML.
Gandian Rajagopal has organised march from Palwal in Haryana. This march will reach Delhi on Monday. Hazare is leading the rally.
NAPM has mobilised people from across the country for the rally. The organisers are claiming local support as well. “Anna will return to his old glory. Farmers’ agitation will spread across the country,” claimed a NAPM activist.
