More than 5,000 people marched to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) on Thursday in support of Anna Hazares campaign,raising patriotic as well as anti-politician slogans. Organisers of the rally from Bandra (East) Railway Station and Kurla (West) Railway Station to the Reserve Bank of India office in BKC were,however,left a little disappointed as they were hoping for a much larger crowd following Sundays march to Juhu,which drew about one lakh people. Thursdays rally was led by young leaders of the campaign and saw people of all ages participating in it. A group of about 250 protesters gathered outside the Kurla railway station at 4 pm. The rally started shortly after 4.30 pm and the numbers increased. As the protesters made their way towards BKC,their numbers grew as those passing by also joined them. Amid chants of Vande Mataram and Inquilab Zindabad,the protesters marched towards BKC ensuring they take the more crowded route to get more people to join in. Although leaders of the movement had told the protesters to refrain from naming any political party or individual leaders,those present ignored the instructions. Annas health played heavily on the minds of rallyists. Anna has spoken out against something which is plaguing India and is rampant. We must support him in this effort. I am praying for his health and well-being, said Yateesh Contractor (30),a civil engineer. The rally also saw many senior citizens. Shyamnarayan Jha (95),who has been attending the protests at Azad Maidan from the first day,ensured that he made his way to Kurla. The Mankhurd resident was joined by his son,nephew and grandson. I am supporting Anna as he has spoken out against corruption. We have got independence,but are still bound by this social evil. I want the Jan Lokpal Bill to be passed, said Jha. As he had difficulty in walking,a volunteer on a motorcycle told him to ride pillion and gave him the Tricolour. The two rallies met at BKC in front of the Reserve Bank of India office where Mayank Gandhi,Mumbai co-ordinator of India Against Corruption,addressed the supporters. This is our way of awakening a sleeping government. It is high time the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed. India is a first world country,but we have a third world government. Our government should be serious about battling corruption, he said. Gandhi said reports of Anna calling off his fast on Friday if the government debates on their Bill were welcome. However,he warned that Anna will continue monitoring the situation to ascertain if the government was serious about battling corruption. Meanwhile,the protests at Azad Maidan continued. Blood and urine samples of those who have been on a hunger strike were taken on Thursday. We have taken the samples to see if their kidneys are fine. It is the 10th day of their fast and most have hyper-acidity. We are awaiting the reports, said Dr Kalpana Kamani.
