Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) Thousands of enthusiastic supporters from all parts of the country and all walks of life were in the Ramlila grounds, while serpentine queues stretched a couple of kilometres outside, as Baba Ramdev Saturday began his fast against corruption and black money - much like the Anna Hazare fast that brought the issue to the nation’s frontburner exactly two months ago.

“I have full faith that this movement will be fruitful and very effective. I am on fast with Baba Ramdev and will continue to participate in this peaceful movement till the end,” Satya Narayan, a government official from Assam, told IANS.

The vast colourful marquee was jam-packed with a crowd of more than 5,000 people swearing their allegiance to Ramdev. Apart from the sporadic chanting of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, many were seen dancing to drumbeats and waving the tri colour.

“We arrived here yesterday (Friday) and won’t be leaving till Baba asks us to. He defines hope for us and we believe that together we can change this corrupt system,” said Moti Thakur from West Bengal’s Durgapur town.

Some including kids sang songs praising Ramdev and urging him to continue with his efforts.

“He is our hero and I am fasting with him to end corruption in the country,” said Anchal Verma, a 12-year-old from Noida, accompanied by her parents.

Some of the major roads leading to the venue had been barricaded since Friday night and Delhi Police commandos were present at the site. A mobile x-ray van was stationed at the main gate to scan bags of the supporters who jostled to enter the site.

The registration tables were overcrowded too as hundreds of supporters kept arriving every hour. However, the volunteers manning the tables were not complaining.

They said that the huge turnout proved that people of the country were fed up with the prevailing in all walks of life and sought a change and civil society movements like those of Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev’s movement were the only way to force the government to act against the dishonest.

“I have been working continuously for the last six hours on an empty stomach but not feeling hungry at all. Baba’s words of encouragement are all that I desire,” said Ankush Mohan, a 32-year-old volunteer hailing from Jammu.