Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Mass support for social activist Anna Hazare in real world has had a cascading effect on the virtual world too as a popular online game, which supports the Gandhian’s anti-corruption crusade, is recording an unprecedented rise in the number of players.

“Yes Prime Minister”, developed by Ibibo.com offers its players to become India’s prime minister virtually and support Hazare’s anti-corruption movement while punishing corrupt minister and bureaucrats.

“The game was launched in April 2011 and it clashed with Hazare’s agitation at Jantar Mantar back then. So, it became an instant hit and over one lakh players registered in just five days,” said Rahul Razdan, president (products & operations), Ibibo.

“The agitation has generated similar buzz this time as more than 50,000 new users have joined in the last few days,” he added.

According to Ibibo.com, the game currently has around 3.5 lakh registered players and the numbers are increasing.

“The players can vent their anger at the corrupt politicians by throwing slippers or rotten tomatoes at them or making them ride a donkey etc.,” said Razdan. “The game recently added the ‘Kanhee Mozi’ (referring to jailed DMK Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi) character too.”

Taking a dig at infamous politicians accused or convicted in corruption cases, players can punish “Seela Dikhsit”, “Yedduappa”, “Kalmaddy”, “Rajah”, “Shared Power” and the recent addition of “Kanhee Mozi” and others.

“The theme of the game is to build your India by taking control of various ministries. If projects are left unguarded, corruption creeps in and your online friends can help you by volunteering as vigilance commissioners,” said Razdan.