The stand-off on Wednesday night between Anna Hazare and the government had steeled the hearts and minds of Puneites for the start of a massive agitation in the city. On Thursday, hundreds had come out on the streets to participate in rallies and candlelight marches.
Students of various colleges had participated in a rally from Pune railway station to Balgandharva Rangmandir. Carrying the tricolour, the students raised pro-Hazare slogans and asked for a quick passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill.
Late on Wednesday night, Hazare had accused the government of backtracking on its promises and asked the citizens to be prepared for a massive agitation.
In response to Hazare’s call, students, citizens and others had come on the streets. A human chain was formed on Fergusson College Road with more than 500 citizens holding hands.
Volunteers of India Against Corruption (IAC), embarked on a fast in Kothrud in response to Hazare’s call. A candlelight march was organised from Savarkar Memorial in Kothrud to Balgandharva Chowk in the evening.
AR Jitendra, a primary school teacher, called the government’s attitude a threat to democracy. “We have to fight to get back our democratic rights,’’ he said.
