Anna Hazare fast: Delhi's anti graft fervour not visible in Mumbai

MUMBAI: A ground full of an enthusiastic crowd chanting anti-government slogans; people wearing the Gandhi topi labeled 'Main hoon Anna' and a sea of tricolor falling and rising like tides... this was the scene at Anna Hazare's 13-day fast at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan during north India's sweltering heat. Cut to December, the weather is cool, and the venue is in Anna's bastion state, Maharashtra. But the fervour and zeal were missing at Mumbai's MMRDA, with not much enthusiasm in the sloganeering.

Even though the first day of the fast in Mumbai saw 15,000 people participating, numbers dwindled as evening approached. By 10pm the estimate stood at only 1,000 supporters.

According to India Against Corruption (IAC) sources, the Delhi leg was helped by many factors, besides the Janmashtami and Ramzan holidays. "The Tihar Jail episode helped a lot too," said an IAC volunteer.

However, the ones who did turn up managed to make an impression. Supporters made their way to the financial capital not only from neighboring areas, but also Delhi. Their motto? To support Anna till the government did not pass an effective anti-graft law.

Yumeen Mandahaur, a dentist from Madhya Pradesh, brought his two children to support Anna's campaign. "This is a good cause. This man has no personal interests and I want my children to see how a single person can make a difference," he said.

The gathering also comprised protesters who used wit, craft and in some cases costumes to support Anna.

Ketan Manjushali, a businessman who dressed up like a British officer, said it was time to oust corruption the way the Raj was ousted.

Asim Trivedi, a cartoonist, used art to represent problems facing the country. "I plan to come here and display my work. People often tell me that my cartoons are very graphic. But if they shock people, that's good. We have gotten used to corruption," said Trivedi.

The gathering also saw some familiar faces that had made their way to Ramlila Maidan earlier this year. Manohar Patil from Latur was seen waving the national flag, dressed in Mahatma Gandhi attire. This 43-year old had also participated in the August Kranti protest. "I dress up as Gandhi to remind people of his values. I will go wherever Anna goes," he said.

However, a stark difference between the Mumbai and Delhi stints was that the audience here was shown proceedings of Parliament on Tuesday.