13 years ago
Anna has now officially broken his fast. He is on stage with Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, among others from the team.
So ends Anna's fourth fast of the year. The next round of agitation will take place in the five states bound for polls. The jail bharo andolan has also been called off for the moment and Team Anna will now plan their strategy for the next round.
So ends Anna's fourth fast of the year. The next round of agitation will take place in the five states bound for polls. The jail bharo andolan has also been called off for the moment and Team Anna will now plan their strategy for the next round.
"The 2 reasons why this fast has been ended are Anna's health and passing of a weak Lokpal bill in the parliament," A Kejriwal #janlokpal
- Janlokpal (@janlokpal) December 28, 2011
Evening falls in MMRDA, Mumbai
At MMRDA, local musicians are singing a version of Kolaveri Di right now.
Recap: There was no sign of Anna on the dais at MMRDA all morning. The crowd grew slowly through the day, from a miniscule 300 to about 5500 by the time Anna finally appeared.
At a little past noon, a team of doctors released a medical bulletin. Anna still had fever and skin was dehydrated. His blood pressure was falling each time he stood up. They advised against him continuing the fast, citing possible kidney failure.
Anna's health has been a cause for concern since he began his fast yesterday. Aides have been appealing to him regularly to abandon the hunger strike. Anna will break his fast at 6pm, 20 minutes from now.
Anna and Arvind Kejriwal finally took the stage at 2.30pm. They were expected to speak to the assembled crowd and mediapeople, which they did an hour later.
Anna spoke first and announced that he would indeed end his fast today. He also said that the jail bharo andolan was being suspended.
He answered some questions from the journalists present and then left the stage.
Arvind Kejriwal clarified that jail bharo was being postponed, saying it was to be a toll used to put pressure on the government but that there was little use for it at the moment after the 'weak' Lokpal Bill was passed in Lok Sabha yesterday.
After today, the next phase of agitation will be in the five states going to polls.
At a little past noon, a team of doctors released a medical bulletin. Anna still had fever and skin was dehydrated. His blood pressure was falling each time he stood up. They advised against him continuing the fast, citing possible kidney failure.
Anna's health has been a cause for concern since he began his fast yesterday. Aides have been appealing to him regularly to abandon the hunger strike. Anna will break his fast at 6pm, 20 minutes from now.
Anna and Arvind Kejriwal finally took the stage at 2.30pm. They were expected to speak to the assembled crowd and mediapeople, which they did an hour later.
Anna spoke first and announced that he would indeed end his fast today. He also said that the jail bharo andolan was being suspended.
He answered some questions from the journalists present and then left the stage.
Arvind Kejriwal clarified that jail bharo was being postponed, saying it was to be a toll used to put pressure on the government but that there was little use for it at the moment after the 'weak' Lokpal Bill was passed in Lok Sabha yesterday.
After today, the next phase of agitation will be in the five states going to polls.
Anna Hazare will not leave for Delhi after he breaks fast today. Instead, he will most likely head home to Ralegan Siddhi after a medical check up.
Agitation will come to an end today for the moment and Team Anna will plan strategy for the next phase of protests, which will be a campaign across the five states going to polls.
Agitation will come to an end today for the moment and Team Anna will plan strategy for the next phase of protests, which will be a campaign across the five states going to polls.
Singer Anup Jalota is at MMRDA right now.
The celebrity presence has been low this time, reflecting the crowd turnout below the stage.
The celebrity presence has been low this time, reflecting the crowd turnout below the stage.
Arvind Kejriwal at MMRDA: If the government can get the nuclear deal passed, then they can get a strong Lokpal Bill passed.
We would have campaigned against the BJP too if they had been in power and did not pass a strong Lokpal.
Jail bharo campaign at the right time.
We would have campaigned against the BJP too if they had been in power and did not pass a strong Lokpal.
Jail bharo campaign at the right time.
Arvind Kejriwal at MMRDA: We had planned the jail bharo andolan to bring pressure on the government but after the proceedings in Parliament we feel there is no point in holding the andolan just now.
Anna is no longer on stage.
Anna is no longer on stage.
Asked by the press if he thought that the BJP let them down on the CBI in Parliament, Anna said that he holds only the Congress and the UPA responsible.
Breaking News From MMRDA
Anna ends his fast, like his aides and doctors have been trying to get him to do. He is now answering questions live from the media present.
Anna ends his fast, like his aides and doctors have been trying to get him to do. He is now answering questions live from the media present.
Breaking News From MMRDA
Anna Hazare calls off his fast and the jail bharo campaign as well.
Crowds have swelled to 5000 plus, after Team Anna arranges free transport from railway stations to MMRDA.
Anna Hazare calls off his fast and the jail bharo campaign as well.
Crowds have swelled to 5000 plus, after Team Anna arranges free transport from railway stations to MMRDA.
Anna speaks at MMRDA, calls of fast
In 1942 Mahatma Gandhi asked the British to Quit India. The country answered his call and the British had to leave.
65 years later, corruption has not lessened, thieving and looting have not stopped. The thieves have just changed from foreigners to Indians
Corruption has made it difficult for everyone to live nowadays. Everything has become so expensive that it is difficult to make ends meet.
I have been fighting for 25 years and I decided long ago that I will live and die for society and my country.
What is this that we are calling democracy today? A few parties get together and make a majority and think they can do as they please. When there were foreigners we fired bullets at them and we drove them away. But these are our own people, how can we fire bullets at them?
Good democracy will only happen when we pass good laws.
We must save this country, it is not too late. Everyone must be ready to go to jail. The day all the jails are full, the government will have to take notice.
The youth of this country showed their strength at August's fast at Ramlila Maidan. Many countries have revolution but our sort of revolution is the true on - where crores of people come out in protest but not a stone is thrown.
I planned to fast for three days here and then at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi from December 30 to January 2, but actually my fast started four days ago. Now, in view of the current picture, I have decided to end the fast today.
There is only one road to take and I have decided to protest in the five poll bound states instead of continuing my fast here.
Every citizen of India must think of our future generations and must join our campaign in the five states.
I have not gone to my own home for 35 years, I have no bank balance, I have spent my whole life in service for my country.
I have never got married but my family is not small, all of you are my family. The whole society and country are my family and we have to fight for our future.
All of us have to get together otherwise this country will be destroyed. The country's enemies are not external, the traitors within are it's biggest enemies.
I put my faith in the youth of this country and I appeal to them to fight. You can do greater things than Anna Hazare, this is not impossible.
Let people criticize me and mock me, after all people do throw stones at trees bearing fruit.
The history of India teaches us to sacrifice and so does the Bhagavad Gita.
This is not my andolan or Team Anna's andolan. We have to save this country together and the only way we can do that is through the vote and the ballot box.
If we vote criminals and corrupt politicians into power this country will not progress.
I have received many thousands of letters from youths saying they will join me and not get married. We will build our relations with everybody sitting here and everybody listening to me.
You must have the capacity to sacrifice and to bear insults if you want to fight for your country.
Going to jail is a crowning glory for someone like me.
This government does not have good intentions. They refused to give me a place to fast till the last minute in August and then had me arrested. I asked what I had done wrong to be arrested and was told that my protest would create unrest in the country. I said that I had been protesting for 25 years but there had been no unrest. They took me to jail and then after a while they let me go. What sort of a government is this that puts me into jail when they feel like and let's me go when the feel like it. This is the same government that lathicharged women when Ramdev was protesting.
This government has resisted Jan Lokpal from the beginning. They are a threat to the people of this country. Their habits will not change so easily but we must get together and try.
Cast out fear, like Gandhiji wanted us to. Our fight is a long one and it has just started.
I thank you all for coming here, I am sure we will win our fight soon.
We will protest in the five states going to elections and when the nation goes to poll. We will not have the jail bharo andolan just now.
In 1942 Mahatma Gandhi asked the British to Quit India. The country answered his call and the British had to leave.
65 years later, corruption has not lessened, thieving and looting have not stopped. The thieves have just changed from foreigners to Indians
Corruption has made it difficult for everyone to live nowadays. Everything has become so expensive that it is difficult to make ends meet.
I have been fighting for 25 years and I decided long ago that I will live and die for society and my country.
What is this that we are calling democracy today? A few parties get together and make a majority and think they can do as they please. When there were foreigners we fired bullets at them and we drove them away. But these are our own people, how can we fire bullets at them?
Good democracy will only happen when we pass good laws.
We must save this country, it is not too late. Everyone must be ready to go to jail. The day all the jails are full, the government will have to take notice.
The youth of this country showed their strength at August's fast at Ramlila Maidan. Many countries have revolution but our sort of revolution is the true on - where crores of people come out in protest but not a stone is thrown.
I planned to fast for three days here and then at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi from December 30 to January 2, but actually my fast started four days ago. Now, in view of the current picture, I have decided to end the fast today.
There is only one road to take and I have decided to protest in the five poll bound states instead of continuing my fast here.
Every citizen of India must think of our future generations and must join our campaign in the five states.
I have not gone to my own home for 35 years, I have no bank balance, I have spent my whole life in service for my country.
I have never got married but my family is not small, all of you are my family. The whole society and country are my family and we have to fight for our future.
All of us have to get together otherwise this country will be destroyed. The country's enemies are not external, the traitors within are it's biggest enemies.
I put my faith in the youth of this country and I appeal to them to fight. You can do greater things than Anna Hazare, this is not impossible.
Let people criticize me and mock me, after all people do throw stones at trees bearing fruit.
The history of India teaches us to sacrifice and so does the Bhagavad Gita.
This is not my andolan or Team Anna's andolan. We have to save this country together and the only way we can do that is through the vote and the ballot box.
If we vote criminals and corrupt politicians into power this country will not progress.
I have received many thousands of letters from youths saying they will join me and not get married. We will build our relations with everybody sitting here and everybody listening to me.
You must have the capacity to sacrifice and to bear insults if you want to fight for your country.
Going to jail is a crowning glory for someone like me.
This government does not have good intentions. They refused to give me a place to fast till the last minute in August and then had me arrested. I asked what I had done wrong to be arrested and was told that my protest would create unrest in the country. I said that I had been protesting for 25 years but there had been no unrest. They took me to jail and then after a while they let me go. What sort of a government is this that puts me into jail when they feel like and let's me go when the feel like it. This is the same government that lathicharged women when Ramdev was protesting.
This government has resisted Jan Lokpal from the beginning. They are a threat to the people of this country. Their habits will not change so easily but we must get together and try.
Cast out fear, like Gandhiji wanted us to. Our fight is a long one and it has just started.
I thank you all for coming here, I am sure we will win our fight soon.
We will protest in the five states going to elections and when the nation goes to poll. We will not have the jail bharo andolan just now.
Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other Team Anna members are on the dais with Anna who is clad in his habitual white, cap on head, and looks tired.
Yesterday afternoon, Anna gave an impassioned speech for over 30 minutes stressing on the need to sacrifice and saying that he wasn't afraid of death. He is expected to speak today as well.
Anna's family are on their way to Mumbai from Ralegan Siddhi, in a convoy of vehicles with others from the village including the sarpanch. They expressed their concern over Anna's health last evening.
Yesterday afternoon, Anna gave an impassioned speech for over 30 minutes stressing on the need to sacrifice and saying that he wasn't afraid of death. He is expected to speak today as well.
Anna's family are on their way to Mumbai from Ralegan Siddhi, in a convoy of vehicles with others from the village including the sarpanch. They expressed their concern over Anna's health last evening.
Just in from MMRDA: Anna has finally appeared on stage. He hadn't been seen since he had to go off stage last evening to lie down.
Doctors have advised him to discontinue the fast, saying they fear dehydration may lead to kidney failure.
Doctors have advised him to discontinue the fast, saying they fear dehydration may lead to kidney failure.
Anna and Arvind Kejriwal have been expected on stage for the last hour or so. So far there is no sign of either. Skits and live local bands have the stage to themselves now.
Team Anna member Manish Sisodia has said that the jail bharo andolan will go ahead as scheduled. Yesterday, it seemed that the andolan might be called off after Prashant Bhushan said a rethink might be on the cards if the Janlokpal Bill was improved. At last count, there were 1,70,000 registrations for the andolan.
Manish Sisodia also confirmed that Anna still has fever, that a cold compress was being applied to his forehead to bring it down, and that aides are still urging him to abandon the fast.
Manish Sisodia also confirmed that Anna still has fever, that a cold compress was being applied to his forehead to bring it down, and that aides are still urging him to abandon the fast.
Some live music at MMRDA to keep the crowd entertained in the absence of Anna.
In Delhi, the Lokpal Bill will now not be brought to the Rajya Sabha today. It was passed with amendments in the Lok Sabha yesterday and President Pratibha Patil also signed it this morning.
The stage at MMRDA has been taken over a group performing a patriotic skit. One participant is waving the Indian flag while another is dressed as Gandhiji.
At this time yesterday, Anna was oficially an hour into the first day of his fast. He made the two hour journey from his guesthouse to MMRDA in an open truck, waving a flag. With him were aides Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, and an escort of 100 Royal Enfield bikers to help him beat the Mumbai traffic. On the way, he stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu and had black flags waved at him by a group of anti-Anna protestors. He reached MMRDA at 12:30pm and, after the national anthem was sung, began his fast.
Just in from MMRDA: About 2000 people there now. Rumours of vehicles not being allowed into the area seem mostly to be untrue.
Anna is expected to appear on stage at some point of time, and reports suggest he may call off the fast.
Large projector screens have been set up around the venue for people to watch the debate in Rajya Sabha. Yesterday, Team Anna followed the Lok Sabha debate on an iPad before it was streamed live to the big screens in the evening.
Anna is expected to appear on stage at some point of time, and reports suggest he may call off the fast.
Large projector screens have been set up around the venue for people to watch the debate in Rajya Sabha. Yesterday, Team Anna followed the Lok Sabha debate on an iPad before it was streamed live to the big screens in the evening.
Meanwhile, the Lokpal Bill will be debated in the Rajya Sabha at 2:30pm after President Pratibha Patil gave her consent to it. The Bill was passed with amendments in the Lok Sabha yesterday.
Team Anna has expressed disappointment with the form the Bill has taken and wants a reworked, stronger Bill to be brought back in this session of Parliament, unlike BJP who want it brought back in three months.
Team Anna has expressed disappointment with the form the Bill has taken and wants a reworked, stronger Bill to be brought back in this session of Parliament, unlike BJP who want it brought back in three months.
Anna and Arvind Kejriwal are expected to speak to the crowd soon and also hold a press conference but there's no sign of them yet.
An hour ago, doctors released a medical bulletin after examining Anna. They advised against him continuing to fast, citing dehydration leading to possible kidney failure.
An hour ago, doctors released a medical bulletin after examining Anna. They advised against him continuing to fast, citing dehydration leading to possible kidney failure.
Organisers have tried to boost crowd strength at MMRDA by running feeder buses and stationing volunteers at the bus stop to direct people to the venue.
The choice of MMRDA as the venue has been cited as a reason for the low turnout as it's in a commercial district and, as such, not very well connected, making it difficult for people to get there.
The choice of MMRDA as the venue has been cited as a reason for the low turnout as it's in a commercial district and, as such, not very well connected, making it difficult for people to get there.
Although Anna is not in evidence, the crowd at MMRDA is getting into the spirit of things by waving flags to live music from the stage.
At this time yesterday, Anna Hazare was driving into MMRDA Ground in an open truck, waving a flag, and looking decidedly tired after having stood for the entire two hour journey.
Today, he is yet to appear on stage. In fact he hasn't been seen since last evening when he had to go backstage to lie down after his health became worse.
Anna has not eaten properly for the last 4-5 days and, as a consequence, has not been able to take the antibiotics he was prescribed for viral infection. He has been ill with fever and a cough for the last few days.
Today, he is yet to appear on stage. In fact he hasn't been seen since last evening when he had to go backstage to lie down after his health became worse.
Anna has not eaten properly for the last 4-5 days and, as a consequence, has not been able to take the antibiotics he was prescribed for viral infection. He has been ill with fever and a cough for the last few days.
Doctors from leading Mumbai hopsitals examined Anna 10 minutes ago and said: He is weak, his blood pressure is 120/90 when he sits but drops to 105/70 when he stands up, his heart sounds a little distant, temperature is 100 deg F, his throat and chest are clear. His low blood pressure indicates dehydration. We discourage further fasting as we fear it may lead to kidney failure.
Team Anna has been trying to convince an unwell Anna to give up the fast since yesterday. Anna has so far refused to do so despite the fact that he had to leave the stage last evening after developing high fever and, for a while, it looked like he might have to be hospitalised.
Team Anna has been trying to convince an unwell Anna to give up the fast since yesterday. Anna has so far refused to do so despite the fact that he had to leave the stage last evening after developing high fever and, for a while, it looked like he might have to be hospitalised.
Now, about a 1000 people at MMRDA Ground. Anna and Arvind Kejriwal are expected to appear soon and speak to the crowd.
The protest at Ramlila Maidan had less than 1000 people yesterday and very few today as well. This, after Team Anna member Kiran Bedi flew back to Delhi from Mumbai last night and is speaking at Ramlila right now to drum up more enthusiasm.
Team Anna has been fending off rumours that Anna has already broken his fast. Some rumours also of crowds and vehicles not being allowed into MMRDA.
Arvind Kejriwal and Anna are expected to make a statement soon and then hold a press conference.
Just in from MMRDA: Anna is feeling better and is expected on stage shortly.
Recap of yesterday: Anna left his government guesthouse at 9:30am for MMRDA Ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex. He travelled in a decorated, open top truck waving the Indian flag. With him were aides Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, and an escort of 100 Royal Enfield bikers.
On the way, Anna stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along the route was there to cheer him - a group of anti-Anna protestors waved black flags at the convoy as it drove by.
Anna arrived at MMRDA at about 12:30pm and was greeted by a crowd of supporters wearing Anna caps, holding the tricolour or brandishing placards. Everyone stood for the national anthem and then the fast had officially begun.
Volunteers handed out glasses of water to the assembled crowd and a makeshift kitchen manned by 60 people dished out tea, poha and puri-sabji. Local musicians kept the crowd entertained with a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
A series of speakers addressed the crowd. They included Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal who used the opportunity to ask Anna to abandon the fast; Medha Patkar who made a fiery appeal to Mumbaikars to leave their homes and show up for Anna; and Anna himself who gave an impassioned speech at 3pm, talking about the need for sacrifice. (Watch: Time for sacrifice once again, says Anna Hazare | Read)
As the day wore on, the crowd swelled and then ebbed. But more worrying than the sparsely populated ground was the state of Anna's health. He began the day looking unwell and was running a fever by early evening. His blood pressure also rose and, as the sun set over Mumbai, Anna left the stage and went to lie down.
Doctors from JJ Hospital were with him to monitor his health every hour. An ambulance was also on standby to take him to hospital if need be. But there was no changing Anna's mind.
On the way, Anna stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along the route was there to cheer him - a group of anti-Anna protestors waved black flags at the convoy as it drove by.
Anna arrived at MMRDA at about 12:30pm and was greeted by a crowd of supporters wearing Anna caps, holding the tricolour or brandishing placards. Everyone stood for the national anthem and then the fast had officially begun.
Volunteers handed out glasses of water to the assembled crowd and a makeshift kitchen manned by 60 people dished out tea, poha and puri-sabji. Local musicians kept the crowd entertained with a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
A series of speakers addressed the crowd. They included Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal who used the opportunity to ask Anna to abandon the fast; Medha Patkar who made a fiery appeal to Mumbaikars to leave their homes and show up for Anna; and Anna himself who gave an impassioned speech at 3pm, talking about the need for sacrifice. (Watch: Time for sacrifice once again, says Anna Hazare | Read)
As the day wore on, the crowd swelled and then ebbed. But more worrying than the sparsely populated ground was the state of Anna's health. He began the day looking unwell and was running a fever by early evening. His blood pressure also rose and, as the sun set over Mumbai, Anna left the stage and went to lie down.
Doctors from JJ Hospital were with him to monitor his health every hour. An ambulance was also on standby to take him to hospital if need be. But there was no changing Anna's mind.
Despite the meagre crowd at MMRDA and Ramlila Maidan, the jail bharo andolan has not been called off yet. Last evening, Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan said that they might rethink the andolan if the Bill was improved.
Outside fast venue, vendors complain about low salesThe poor attendance at Anna's fast at MMRDA Ground has vendors selling caps and flags upset. They came to Mumbai expecting the huge profits they had made in August's fast at Ramlila Maidan but now say they'll be lucky to recover what they've invested.
The attendance at Ramlila Ground in Delhi was quite low yesterday and as seen in this picture, even fewer people turned out today.
This time round, celebrity support has been slow in coming for Anna, unlike in August. Big names have been mostly silent, Anupam Kher and composer Vishal Dadlani were the Bollwyood contingent at MMRDA yesterday. Singers Shankar Mahadevan and Anup Jalota are expected there at about 4pm today.
There are about 350 people at MMRDA right now. Organisers are hoping that numbers will go up by this evening. A key reason for the low turnout is the fact that the area is a mainly commercial district and it's difficult for people to get there.
There are reports of friction in Team Anna over the non-appearance of supporters.
Anna has not been seen in public since last evening.
There are reports of friction in Team Anna over the non-appearance of supporters.
Anna has not been seen in public since last evening.
Health update: Anna's temperature has come down to 100 deg F from 102 deg F, his pulse rate is normal and his blood pressure has stabilised to 170/96 from 152/90
People are trickling into MMRDA Ground but the numbers are still thin. This could be because Anna has not taken the stage yet. There is no word on when he is expected on the dais, if at all.
Anna Hazare is yet to make an appearance on stage today, he was last seen yesterday evening after which he went in to his cabin built on the stage. Doctors examining him say that his temperature last night was 102 degrees and Blood Pressure was high, that temperature has come down today according to sources.
A crowd of around 400 people are present MMRDA Ground on day 2 of Anna Hazare's 3-day fast.
It's not just Team Anna who are disappointed with the low crowd turnout, vendors selling caps and flags outside MMRDA aren't pleased either. These are the same vendors who were at August's 12 day fast at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. They now complain that they are not expecting any profits because of the poor attendance, but hope to recover what they invested.
Villagers from Anna's hometown of Ralegan Siddhi will be arriving in Mumbai today in seven or eight vehicles. The include the village sarpanch and Anna's family.
Yesterday, the village observed a bandh and watched the proceedings at MMRDA Ground on TV. Students in the village also went on fast for the day and also organised a candle light vigil.
Yesterday, the village observed a bandh and watched the proceedings at MMRDA Ground on TV. Students in the village also went on fast for the day and also organised a candle light vigil.
At Ramlila grds today. Despite fever Anna stood for hours to greet cheering crowds lined up all along the route in Mumbai
- Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) December 28, 2011
Health update: Doctors who checked Anna this morning have said that he does not need to be hospitalized just yet even though his temperature and blood pressure keep fluctuating.
Anna's health was being regularly monitored by a team of doctors all day at MMRDA Ground yesterday. He became very unwell last evening but is a little better this morning, though not fit.
On Monday, he was pronounced fit to fast by doctors even as he was recovering from fever, cough and possible viral or lung infection.
He has resisted all attempts to get him to call off the fast and, as things stand now, Day 2 of the fast will continue.
Anna's health was being regularly monitored by a team of doctors all day at MMRDA Ground yesterday. He became very unwell last evening but is a little better this morning, though not fit.
On Monday, he was pronounced fit to fast by doctors even as he was recovering from fever, cough and possible viral or lung infection.
He has resisted all attempts to get him to call off the fast and, as things stand now, Day 2 of the fast will continue.
The dais at MMRDA Ground is empty right now. There is just a cardboard cutout of Anna. His supporters say that they will urge him to end his fast today. As of now, Anna remains stubborn amid the chorus of voices that want him to call off the hunger strike.
Recap of yesterday: Anna left his government guesthouse at 9:30am for MMRDA Ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex. He travelled in a decorated, open top truck waving the Indian flag. With him were aides Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, and an escort of 100 Royal Enfield bikers.
On the way, Anna stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along the route was there to cheer him - a group of anti-Anna protestors waved black flags at the convoy as it drove by.
Anna arrived at MMRDA at about 12:30pm and was greeted by a crowd of supporters wearing Anna caps, holding the tricolour or brandishing placards. Everyone stood for the national anthem and then the fast had officially begun.
Volunteers handed out glasses of water to the assembled crowd and a makeshift kitchen manned by 60 people dished out tea, poha and puri-sabji. Local musicians kept the crowd entertained with a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
A series of speakers addressed the crowd. They included Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal who used the opportunity to ask Anna to abandon the fast; Medha Patkar who made a fiery appeal to Mumbaikars to leave their homes and show up for Anna; and Anna himself who gave an impassioned speech at 3pm, talking about the need for sacrifice. (Watch: Time for sacrifice once again, says Anna Hazare | Read)
As the day wore on, the crowd swelled and then ebbed. But more worrying than the sparsely populated ground was the state of Anna's health. He began the day looking unwell and was running a fever by early evening. His blood pressure also rose and, as the sun set over Mumbai, Anna left the stage and went to lie down.
Doctors from JJ Hospital were with him to monitor his health every hour. An ambulance was also on standby to take him to hospital if need be. But there was no changing Anna's mind.
On the way, Anna stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along the route was there to cheer him - a group of anti-Anna protestors waved black flags at the convoy as it drove by.
Anna arrived at MMRDA at about 12:30pm and was greeted by a crowd of supporters wearing Anna caps, holding the tricolour or brandishing placards. Everyone stood for the national anthem and then the fast had officially begun.
Volunteers handed out glasses of water to the assembled crowd and a makeshift kitchen manned by 60 people dished out tea, poha and puri-sabji. Local musicians kept the crowd entertained with a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
A series of speakers addressed the crowd. They included Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal who used the opportunity to ask Anna to abandon the fast; Medha Patkar who made a fiery appeal to Mumbaikars to leave their homes and show up for Anna; and Anna himself who gave an impassioned speech at 3pm, talking about the need for sacrifice. (Watch: Time for sacrifice once again, says Anna Hazare | Read)
As the day wore on, the crowd swelled and then ebbed. But more worrying than the sparsely populated ground was the state of Anna's health. He began the day looking unwell and was running a fever by early evening. His blood pressure also rose and, as the sun set over Mumbai, Anna left the stage and went to lie down.
Doctors from JJ Hospital were with him to monitor his health every hour. An ambulance was also on standby to take him to hospital if need be. But there was no changing Anna's mind.
At the moment, there are about 300 people at MMRDA Ground but the crowd is expected to swell in a while.
Yesterday was marked by poor crowd turnout in both Mumbai and Delhi. About 50,000 people were expected to show up at MMRDA Ground but at it's highest the number was only 7000. In Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, there were barely a 1000 people.
Yesterday was marked by poor crowd turnout in both Mumbai and Delhi. About 50,000 people were expected to show up at MMRDA Ground but at it's highest the number was only 7000. In Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, there were barely a 1000 people.
Among the many people worried about the state of Anna's health are his family back home in Ralegan Siddhi. They will be visiting Anna at MMRDA Ground today with other villagers.
Doctors and Team Anna members have been trying to convince Anna to end his fast so that he can be given medicines. As of now, though, Anna remains unmoved.
Doctors and Team Anna members have been trying to convince Anna to end his fast so that he can be given medicines. As of now, though, Anna remains unmoved.
Meanwhile, the Lokpal Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha yesterday with amendments, and will be sent to the President today. Tomorrow, it will be presented in the Rajya Sabha.
The registrations at the online Jail Bharo Andolan have also slowed down on Day 2 of Anna's fast. Delhi NCR remains the most enthusiastic region with over 24,000 people signing up.
Scenes from the MMRDA Ground this morning.
Yesterday, Anna Hazare ended the first day of his fast with a high fever and blood pressure. He was urged by many to abandon the hunger strike, including his own aides and Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. An ambulance was on standby last night to take him to hospital and a team of doctors from JJ Hospital were to submit a report on his health to the government.
This morning's medical bulletin puts Anna's temperature at 102 deg F, pulse rate at 98 and his blood pressure at 170/96.
Aide Manish Sisodia said that Team Anna is still trying to convince Anna Hazare to give up the fast.
This morning's medical bulletin puts Anna's temperature at 102 deg F, pulse rate at 98 and his blood pressure at 170/96.
Aide Manish Sisodia said that Team Anna is still trying to convince Anna Hazare to give up the fast.
It's not just his aides and the doctors who are worrying about Anna's health, back home in Ralegan Siddhi his family has also expressed their concern.
Anna's younger brother, Maruti Hazare says they are worried about Anna and will travel to Mumbai tomorrow to meet him.
Maruti's daughter-in-law Surekha says the family have not eaten anything either.
Maruti's granddaughter Nisha had this to say: On one hand they say they want to make India a super democracy and on the other hand this happens
Anna's younger brother, Maruti Hazare says they are worried about Anna and will travel to Mumbai tomorrow to meet him.
Maruti's daughter-in-law Surekha says the family have not eaten anything either.
Maruti's granddaughter Nisha had this to say: On one hand they say they want to make India a super democracy and on the other hand this happens
Kiran Bedi to NDTV: I appealed to Anna to stop the fast this morning, the audience at MMRDA also asked him to. But Anna is a very determined man and wants to see a strong Lokpal Bill passed.
Anna's family physician, Dr Anirudh Dharmadhikari has said it is Anna is being stubborn and the fast will continue, though he personally thinks it is wrong of Anna. He also said Anna has been given an injection to reduce the fever and medicines to bring his blood pressure down. A team of doctors from JJ Hospital is at MMRDA and will examine Anna every hour.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan has spoken to Team Anna and sent an ambulance for Anna, who is likely to be moved to hospital. Doctors from JJ Hospital have arrived at MMRDA to do a check up and will submit a health report to the government.
An unwell Anna has been lying down backstage at MMRDA, surrounded by his aides. In the green jacket is Arvid Kejriwal and on his right is Kiran Bedi.
Anna has looked tired and under the weather all day today but insisted that he would not abandon the fast.
Doctors from JJ Hospital are a MMRDA Ground meeting Anna and his team. Anna has been refusing to call off the fast even though he is now running a fever and his blood pressure has risen.
Team Anna members have been trying to convince him to abandon the fast. This morning, Kiran Bedi appealed to the crowd to join her in asking Anna to stop. The crowd responded with a resounding 'yes' but Anna's answering wave said 'no'.
Team Anna members have been trying to convince him to abandon the fast. This morning, Kiran Bedi appealed to the crowd to join her in asking Anna to stop. The crowd responded with a resounding 'yes' but Anna's answering wave said 'no'.
Why Mumbai didn't stop for Anna: Preparations were made for 50,000 people at MMRDA Ground today with policemen deployed in large numbers and makeshift kitchens set up to dole out food to the crowd. Now, it seems that these were not required. Not even a fifth of the expected number showed up, with the crowd peaking at 7000.
The poor turnout could be because - Mumbai is a working class city and today is a work day; MMRDA Ground is not very well connected; and it's holiday season with Christmas just gone by and New Year round the corner.
The poor turnout could be because - Mumbai is a working class city and today is a work day; MMRDA Ground is not very well connected; and it's holiday season with Christmas just gone by and New Year round the corner.
12 hours after Anna left for MMRDA Ground at 9:30am, crowds have dwindled to a mere 300. The turnout has been much lower than the expected 50,000. The day began with about 3500 people at MMRDA, peaked at 7000 at about 6 pm, then fell rapidly to about 2000-2500, and from then to just a couple of hundred.
The protest at Ramlila Ground in Delhi also saw very sparse attendance, with just 600-700 people showing up - a sharp contrast to the teeming crowds of August's 12 day fast.
The protest at Ramlila Ground in Delhi also saw very sparse attendance, with just 600-700 people showing up - a sharp contrast to the teeming crowds of August's 12 day fast.
Anna's health, which has not been good for the last four days, has become worse through the course of today's fast. He has been lying down off stage for the last two hours and now it seems likely that he will be taken to hospital. Doctors from Mumbai's JJ Hospital are on their way to him.
Anna has had a fever and a cough for the last few days but was pronounced fit to fast by his doctor yesterday. His health has been monitored all day today with doctors on stage taking his temperature and checking blood pressure regularly. He had no fever till early evening when he developed a temperature of 102 degrees F. His blood pressure and pulse also shot up.
Team Anna members have been trying to convince him to end the fast but Anna has refused thus far.
Anna has had a fever and a cough for the last few days but was pronounced fit to fast by his doctor yesterday. His health has been monitored all day today with doctors on stage taking his temperature and checking blood pressure regularly. He had no fever till early evening when he developed a temperature of 102 degrees F. His blood pressure and pulse also shot up.
Team Anna members have been trying to convince him to end the fast but Anna has refused thus far.
A recap of Anna's morning: At 9:30am, 74 year old Anna Hazare left the government guesthouse he was staying at in an open truck with aides Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, and an escort of 100 Royal Enfield bikes. (Watch: Anna's motorbike escort)
It took them about two hours to get to MMRDA Ground in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. On the way, they stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along Anna's route was there to cheer him on - black flags were waved at him by an anti-Anna group as the convoy drove past. (Watch: Black flags waved at Anna)
When Anna's convoy reached MMRDA Ground, they were greeted by crowds waving tricolours and holding up placards. Then, the national anthem was sung and the fast had officially begun.
Through the day, the stage has been given over to speeches from Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Medha Patkar and Anna himself. In between, local Mumbai musicians sang a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
In his impassioned speech at 3pm, Anna spoke for the need to sacrifice and said that he was not afraid of death.
Volunteers have been on hand to distribute glasses of water and a makeshift kitchen manned by about 60 people have been dishing out tea, poha and puri-sabzi for the gathered crowd who, unlike Anna, are not on fast.
It took them about two hours to get to MMRDA Ground in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. On the way, they stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along Anna's route was there to cheer him on - black flags were waved at him by an anti-Anna group as the convoy drove past. (Watch: Black flags waved at Anna)
When Anna's convoy reached MMRDA Ground, they were greeted by crowds waving tricolours and holding up placards. Then, the national anthem was sung and the fast had officially begun.
Through the day, the stage has been given over to speeches from Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Medha Patkar and Anna himself. In between, local Mumbai musicians sang a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
In his impassioned speech at 3pm, Anna spoke for the need to sacrifice and said that he was not afraid of death.
Volunteers have been on hand to distribute glasses of water and a makeshift kitchen manned by about 60 people have been dishing out tea, poha and puri-sabzi for the gathered crowd who, unlike Anna, are not on fast.
Kiran Bedi has left for Delhi after having been by Anna's side all day at MMRDA Ground in Mumbai. She will be at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi tomorrow where there is a protest being held, led by the Bhushans. Delhi saw a paltry crowd of only 600-700, which Prashant Bhushan attributed to the cold weather and the fact that Anna was in Mumbai.
Amid the many voices urging an unwell Anna to call off his fast, Medha Patkar has said that he should continue. Anna himself has refused to stop, even though he is running a fever and his blood pressure has also gone up.
Ms Patkar was at MMRDA Ground earlier today with the rest of Team Anna. She also addressed the crowd in the afternoon.
Ms Patkar was at MMRDA Ground earlier today with the rest of Team Anna. She also addressed the crowd in the afternoon.
Anna has 102 fever, refuses requests to call off fast
In addition to a 102 degree F fever, Anna's pulse is 98 and BP is 170/96. He also has a lung infection. Anna has gone off stage and is lying down.
Arvind Kejriwal at MMRDA: We have been trying to convince Anna to call off his 'anshan' or fast. He absolutely refuses to do so.
Arvind Kejriwal at MMRDA: We have been trying to convince Anna to call off his 'anshan' or fast. He absolutely refuses to do so.
Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan has already said a rethink of the jail bharo andolan may be on the cards. Some supporters are hoping that the government will make some headway in Parliament so that the andolan can be called off because they don't think Anna is well enough. Now with Anna's health a real concern, a question mark hangs over the andolan, registrations for which are at about 1,62,000 currently.
Appeals trickle in for Anna to end his fast after he developed a fever and high blood pressure. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the latest to urge him to abandon the fast.
Anna has not eaten properly for the last five days. Doctors in attendance are are to give an opinion on whether he is fit enough to continue fasting. A medical bulletin is expected soon at MMRDA.
Anna remains determined to carry on with his hunger strike. In his speech earlier today he said that he was not afraid of death and would keep fighting for a strong Lokpal.
Anna has not eaten properly for the last five days. Doctors in attendance are are to give an opinion on whether he is fit enough to continue fasting. A medical bulletin is expected soon at MMRDA.
Anna remains determined to carry on with his hunger strike. In his speech earlier today he said that he was not afraid of death and would keep fighting for a strong Lokpal.
Appeals trickle in for Anna to end his fast after he developed a fever and high blood pressure. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the latest to urge him to abandon the fast.
A medical bulletin is expected soon at MMRDA.
Anna remains determined to continue fasting. In his speech earlier today, he said that he was not afraid of death and would keep fighting for a strong Lokpal.
A medical bulletin is expected soon at MMRDA.
Anna remains determined to continue fasting. In his speech earlier today, he said that he was not afraid of death and would keep fighting for a strong Lokpal.
Appeals trickle in for Anna to end his fast after he developed a fever and high blood pressure. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the latest to urge him to abandon the fast.
A medical bulletin is expected soon at MMRDA.
A medical bulletin is expected soon at MMRDA.
The crowd at MMRDA Ground has now dwindled to between 2000 and 2500. Team Anna had said earlier that they expected the crowd to swell in the evening as people stopped by after work. Numbers did indeed reach 7000 at about 6pm, but fallen steadily since then.
Anna is reportedly running a fever of 102 degrees, a development that is bound to raise fresh concerns about his health. His blood pressure is now 170/96. Team Anna says that Anna has been unwell all day and they are trying to convince him to stop fasting
Anna is reportedly running a fever of 102 degrees, a development that is bound to raise fresh concerns about his health. His blood pressure is now 170/96. Team Anna says that Anna has been unwell all day and they are trying to convince him to stop fasting
Villagers from Anna's hometown of Ralegan Siddhi will arrive at MMRDA Ground tomorrow to visit him. Concerns about Anna's health have been worrying them as they watched the debate in Parliament and visuals from Anna's fast on TV today. Anna's health has been a source of concern today and aides have asked him to abandon the fast even though doctors have said he can continue. Anna himself is adamant that he will not stop fasting.
Night falls in Mumbai. The crowd has begun thinning with people trickling out.
The debate over the Bill continues in Parliament. At MMRDA, Team Anna members were watching it on an iPad. Now, the debate is being shown on two big projector screens and the audio is being played over the public announcement system.
The debate over the Bill continues in Parliament. At MMRDA, Team Anna members were watching it on an iPad. Now, the debate is being shown on two big projector screens and the audio is being played over the public announcement system.
The crowd at MMRDA Ground has doubled from 3500 in the morning to 7000 now. But this is paltry in comparison to the massive crowd strength of August's fast, and falls way short of the 50,000 that Team Anna expected to show up. The turnout in Delhi today was also tiny, between 600 and 700. This was attributed to the cold weather.
Recap: This morning at 9:30am, 74 year old Anna Hazare left his guesthouse in an open truck with aides Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, and an escort of 100 Royal Enfield bikes. (Watch: Anna's motorbike escort)
It took them about two hours to get to MMRDA Ground in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. On the way, they stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along Anna's route was there to cheer him on - black flags were waved at him by an anti-Anna group as the convoy drove past. (Watch: Black flags waved)
When Anna's convoy reached MMRDA Ground, they were greeted by crowds waving tricolours and holding up placards. Then, the national anthem was sung and the fast had officially begun.
Through the day, the stage has been given over to speeches from Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Medha Patkar and Anna himself. In between, local Mumbai musicians sang a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
Volunteers have been on hand to distribute glasses of water and a makeshift kitchen manned by about 60 people have been dishing out tea and snacks for the gathered crowd who, unlike Anna, are not on fast.
As the sun sets over Mumbai, and on Anna's fast, people continue to trickle in, flags in hand.
It took them about two hours to get to MMRDA Ground in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. On the way, they stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu. Not everyone along Anna's route was there to cheer him on - black flags were waved at him by an anti-Anna group as the convoy drove past. (Watch: Black flags waved)
When Anna's convoy reached MMRDA Ground, they were greeted by crowds waving tricolours and holding up placards. Then, the national anthem was sung and the fast had officially begun.
Through the day, the stage has been given over to speeches from Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Medha Patkar and Anna himself. In between, local Mumbai musicians sang a mix of filmy and pop numbers.
Volunteers have been on hand to distribute glasses of water and a makeshift kitchen manned by about 60 people have been dishing out tea and snacks for the gathered crowd who, unlike Anna, are not on fast.
As the sun sets over Mumbai, and on Anna's fast, people continue to trickle in, flags in hand.
As Anna fasts under a twilight Mumbai sky, concerns over his health remain, much he would like to wish them away. He is recovering from a suspected viral infection and till yesterday had fever and a cough. However, he was pronounced fit to fast by his doctor. On stage today, a team of doctors been regularly monitoring his temperature, blood pressure and pulse, all of which were normal.
When he spoke to the crowd at 3pm, Anna said the energy from his supporters keeps him going. But some of those supporters are hoping that the government gets some work done in the Parliament today which would then allow the jail bharo andolan to be called off. They do not think that Anna is well enough for the andolan.
Earlier today, Kiran Bedi appealed to the assembled crowd to join her in asking Anna to end his fast. The crowd responded to her request with a resounding 'yes' but Anna's answering wave said 'no'.
When he spoke to the crowd at 3pm, Anna said the energy from his supporters keeps him going. But some of those supporters are hoping that the government gets some work done in the Parliament today which would then allow the jail bharo andolan to be called off. They do not think that Anna is well enough for the andolan.
Earlier today, Kiran Bedi appealed to the assembled crowd to join her in asking Anna to end his fast. The crowd responded to her request with a resounding 'yes' but Anna's answering wave said 'no'.
The protest at Ramlila Ground in Delhi has wrapped for today. It started an hour and a half late and was poorly attended. The protest was to begin at 10am but Team Anna member Shanti Bhushan, who was on fast just for today, only arrived at 10:30am.
His son, Prashant Bhushan, was the main organizer in Delhi and blamed the low crowd turnout on the Delhi winter chill. Just a while ago, he said that Team Anna might rethink the jail bharo andolan if the Bill is improved. Nearly 1,60,000 people have signed up online for the andolan.
Team Anna member Kiran Bedi will be at the Ramlila protest tomorrow. She was by Anna's side all day today at MMRDA, arriving with him in an open truck. She had also inspected the venue last evening ahead of today's fast.
His son, Prashant Bhushan, was the main organizer in Delhi and blamed the low crowd turnout on the Delhi winter chill. Just a while ago, he said that Team Anna might rethink the jail bharo andolan if the Bill is improved. Nearly 1,60,000 people have signed up online for the andolan.
Team Anna member Kiran Bedi will be at the Ramlila protest tomorrow. She was by Anna's side all day today at MMRDA, arriving with him in an open truck. She had also inspected the venue last evening ahead of today's fast.
In Delhi, Prashant Bhushan, who is the main Team Anna member at the Ramlila Ground protest, called the Prime Minister's statement that the Lokpal should not be an elected body unfair reasoning. He said many countries have investigative bodies independent from the government.
Mr Bhushan expressed doubt that the Bill would be passed in this session of Parliament but added that Team Anna would postpone the 'jail bharo andolan' if they felt the Bill would be amended for the better.
Mr Bhushan expressed doubt that the Bill would be passed in this session of Parliament but added that Team Anna would postpone the 'jail bharo andolan' if they felt the Bill would be amended for the better.
People continue to trickle into MMRDA Ground. Some supporters are a little worried about Anna's health and are hoping the government manages to make some headway in Parliament which will allow Anna to call off the jail bharo campaign.
Local Mumbai musicians are performing a mix of Bollywood and pop numbers to keep the crowd entertained and drum up more numbers.
Local Mumbai musicians are performing a mix of Bollywood and pop numbers to keep the crowd entertained and drum up more numbers.
Below the dais, the crowd sits listening to speeches and songs on stage. Most are sporting a symbol of their support for the campaign - an Anna cap, a flag or a placard. One man takes of his shirt to reveal a torso painted with the words I Love India in orange and green. The crowd is largely adult and male, but here and there are women and children.
Volunteers hand out glasses of water among the crowd and makeshift kitchens have been dishing out poha and puri-sabzi for the hungry.
While August's fast triggered a wave of celebrity support for Anna and his campaign, big names have been more or less silent this time round. There was not a Khan or Bachchan in sight at MMRDA, Anupam Kher and composer Vishal Dadlani were the only Bollywood faces spotted.
In Mumbai, Team Anna members are following the debate raging in Parliament on an iPad, just as they did in August's fast at Ramlila Ground. This time round, Anna is not watching Parliamentary proceedings, leaving that to his aides. Instead, he has sat quietly on stage for most of the five hours he has spent at MMRDA so far, except for the 30 minutes he spent addressing the gathered crowd. Read the full text of his speech here
MMRDA Ground can hold upto 60,000 people. Team Anna put the expected number at 50,000 but it was a slow start today when Anna arrived. About 3500 people were at the venue this morning and the crowd has slowly grown to about 5500 now. This falls hugely short of the expected 50,000 although Team Anna member Mayank Gandhi has said they expect the number to jump in the evening after offices close for the day. In Delhi, the parallel protest at Ramlila Ground has been even more sparsely attended, with a few hundreds turning up, a fact that has been blamed on the Delhi winter.
As Anna sits peacefully at Mumbai's MMRDA Ground, the debate over the Lokpal Bill rages in Parliament. Speakers so far have included Sushma Swaraj from the BJP, Mulayam Singh Yadav from the Samajwadi Party, and Kapil Sibal and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh fom the Congress.
The BJP wants the Bill reworked and brought back to Parliament in two months. Reacting to this, Team Anna said they also wanted a reworked and stronger Bill but that it should be brought and passed in this session of Parliament.
Arvind Kejriwal: I appeal to our Parliamentarians to bring amendments that we want in the Lokpal Bill and then pass it.
As the dais buzzes with activity, Anna sits crosslegged against a backdrop that says in Hindi, 'Hum Bharat Ke Log' and, in English, We The People Of India. A series of speakers, including Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal and Anna himself, are punctuated by live music from singers on stage. Celebrity supporters will join Anna on the dais, as Anupam Kher did this afternoon. Below, the crowd sits in the balmy Mumbai weather wearing Anna caps, waving flags and brandishing placards.
Highlights of Anna's speech:
Voters of pollbound states must punish the government.
Will campaign against the government in the five states going to polls.
Will fight for India until I die.
I shunned family. Didn't get married for the cause.
Dil diya hai, jaan bhi denge, aye vatan, tere liye (my heart I have given to you, I will give my life to you as well, my nation)
Watch his full speech here:
Voters of pollbound states must punish the government.
Will campaign against the government in the five states going to polls.
Will fight for India until I die.
I shunned family. Didn't get married for the cause.
Dil diya hai, jaan bhi denge, aye vatan, tere liye (my heart I have given to you, I will give my life to you as well, my nation)
Watch his full speech here:
Recap: Anna Hazare drove into Mumbai last night from his hometown of Ralegan Siddhi. At 9:30am this morning, he made the nearly two hour journey to MMRDA Ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex in an open truck, waving a tricolour. With him were aides Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, and an escort of 100 Royal Enfield bikes. En route, he stopped at the Gandhi statue in Juhu to pay his respects.
This time round, Anna's fast has also been marked by opposing groups who do not support his campaign. Some waved black flags at him as he drove by.
Anna's convoy reached MMRDA at about 12:30pm to be greeted by a sea of waving flags and placards, and he began his fast after the national anthem was sung. Preparations at the venue include food and refreshments for the supporters. 60 volunteers are manning the makeshift kitchen to provide poha and poori-sabzi.
The fast was to be held in Delhi's Ramlila Ground but was moved to Mumbai because of the cold weather, a decision that now seems wise as the poor crowd turnout at the parallel protest in Delhi shows.
Anna's health has been a concern with him recovering from a viral infection but he has been pronounced fit to fast by his doctor. His temperature, blood pressure and pulse is being monitored at MMRDA and are normal right now, according to a medical bulletin posted on Twitter an hour ago. Anna's blood pressure was at 140/86, pulse was 84/min and he had no fever.
At 3pm, Anna addressed the crowd for over 30 mins. He stressed the importance of sacrifice and said he would continue to fight for a strong Lokpal and a Right To Reject Bill.
Amid health concerns, Team Anna members have asked Anna not to continue with his fast but Anna is adamant. In his speech he said that he is not afraid of dying and that he would give his life for the cause if need be. Kiran Bedi even roped the gathered crowd into her appeal to Anna to end his fast. He waved his hand to say "no." Yesterday, MMRDA Ground was inspected by Bedi, Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Mayank Gandhi. 50,000 people are expected to show up in support but the current number falls far below, at 4000.
Overall, the turnout has been low in both Mumbai and Delhi, though Team Anna members have appealed to supporters to leave their homes. They expect more people to show up in the evening after finishing work at offices. In Delhi, the winter chill has kept crowd support even lower with just 600-700 people showing up. Visuals show a sparsely populated Ramlila Ground, a sharp contrast to the teeming crowds of August's fast. Team Anna member Shanti Bhushan is on a symbolic one day fast here.
Overall, the turnout has been low in both Mumbai and Delhi, though Team Anna members have appealed to supporters to leave their homes. They expect more people to show up in the evening after finishing work at offices. In Delhi, the winter chill has kept crowd support even lower with just 600-700 people showing up. Visuals show a sparsely populated Ramlila Ground, a sharp contrast to the teeming crowds of August's fast. Team Anna member Shanti Bhushan is on a symbolic one day fast here.
Looking tired and somewhat under the weather, Anna spoke to the crowd at MMRDA Ground for over half an hour at 3pm. Yesterday, he was pronounced fit to fast by his doctor who said he was recovering well from fever and a cough. A team of doctors is in attendance at MMRDA for regular heath checks.
Anupam Kher at MMRDA: There have been efforts to silence those who are against corruption. Time and time again, the message is - if you speak against corruption, you are against the government. That is not the case, corruption affects us all.
Anna's speech at 3 pm at MMRDA Grounds, Mumbai:
People have to make sacrifices for their country. Lakhs made sacrifices for our independence.
To protect that freedom, it is time for sacrifice once again. I am not lecturing you. But to serve society and country, that is why we are given life.
At 26, I decided this would be my cause. So I decided not to marry. My goal is still the same. I don't even know the names of my three brothers' children. I decided I will live only for society and my country. I will die for the same cause.
Dil diya hai, jaan bhi denge, aye vatan, tere liye (my heart I have given to you, I will give my life to you as well, my nation)
Doctors have just checked me. I stood in a car from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm today. I have not eaten. I have been sick recently. But I feel no discomfort. They say I have a bit of a temperature. People die of heart attacks. Instead of dying like that, let me die for my country. That will be my good fortune. I am not scared of death. I have a plate and a bed in my house. That is all.
In August, I fasted for 12 days. I was fine. The crowd's energy fed me. So I urge you -govt is betraying us -not Team Anna, but the country. At some point then, the public will teach you (the govt) a lesson. Just now, the government feels it is untouchable. There are elections in a few states, but what will they do to us at the national level (is what the govt thinks). But in these five states that are voting, we will campaign against the government. You have not seen what people power is. It is more powerful than parliament.
The sort of people who are joining politics now are criminals, goondas. What will become of our country then? This is why we need to fight for the Right to Reject (electoral candidates). There are 10 candidates standing for elections. Yet, Voters have nobody to choose from. So we should have the right to say "none of the above." And if there are many who choose this option, then the election for that constituency should be cancelled.
We will have to fight for these laws. As a country, we form our own laws.
I request all young people here -be ready to participate in our jail bharo agitation (civil disobedience movement). Youth is our country's strength. If you are awakened, we can be rescued. Follow the example of martyrs like Bhagat Singh. Till the last, they shouted "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Bharat Mata ki jai.". They will not pass this law today. I know this.
There are state elections, then we will campaign all over for the national elections. We will tell the people that the country is being looted not by thieves but by its caretakers.
There are people who will donate to us. But we will not accept black money for our movement. I was offered an award for a crore. But I rejected it because the organizers were dubious. But there are some good, clean people who say they will help us. We are getting letters from people saying they will fight with us. Young people should sign up, we will train them for six months, make them good strong leaders.
I asked Ramdev to come join us on stage and we will fight together. Perhaps he will come tomorrow or day after.
People have to make sacrifices for their country. Lakhs made sacrifices for our independence.
To protect that freedom, it is time for sacrifice once again. I am not lecturing you. But to serve society and country, that is why we are given life.
At 26, I decided this would be my cause. So I decided not to marry. My goal is still the same. I don't even know the names of my three brothers' children. I decided I will live only for society and my country. I will die for the same cause.
Dil diya hai, jaan bhi denge, aye vatan, tere liye (my heart I have given to you, I will give my life to you as well, my nation)
Doctors have just checked me. I stood in a car from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm today. I have not eaten. I have been sick recently. But I feel no discomfort. They say I have a bit of a temperature. People die of heart attacks. Instead of dying like that, let me die for my country. That will be my good fortune. I am not scared of death. I have a plate and a bed in my house. That is all.
In August, I fasted for 12 days. I was fine. The crowd's energy fed me. So I urge you -govt is betraying us -not Team Anna, but the country. At some point then, the public will teach you (the govt) a lesson. Just now, the government feels it is untouchable. There are elections in a few states, but what will they do to us at the national level (is what the govt thinks). But in these five states that are voting, we will campaign against the government. You have not seen what people power is. It is more powerful than parliament.
The sort of people who are joining politics now are criminals, goondas. What will become of our country then? This is why we need to fight for the Right to Reject (electoral candidates). There are 10 candidates standing for elections. Yet, Voters have nobody to choose from. So we should have the right to say "none of the above." And if there are many who choose this option, then the election for that constituency should be cancelled.
We will have to fight for these laws. As a country, we form our own laws.
I request all young people here -be ready to participate in our jail bharo agitation (civil disobedience movement). Youth is our country's strength. If you are awakened, we can be rescued. Follow the example of martyrs like Bhagat Singh. Till the last, they shouted "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Bharat Mata ki jai.". They will not pass this law today. I know this.
There are state elections, then we will campaign all over for the national elections. We will tell the people that the country is being looted not by thieves but by its caretakers.
There are people who will donate to us. But we will not accept black money for our movement. I was offered an award for a crore. But I rejected it because the organizers were dubious. But there are some good, clean people who say they will help us. We are getting letters from people saying they will fight with us. Young people should sign up, we will train them for six months, make them good strong leaders.
I asked Ramdev to come join us on stage and we will fight together. Perhaps he will come tomorrow or day after.
Anna Hazare's temperature being checked at the MMRDA Ground
Anna Hazare at MMRDA: People have to make sacrifices for their country.
Lakhs made sacrifices for our independence; to protect that freedom. It is time for sacrifice once again. I am not lecturing you.
But to serve society and country, that is why we are given life. At 26, I decided this would be my cause. So I decided not to marry.
My goal is still the same. I don't even know the names of my three brothers' children. I decided I will live only for society and my country. I will die for the same cause.
Lakhs made sacrifices for our independence; to protect that freedom. It is time for sacrifice once again. I am not lecturing you.
But to serve society and country, that is why we are given life. At 26, I decided this would be my cause. So I decided not to marry.
My goal is still the same. I don't even know the names of my three brothers' children. I decided I will live only for society and my country. I will die for the same cause.
Anna Hazare takes the mic and addresses the crowd at the MMRDA Ground.
Anupam Kher arrives at MMRDA Ground, the first of Anna's celebrity supporters. Composer Vishal Dadlani tweeted earlier today saying he would be there at 2 pm.
Anna's health is being monitored on stage by a team of doctors. His temperature is being taken regularly and his blood pressure and pulse are being checked.
74-year old Anna Hazare is recovering from viral fever and an hour into his three day fast there were appeals for him to end it, led by his own aides Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi.
Kiran Bedi asked the crowd at MMRDA to join in saying: "He has fever. Let us request him to stop his fast. Anna can continue his dharna."
She went on to say: "Anna is unwell. Will you request Anna to withdraw his fast?", to which the crowd responded with a resounding "Yes."
Anna, who looked quite unwell and has been on medication for three days, waved his hand to say "No." His doctor said yesterday that Anna was a little weak but would be fit to fast today. Anna also had a medical check up at MMRDA today and has no fever.
Kiran Bedi asked the crowd at MMRDA to join in saying: "He has fever. Let us request him to stop his fast. Anna can continue his dharna."
She went on to say: "Anna is unwell. Will you request Anna to withdraw his fast?", to which the crowd responded with a resounding "Yes."
Anna, who looked quite unwell and has been on medication for three days, waved his hand to say "No." His doctor said yesterday that Anna was a little weak but would be fit to fast today. Anna also had a medical check up at MMRDA today and has no fever.
Team Anna posts a health update on Twitter: Anna's blood pressure is currently 140/86, pulse is 84/min and he has no fever
There are about 3500 people at MMRDA Ground at the moment. Team Anna member Mayank Gandhi has said that more supporters are expected this evening. Volunteers are handing out food and glasses of water to the supporters. On the menu are poha and puri-sabzi.
Team Anna members address the crowd as Anna fasts. Speakers so far have included Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal and Medha Patkar.
Anna Hazare has had a medical check-up at the MMRDA ground. The 74-year-old had viral fever over the last few days, but has remained adamant that he will fast for three days, despite several appeals from his team.
Recap: Anna reached MMRDA Ground at about 12:15pm and was joined on stage by aides Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Everybody stood as the national anthem was sung and Anna's fast had officially begun. Aides have said that they asked Anna not to fast as he is recovering from viral fever but there was no dissuading him.
Registrations for the online 'Jail Bharo Andolan' cross 1,50,000. Delhi NCR leads the way with close to 22,000 votes.
Crowds swelling at the MMRDA grounds, but still nowhere near as much as Anna's August protest in Delhi saw. At today's protest in Delhi's Ramlila Ground, the cold has kept attendance low with just 600-700 supporters turning out.
Team Anna reacts to the BJP's demand in Parliament today that the Lokpal Bill be reworked and then be brought in 2 or 3 months, saying they want a reworked, stronger Bill, but that it should be brought and passed in this session.
Arvind Kejriwal: I appeal to our Parliamentarians to bring amendments that we want in the Lokpal Bill and then pass it.
Arvind Kejriwal: I appeal to our Parliamentarians to bring amendments that we want in the Lokpal Bill and then pass it.
If government didn't want to accept any of oursuggestions, then why pretend to form a committee with us and ask us to contribute?
At different points in this last year, the govt has betrayed Anna and the people.
To end his fasts, government made promises to Anna, then betrayed him Anna was arrested and placed in jail -with politicians like A Raja and Suresh Kalmadi - the sort of corrupt politicians he is fighting against.
Two hours after arresting him, they said he is free to go. Was he no longer a danger to security, as they claimed earlier? Is there a law that bans us from holding protests?
On August 27, parliament met and on tv, the whole country watched as MPs accepted Anna's three points: that Citizen's Charter will be brought under Lokpal. Anna says it hurts him to hear of how many bribes a common man is asked for when he goes to a government office. So Anna asked for a notice to be displayed in all govt departments which show the services you are owed by that office and the time within which that service has to be delivered. Parliament accepted that. But the government has not included Citizen's Charter in the bill brought to parliament.
This Bill gives corrupt officers the right to free lawyers. This is the sort of tough Bill that the government keeps talking about. If you complain to the Lokpal, the officer you complain against will get a lawyer at no charge to fight you in court. Barely 5% of all government servants are covered by this Bill. Bureaucrats are not covered by this bill, but temple trusts, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, private colleges and schools, NGOs are covered. Is this correct? The PM says we have brought a tough bill. Shame on the government.
To select the nine lokpal members, there are five people, and here of them are govt appointees. To remove Lokpal members - the government has control over that also. How is this an autonomous agency then? CBI remains a pawn of the government. When the government is on shaky ground, it uses the CBI to counter Mayawati, to lure Lalu to its side to support it. This Lokpal doesn't even have an investigating agency to hand your complaints to.
At different points in this last year, the govt has betrayed Anna and the people.
To end his fasts, government made promises to Anna, then betrayed him Anna was arrested and placed in jail -with politicians like A Raja and Suresh Kalmadi - the sort of corrupt politicians he is fighting against.
Two hours after arresting him, they said he is free to go. Was he no longer a danger to security, as they claimed earlier? Is there a law that bans us from holding protests?
On August 27, parliament met and on tv, the whole country watched as MPs accepted Anna's three points: that Citizen's Charter will be brought under Lokpal. Anna says it hurts him to hear of how many bribes a common man is asked for when he goes to a government office. So Anna asked for a notice to be displayed in all govt departments which show the services you are owed by that office and the time within which that service has to be delivered. Parliament accepted that. But the government has not included Citizen's Charter in the bill brought to parliament.
This Bill gives corrupt officers the right to free lawyers. This is the sort of tough Bill that the government keeps talking about. If you complain to the Lokpal, the officer you complain against will get a lawyer at no charge to fight you in court. Barely 5% of all government servants are covered by this Bill. Bureaucrats are not covered by this bill, but temple trusts, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, private colleges and schools, NGOs are covered. Is this correct? The PM says we have brought a tough bill. Shame on the government.
To select the nine lokpal members, there are five people, and here of them are govt appointees. To remove Lokpal members - the government has control over that also. How is this an autonomous agency then? CBI remains a pawn of the government. When the government is on shaky ground, it uses the CBI to counter Mayawati, to lure Lalu to its side to support it. This Lokpal doesn't even have an investigating agency to hand your complaints to.
Kiran Bedi at MMRDA: The number of people we saw on the roads was 6- 10 times more than the crowd here. People who stood on the roads paid their respects to Anna and said that they were with him. Even if they are not here on the ground, they came on the roads to support us, so I thank them.
Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi: We asked Anna not to fast, he did not listen.
Anna left his guesthouse at 9:30am and stopped at the Gandhi Statue in Juhu on the way to MMRDA Ground. He was accompanied by aides including Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal as he travelled to the venue in an open top truck. The convoy was escorted by 100 Royal Enfield bikers to help beat Mumbai traffic. Anna reached MMRDA Ground at 12:15 pm and was greeted by music and a crowd of supporters waving flags and placards.
Kiran Bedi: The number of people we saw on the roads was 6-10 times more than the crowd here (MMRDA Ground). People who stood on the roads paid their respects to Anna and said that they were with him.
Arvind Kejriwal is on stage at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai, recounting the Lokpal story of 2011.
Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal addresses the crowd at MMRDA Ground.
Anna aide Mayank Gandhi says Team Anna is following the debate in Parliament on an iPad. They are also getting updates on their phones.
Behind Anna, the stage backdrop proclaims "We The People Of India", and in Hindi - "Hum Bharat Ke Log." At the bottom of the backdrop are faces of Indians who made history, including Gandhiji and Swami Vivekananda. On stage, live music punctuates the speakers.
Team Anna member Kiran Bedi addresses the crowd at MMRDA Ground as Anna Hazare fasts.
The national anthem being sung at MMRDA Ground.
Anna Hazare stands for the national anthem.
Anna Hazare's supporters stand for the national anthem at MMRDA Ground.
Anna begins his fast in Mumbai. On stage are Team Anna aides Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.
On stage, Anna sits crosslegged as Kiran Bedi waves the tri-colour.
At the venue, people are wearing Anna caps, waving flags and holding up placards with slogans of support.
As Anna begins fast, volunteers distribute glasses of water to supporters at MMRDA Ground.
Full turnout at MMRDA Ground. In contrast, the parallel protest being held at Delhi's Ramlila Ground has been poorly attended.
Anna Hazare greeted by a sea of tri-colours being waved by crowds of supporters at MMRDA Ground.
Anna Hazare on stage at MMRDA Ground, will now begin fast.
Kiran Bedi and other aides with Anna Hazare arrive at MMRDA Ground.
Anna Hazare and aides reach MMRDA in an open truck.
Anna Hazare's supporters at MMRDA Ground.
Anna Hazare reaches MMRDA Ground.
The protest at Delhi's Ramlila Grounds started an hour and a half late because of the winter chill and fog. Scheduled to begin at 10am, Team Anna member Shanti Bhushan only reached the venue at 10:30am.
Anna's convoy about to enter MMRDA Ground.
Anna reaches Bandra-Kurla complex, will be at the MMRDA Ground shortly.
Mumbai has the second highest registrations in the online 'Jail Bharo Andolan', with close to 15,800 entries so far. The rest of Maharashtra has contributed with 15,200 more votes.
Anna Hazare expected to reach the MMRDA Ground in 10 minutes as the debate in the Parliament rages on.
Delhi NCR has had the maximum number of people registering for the 'Jail Bharo Andolan' with over 21,000 entries. Total entries cross 1,45,000.
Arrangements have been made to feed the supporters at MMRDA Ground while Anna is on his three day fast. Organisations like Giriraj Seva Samiti and Janseva Sansthan will be working round the clock to provide poha for snacks, tea and puri-sabji for lunch and dinner. About 60 volunteers will man the food preparations
The open truck of Team Anna was escorted by 100 bikers.
Team Anna members Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi on their way to the MMRDA Ground.
En route to the fast venue Anna stopped at the Gandhi Statue in Juhu to pay respects MMRDA Ground, in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, is 30,000 sq feet in size and can hold upto 60,000 people. 50,000 people are expected today.
MMRDA Ground is in Bandra-Kurla. About 200 policemen have been deployed at the Bandra-Kurla Complex to prevent traffic jams. Jams are expected on arterial roads including Western Express Highway and Linking Road.
Anna half-way to MMRDA Ground, expected to reach at 12:15 pm.
Anna is being escorted by a Royal Enfield bike convoy to the MMRDA ground to beat the Mumbai traffic.
Anna reaches Mithibai College
The weather was a key factor in moving the main fast arena from Delhi to Mumbai. Anna was to fast at the Ramlila Ground but this was changed to Mumbai's MMRDA Ground instead because of the Delhi winter.
Shanti Bhushan was alone on the dais as music played. Speaking to the media, Prashant Bhushan blamed the fog and chilly weather for the low crowd turnout.
The protests got off to a late start in Delhi because of the winter chill which kept supporters away from Ramlila Grounds. The protest was scheduled to start at 10 am but Team Anna member Shanti Bhushan only reached the venue at 10:30 am. Prashant Bhushan was there earlier to speak to the media.
On December 30, he will launch a civil disobedience "jail bharo" campaign. As of now, over 1,42,000 people have registered online to participate.
More than 50,000 people are expected to congregate at Anna's fast at Mumbai's MMRDA Ground.
Anna is en route to Mumbai's MMRDA ground to begin his 3-day fast. Meanwhile, a meeting is being held at Pranab Mukherjee's office with Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Salman Khurshid, Pawan Bansal and Kapil Sibal.
A parallel protest is being held at Delhi's Ramlila Ground. Shanti Bhushan is on the stage right now.
Anna drove into Mumbai last night from Ralegan Siddhi and left his guesthouse in Bandra at 9:30am this morning. He looked tired and is recovering from viral fever. Despite this, he has rejected his aides' request to cancel the hunger strike.
Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan says supporters are expected in a while at Delhi's Ramlila Grounds.
Anna Hazare leaves Juhu for MMRDA Ground where he will begin his 3-day fast.
Anna Hazare sent for a mattress on which he sat in meditation in front of the Mahatma's statue.
Hazare paid respects at Mahatma Gandhi's statue, along with key members of his team Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Manish Sisodia and former Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde. Kejriwal and Bedi are scheduled to fast with Hazare.
Anna Hazare plans to go to Delhi on December 30 if Parliament does not pass a Bill that is "strong and effective." He plans to sit in protest outside Sonia Gandhi's residence as a start to his "jail bharo" campaign.
To recap as Anna makes his way to the venue of his hungerstrike: Team Anna will be watching keenly, as will the rest of the country, how Parliament debates and votes today on the Lokpal Bill that the government tabled last week. The BJP has said it will seek 37 amendments to it; the Left says it has 11 amendments that it wants.
Quick update on the online registration for Team Anna's jail bharo agitation: 1,40,546 have signed up so far.
Prashant Bhushan has reached Ramlila Ground to kick off the Delhi leg of the protest.
Some members of Team Anna, including eminent lawyers Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan will be fasting at the Ramlila ground in Delhi too. In Delhi, Team Anna has said people will gather only between 10 am and 6 pm because of the bitter cold in the Capital.
And, of course, Congressman and Team Anna baiter Digvijaya Singh had to have one last word. He tweeted this morning suggesting that Team Anna members fast rather than make the unwell septuagenarian fast.
As Anna makes his way to the venue of his fast, his team has voiced concern for his health. They have asked him not to fast, but the Gandhian activist is adamant that he will. Doctors are worried that Mumbai is warm and sweltering and that could affect Anna's health towards the afternoon.
The MMRDA ground can accommodate at least 40,000 people; there is a trickle right now, but heavy crowds are expected by noon. Some anti-Anna slogans are being raised at the ground too.
About 300 people are present at Juhu beach to receive Anna Hazare. More volunteers expected to join him along the route .
Anna Hazare arrives at the Gandhi Statue in Juhu. Anna Hazare being shown black flags on the way to Juhu.
Anna Hazare leaves Guest House for the Gandhi Statue at Juhu before starting his 3-day fast at the MMRDA Ground.
Mumbai Police has reportedly decided to make Kalina Ground a makeshift jail to accommodate the huge number of people courting arrest during the jail bharo call.
Anna's doctors have advised him against extending his fast. So on December 30, he will launch a civil disobedience "jail bharo" campaign. Online, more than 1.3 lakh Indians have offered to participate.
· 50,000 people are expected to visit the venue where 74-year-old Anna Hazare will begin his hunger strike at 11 am.
