5,000 people to fast in support of Lokpal Bill

Pooja Domadia; Hindustan Times; Mumbai, March 28, 2011,

At least 5,000 city residents will fast on April 5 to support the Jan Lokpal Bill. Social activist Anna Hazare will fast in New Delhi on the same day.

“Many individuals have already pledged their support. Sri Sri Ravishankar, Baba Ramdev and the Archbishop of Delhi are preaching their followers to fast for the Jan Lokpal Bill. Announcements are also being made in churches. A minimum of 5,000 people will be fasting on April 5,” said Mayank Gandhi, founder of Jagrut Nagrik Manch.

Volunteers of the nationwide movement, India against Corruption (IAC) are spreading the word through the distribution of pamphlets and badges at the railway stations and public places. “Our volunteers have already distributed more than 1.5 lakh badges and 3.5 lakh pamphlets, asking people to support the Bill by fasting. Volunteers are also approaching people on trains and are going door-to-door to speak about the Bill,” said Gandhi.

Volunteers are also trying to gather support through advertisements. Fifty buses have been booked, 600 banners and 40,000 car stickers have been printed and a media partner has been roped in for outdoor advertising. Volunteers will also be standing outside the Wankhede stadium during the World Cup final match on April 2 with pamphlets and banners. The Lokpal Bill has been drafted by activists and experts including former top cop Kiran Bedi, advocate Prashant Bhushan and RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal.