Hundreds of supporters today gathered outside Tihar Jail eagerly waiting for the moment when anti-corruption campaigner Anna Hazare will come out of the jail after spending almost three days there.
People are arriving in large numbers since early morning to participate in Hazare's proposed yatra to Ramlila Ground, which will be the site of his ongoing indefinte fast for a strong Lokpal.
Supporters expressed happiness over the 73-year-old Gandhian's decision to come out from the prison complex following rounds of negotiations with the police and authorities to decide on agitation venue to undertake hunger strike.
"I have come here late last night to participate in this mass movement. It is our victory and we will remove corruption from the country with Annaji's help," said Ashok Marwah, a Dwarka resident who was among thousands others anxiously waiting for the Hazare's release.
S P Singh, a businessman who was offering refreshments to people protesting outside the prison, said: "I am happy that Anna will come out from Tihar today. Government must pass Jan Lokpal Bill and accept all demands of Anna unconditionally."
"We will go with Anna and sit at Ramlila Maidan for as many days we can. We want Jan Lok Pal Bill to kill this corruption," Manjula, a teacher by profession, said.
It was a festive atmosphere as people organised yagna and sang songs for Hazare's well being and to extend support to the movement led by the anti-graft crusader.
Meanwhile, police have made elaborate security arrangements to keep any untoward incident at bay. Around 300 police personnel have been pressed into service outside Tihar.
Apart from this, a team of Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) has also come here along with sniffer dogs.
Notably, Delhi Police had detained Anna Hazare on August 16 hours ahead of his proposed fast at JP Park but had later decided to release him apparently succumbing to widespread pressure from the Gandhian's supporters.
Hazare, however, refused to leave the jail, saying he would only come out when he will allowed to carry out fast unconditionally.
Later, his team had reached an agreement with the government last morning under which Delhi Police had removed all restrictions and allowed him to carry out his hunger strike for a fortnight in the spacious Ramlila Maidan.
Meanwhile, the anti-graft campaign of Hazare was received mass support from several parts of the country with people turning out in massive numbers in all major cities.
On Wednesday, Hazare's supporters thronged streets of Delhi, carrying out a massive protest march from Jantar Mantar to India Gate.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app