Residents of Ralegan Siddhi, the native village of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, wore a festive look today. Villagers, worried over the deteriorating health of their beloved leader, shouted slogans, danced, sung patriotic songs, took out processions and, above all, unfurled the national tricolour at the Zilla Parishad school after Hazare broke his 12-day fast at 10.19 am on Sunday.
Even villagers from adjoining villages were not behind. They put up an auspicious gudi —generally installed to celebrate the Marathi calender year. They also unfurled the tricolour on houses, shops, mandis and hotels. The emotionally charged villagers followed Anna’s advice to observe restraint during their celebrations and announced their resolve to continue supporting Anna in his fight.
Jaisingh Mapari, the village sarpanch told Business Standard, “Anna’s agitation was similar to the freedom struggle. Therefore, we decided to unfurl the tricolour. The villagers are proud that Anna led the anti-corruption agitation, which has now become a national movement of sorts. Still, it is not a complete victory as Anna says the fight continues. We will mobilise people again if the government does not keep its promise to pass the Jan Lok Pal Bill.” Mapari said the gram sabha in Ralegan Siddhi was quite active and took all the necessary decisions for expediting the development process.
He, however, admitted that empowering gram sabhas across the country was a challenge and would become a reality with the people’s movement. He said the villagers thanked the media for its crucial role in spreading Anna’s message across the country, and, even abroad.
Leading activist of Hazare’s movement from Ralegan Siddhi, Vijay Waghmare said the villagers had peacefully agitated for the Bill over the last 12 days. “Every villager is eager to welcome Anna. They have taken a decision to organize a grand welcome,” he added.
