Protests

2011 Indian anti-corruption movement

Local march by Delhi residents

On March 13, 2011, a group of Delhi residents dressed in white shirts and t-shirts drove around the city for four hours in support of an anti-corruption campaign and the passing of a Jan Lokpal Bill.

Satyagraha Movement by activist Anna Hazare

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare went on hunger strike "unto death" on April 5, 2011, pending the enactment of a Jan Lokpal Bill.

One-day fast by Mumbai residents

Around 6,000 Mumbai residents also began a one-day fast in support of similar demands. Protesters chose yellow as their colour and were seen wearing yellow dresses, T-shirts while waving yellow banners. Inter city protest co-ordination is underway to observe Yellow Sunday.

Jail Bharo Andolan by activist Anna Hazare

 

people protesting against the imprisonment of Anna Hazare in New Delhi, India

Hazare also announced plans to start a Jail Bharo Andolan protest on 13 April 2011 if the Jan Lokpal bill is not passed by the government. He also stated that his group has received six crore (60 million) text messages of support^[20] and that he has further backing from a large number of Internet activists.

Candle light vigil at India Gate against the imprisonment of Anna Hazare

The protests are not associated with any political parties, and Hazare supporters discouraged political leaders from joining the protests, because Hazare believes that political parties were using the campaign for their own political advantage. Hazare announced to go on fast again from 16 August 2011 if Jan Lokpal Bill was not presented before Parliament of India. But government rejected his demand to present any other bill except the one drafted by them. To stop Hazare from going on Hunger Strike government put forth lots of conditions in front of him if he wanted to protest. Few of which were that no more than 5000 people can gather with him, the fast must not exceed three days and anytime medical check up could be conducted. Out of which Anna accepted few conditions to start his protest. But on Monday morning, Aug 16, Sec 144 was imposed around JP Park, New Delhi where he had planned to protest.

A person holding the Indian Flag at the India gate while protesting against the imprisonment of Anna Hazare

So Delhi Police arrested Anna from the place he was living on charges that his protest can cause law and order problems in Delhi. After his arrest thousands of people gathered in city to protest against government. People took out rallies in large numbers and gave arrests. Police arrested thousand of people and were put inside stadiums converted to jails.  The city observed a candle light protest at India Gate in response. The nation as a whole witnessed widespread protests against the alleged atrocities of the government.

Notable supporters and opposition

In addition to the activists responsible for creating and organizing support for the bill, a wide variety of other notable individuals have also stated that they support this bill. Spiritual leadersSri Sri Ravi Shankar and Yog Guru Ramdev have both expressed support. Notable politicians who have indicated support for the bill include Ajit Singh and Manpreet Singh Badal as well as the principal opposition party, Bharatiya Janta Party. In addition, numerous Bollywood actors, directors, and musicians have publicly approved of the bill

Notable opposition has been expressed by HRD minister Kapil Sibal and other Congress leaders; Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamta Banerjee; Punjab Chief Minister and Akali Dal leader Prakash Singh Badal; Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray, and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Jagdish Sharan Verma. Although BJP showed their support earlier, there are reports that BJP shares the Congress's concern "over letting the civil society gain the upper hand over Parliament in lawmaking".

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