Fight will continue,even if I’m not alive: Anna

People had gathered outside the jail from all across the city,taking time off from work or school. “This is one of those days when normal work is not important. I will follow Anna all the way to Ramlila Maidan today,” said Harwinder Singh,a resident of South Delhi,who had kept vigil all night outside Tihar.

At 9.30 am,former IPS officer Kiran Bedi came out of Tihar gate to address the crowd,assuring them that Hazare would be with them soon. “Anna will come out at 11 and he will address you all. He will lead a march from here to Ramlila Maidan. We have permission for the fast till September 2,but it can be extended if the public demands,” she said.

Once outside,Hazare mounted a small podium near the gate. His address was brief. “We got freedom in 1947. Now,the second freedom struggle has begun on August 16,a revolution has started. The fight against corruption will continue whether I am alive or not,” he said.

Flanked by members of his team,Hazare got on to a mini-van to head towards Mayapuri.

It was then that dark clouds began to roll in — the initial drizzle soon turned to downpour.

The procession culminated at Lajwanti flyover,where Hazare shifted to a cream-coloured Innova,zipping out of the crowded intersection and taking the Ring Road to reach Rajghat,where he paid his respect to Mahatma Gandhi.

The rain,however,forced him to leave the memorial in a hurry and also skip his next stop,India Gate,and head straight for Ramlila Maidan.

Hazare reached the memorial through the rear entry,while the crowd waited at the main gate,cheering and clapping.

Member of Team Anna,Arvind Kejriwal,said: “If somebody falls sick,would you say the illness be treated 50 per cent and the rest can be compromised? This is a fight against corruption,and there will be no compromise.”