Hazare, BJP supporters stage protest demonstrations

Chandigarh, Aug 17: Unrelenting supporters of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and BJP activists staged demonstrations across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh today (Aug 17), voicing their support for a strong Lokpal Bill.

The BJP activists have staged demonstrations at different places in Punjab and Haryana against the Congress led UPA government, Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma said.

"Congress is facing serious corruption charges and those who are raising their voice against corruption and blackmoney stashed in foreign banks are being forcefully suppressed," Sharma said.

"Congress'' autocratic functioning was clearly visible during Ramdev's protest and Yuva Morch rally... Leaders of opposition are not being allowed to speak in both Houses of Parliament and now it has taken an undemocratic step against Hazare and his team members," he said.

The BJP activists after staging protests handed over memorandums to respective Deputy Commissioners against the Congress functioning.

Meanwhile, activists of NGOs- ''India Against Corruption'' and ''Awaaz'' continued with their protest at different parts of the twin states and their joint capital.

The demonstrations so far have been peaceful and no untoward incident has been reported from any parts of Punjab and Haryana, officials said here.

Reports of protests have been received from Rohtak, Karnal, Ambala, Hisar, Kurukshetra, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.

The chain fast by members of India Against Corruption continued at the rally ground in Chandigarh, NGO's convener Rahul Bhartiya said.

"Anna Hazare was arrested by Delhi Police without any valid reason. The 22 conditions imposed by Delhi Police are all unethical and against our democratic rights," he said.

The battle is on irrespective of whether Anna Hazare is released or not, our demand is Jan Lokpal and not the release of Anna, he said.

Meanwhile, activists of ''SaferHub'', ''India Against Corruption'' and ''Awaaz'' besides different social and political organisations took out a car and bike rally, candle-light marches and held demonstrations at Panchkula near here and in Chandigarh and other parts of Punjab and Haryana.

"We will keep protesting till Jan Lokpal Bill is introduced," Rahul Bhartiya said adding that the protests would be more intensive with more and more people participating in these demonstrations.

Meanwhile, lawyers at the district courts in Chandigarh decided to observe a day long strike.

PTI