Stage set for Anna-mania; LIVE coverage of action, Parl

Mumbai, Dec 27: Medha Patkar speaking at the MMRDA grounds.

Doctors carrying out health check up of Anna Hazare right now. Team Anna members worried for his health. The latest health update of Anna and as tweeted by Janlokpal stated that his BP was 140/86; pulse reading at 84/min. He also has no fever.
2:38PM

Kejriwal slams govt's attempt to jail Anna in the same jail as A Raja and Suresh Kalmadi. He launches an attack on govt for bringing a weak and ineffective Lokpal Bill. He says that govt has always betrayed them and should immediately revoke the Bill.
2:05PM

Team Anna member has stated that he is worried for Anna's health. Vocal Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal has started speaking at the MMRDA grounds.
1:58PM

Kiran Bedi has commented that Anna Hazare is unwell and has fever. She has requested Anna to stop his fast. She has asked supporters to request Anna to refrain from fasting.
1:35PM

Kiran Bedi speaking at the MMRDA grounds.
1:26PM

Medha Patkar makes an entry through the crowds and avoids the VIP entrance located backstage.
1:05PM

Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia seen on stage waving Indian flag drumming up support for the anti-corruption crusade at MMRDA grounds.
12:57PM

Janlokpal has tweeted,"Serious communication issues in Mumbai - @Airtel mobile phones and data cards at MMRDA not working - Govt's dirty tricks, sabotage?"
12:41PM

Anna arrives at MMRDA grounds to begin his three-day fast.
12:35PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been quoted as saying to a media channel that he was confident that the Lokpal Bill will get passed. He added, "If we were not confident of the numbers, why would we introduce the bill."
11:23AM

A kilometer long cavalcade seen for Anna Hazare who is on his way to the MMRDA grounds. Supporters accompanying include college students and a predominantly young population. The fact that Anna is on his home turf, in Maharashtra is working to his advantage.
11:18AM

Lok Sabha expected to debate on the Lokpal Bill in a few minutes. Various other bills introduced in the Lok Sabha.
11:13AM

Parliament convenes to discuss the controversial Lokpal Bill. UPA set to face many hurdles in the debate from many Opposition parties and others.
11:09AM

Poor crowd turnout both at the Ramlila grounds in Delhi and the MMRDA grounds in Mumbai. Reports that the chilly weather may play spoilsport in the anti-corruption protest spearheaded by Anna Hazare.
10:50AM

On the black flag hurled at Anna, Prashant Bhushan commented that under the principles of democracy everybody has the right to protest.
10:32AM

MMRDA grounds awaiting their hero, Anna Hazare to arrive. Massive preparations include the carpetted venue, Anna-ji ki rasoi (Anna's kitchen) and the giant TV screens at the venue.
10:22AM

Anna climbs atop the open truck and appears healthy after reports of ill-health and viral fever had emerged since yesterday. IAC members will go on a bike rally along with the truck.
10:15AM

Anna finishes his 10 minute meditation and proceeds to his journey towards MMRDA grounds. It is expected that he will travel in an open truck along with the huge number of supporters who have already gathered at the venue. He is flanked by Manish Sisodia, Kiran Bedi and others.
10:11AM

Anna in silent mediation at the moment in front of Gandhi statue at Juhu Chowpatty. He is sitting in meditation since the last 7 minutes.
10:08AM

Anna expected to reach protest venue, ie..MMRDA grounds at around 11:15 AM. He will travel from Juhu to MMRDA grounds along with a bike rally. Mumbaikars throng to venue to register support for Anna's cause.
10:01AM

Anna Hazare arrives at the Gandhi statue at Juhu beach. Accompanied by other Team Anna members.
9:56AM

Anna Hazare is on his way to Juhu Chowpatty from his guest house to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He was shown black flags by a group of people near Bandra. They are believed to be supporters of Samata Dal and were seen shouting anti-Anna slogans.
9:49AM

Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare is all set to embark on his three-day protest fast for an effective Lokapl Bill at the MMRDA grounds at the Bandra Kurla complex. The stage is set, preparations have been made and the aam aadmi have started streaming in to the venue, a class that have had to bear the brunt of years of corruption and governance deficit by governments.

30,000 sq metre ground is being prepared to welcome the crowd that is expected to descend at the grounds vouching support for Anna's fight against corruption. Team Anna is expecting a crowd strength of One lakh people.

9:47AM

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