Among the nearly 4,000-strong crowd in support of Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption, were a few who are struggling to safeguard their investments as Noida Authority and farmers fight out the land acquisition battle in court.
Fearing that Hazare’s statement in favour of farmers is could add to the problems of home buyers in Noida area, members of Noida Extension Flat Owners and Members Association (NEFOMA) were at Jantar Mantar on Sunday to appeal to Hazare.
Members said they handed over a letter to Hazare’s representatives at the rally, detailing the problems of the buyers.
“Recently, Annaji made a statement that he would go to areas like Bhatta-Parsaul, and speak out against land being taken away from farmers for the development of flats. While we respect him and hold him in the highest of regard, we want him to also represent flat buyers who have been caught in the middle of the struggle between the government and the farmers. Most of the thousands of buyers are from the lower-middle class, and no construction work has happened despite us making payments. We just want to make him aware of our situation as well,” said Devender Kumar, founder of the association.
Meanwhile, many parents turned up at Jantar Mantar with their children to lend support to Hazare’s cause.
Sapna Gupta, who works in a multi-national company in Gurgaon and sported the Tricolour painted across her cheek, said, “We have always supported the Anna Hazare cause. But could not participate earlier because of work. This time, I made sure I came with my husband and daughter.”
Migrant labourers and groups of farmers also participated in the protest.
The usual accessories visible at all Hazare protests — colourful hats and ‘I am Anna’ topis and T-shirts — also made at mark at this protest, as did the large number of India flags, instilling a sense of patriotism in the crowd.
Bollywood provided inspiration for many posters and slogans. While one poster showed Hazare as Dabangg, another had Kapil Sibal, P Chidambaram and Manmohan Singh as the
‘3 Idiots’.
Standing near a poster that said ‘7 scam maaf’, Mahesh Jadhav, who made these posters, said, “Everyone has their own way of showing support. This is mine.”
However, there were some who returned from the protest disappointed.
A Delhi University student Salim Ali said, “The last time Anna fasted at the Ramlila Maidan for 13 days, there was a definite plan of action. On this occasion, however, the same problems of the government’s Lokpal Bill were repeated. I expected better.”
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