The skyline behind the Gandhi statue was dotted with the tricolour, as hundreds of Anna Hazare supporters carried out a victory march on the shores of Marina Beach here on Sunday evening. The mood was euphoric as supporters congratulated each other and raised slogans in three languages praising their leader's efforts.
Eighty-one-year-old Appa Indravelu, the oldest in the group of persons who went on an indefinite fast earlier, held on to the national flag as he perched himself on a bike behind B. Suresh, a differently-abled supporter.
Volunteers from India Against Corruption – Chennai formed a human chain to keep the supporters to one side of the road so as not to obstruct traffic. The rally which saw the young and the old turn up in large numbers, also managed to rope in a few who were on an evening stroll on the beach.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We have started discussions for our future plans,” said Bhavana Upadhaya. “The student community wants to take this movement to the villages to make people aware about the bill,” she added. Actor Raja Krishnamoorthy, who was part of the march, said there was a sense of happiness amongst the supporters in Chennai.
“This is the first obstacle in a long journey. We have only crossed the first hurdle which was undoubtedly the most challenging,” he said.
Earlier today, supporters carried out a rally from Haddows road via Anna Salai and Saidapet to the fast venue on L.B. Road.
ADVERTISEMENT
Raising of slogans marked the celebration at the L.B. Road venue.