'India Against Corruption' rallies to be held in UP as scheduled

Lucknow, Apr 28 (ANI): Activists of the non-governmental organisation 'India Against Corruption', which is headed by veteran social activist Anna Hazare, on Thursday said all anti-corruption meetings and rallies would be held as scheduled, even if the Uttar Pradesh Government does not grant them permission.

"The rally will be organized. Whether the government permits it or not, the meeting will be held. All the meetings that are planned will be held. If they want to arrest us then they are welcome, whatever they want to do they are most welcome. Every sacrifice, every drop of blood will count in the protest," said Rajiv Aggarwal, who heads the NGO's Lucknow chapter

The Uttar Pradesh Government has put a curb on public functions and demonstrations, making it mandatory to take prior permission from the district administration.

Moreover, the Lucknow University, which had earlier given permission to Lucknow University Teachers Association (LUTA) for organising an interactive session of students and teachers with anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, later withdrew it citing local intelligence reports that the meeting may invite trouble.

According to reports, Hazare will not be able to attend the Uttar Pradesh leg of the nation-wide 'India Against Corruption' (IAC) rallies on health grounds, but will address them over the phone.

However, his associates, activists Arvind Kejriwal, Swami Agnivesh, P. D. Rajgopal, Kumar Vishwas, Prakash Singh and Jaspal Bhatti would attend all the anti-corruption events.

Meanwhile, Aggarwal said they have sought permission from the state administration for their rallies, and have provided all information regarding security arrangements.

"We have provided all the information to the administration regarding the security arrangements. All our events, like candle (candlelight) march and such events have been carried out peacefully and all these events that will be happening will also be peaceful. We have made a list of all the volunteers," said Aggarwal.

"Hundreds of our volunteers will keep a watch on the movement and will try to prevent and control any conflict or mishap that may happen. There is no problem related to security. Even the administration should also make all the security arrangements, keeping in mind the process of the rally," he added.

The anti-corruption rallies would be organised in Varanasi, Sultanpur and Lucknow on May 1. (ANI)