Ralegan villagers skip bath

PUNE: Villagers of Ralegan Siddhi on Thursday went without a bath, alleging on Wednesday night that social crusader Anna Hazare was not given water to bathe over the last two days at the Tihar jail.
Around 7.30 am, villagers took out a morcha carrying buckets and 'handa' (vessels) and went to the Yadavbaba temple barefoot to express their anguish about the treatment given to Hazare, said Datta Awari, an associate of Hazare.
The support for Hazare's agitation grew further with villagers conducting a chain hunger strike, marches and rallies. After the morning march, more than 150 residents, including women, started a chain hunger strike in support of the agitation.
"We found out last night that Anna has allegedly not been offered water in the Tihar jail. To condemn this, the villagers took out a 'handa' and bucket march in the morning. The villagers decided not to take a bath on Thursday in protest of the government's approach towards Anna and his team," said Jaisingh Mapari, sarpanch of Ralegan Siddhi.
Mapari further said it is very unfortunate that the government should act in such a manner. "The government should realise that Anna is leading a nation-wide agitation for the benefit of the common people," he added.
The village witnessed a huge crowd of supporters throughout the day as people from nearby villages continued to participate in the agitation at Yadavbaba temple.
Sanjay Pathade, a villager, said, "We commenced a chain hunger strike on Thursday with the participation of over 150 residents. More people will join from tomorrow."
As Hazare's agitation entered the third day, the people in the village are anxious to know about his health. Subhash Pathade, another villager, said, "We are in constant touch with the people in Delhi. It is good to know that Anna is in good health."
Villagers to go on indefinite hunger strike
Villagers in Ralegan Siddhi have decided to go on an indefinite hunger strike after Anna reaches the Ramlila maidan to continue his ongoing fast. Some villagers have also planned to go to Delhi to participate in the agitation. Sarpanch of Ralegan Siddhi Jaisingh Mapari said that around 10 people have planned to travel to Delhi to join the agitation. Others will continue the indefinite hunger strike in the village. The villagers are also planning to continue with the daily rallies and chain hunger strike in the days to come.