Just about a year ago, when Anna Hazare started his anti-corruption movement from Jantar Mantar, few would have predicted the reception he was to get: passionate support from masses across the country along with fierce criticism from some commentators. The movement became a platform for the expectations of the common man. Be it at the India Gate or at the Ramlila Maidan, the huge support the Gandhian received was an endorsement of the aspirations of the man on the streets.

But would this movement maintain the pace, many asked. In December, as Anna sat on a fast in Mumbai, a near empty ground greeted him. That was when his critics said the movement had lost its pace. Campaigning during the recent assembly elections too did not give Team Anna much to write home about, leaving critics to write an epitaph for the movement.

This Sunday, however, has changed all that. Anna is back, and so are the crowds. As he held a token fast to show solidarity with the victims of corruption and their families, people turned up at the Jantar Mantar again.

The blocked roads leading to the fast venue, the same old yet very fresh enthusiasm of the people flying the tricolour high in the sky and shouting slogans gave a clear indication that the movement was far from dead.

This time, Team Anna became even more open in attacking the government in being complicit on the issue of corruption. Strong statements swelled strong sentiments among the masses.

The team has warned the government of coming back with a bigger movement and also asked it to either bring the Lokpal and the whistleblowers bill or go in the coming general elections. But there’s no deadline. Probably they have realised the mistake they made last time when they gave a deadline to pass the Lokpal bill, but had to withdraw the agitation.

While Lokpal is still being debated in parliament, Anna and his colleagues are clearly trying to take this agitation to the next level. One thing that Team Anna has realised is that the war against corruption has a long battle ahead and they need to be patient for the results to start coming in even as they build a sustained pressure on the government.

And one thing that the power that be have realised is that people are behind Anna once again.