Common man speaks:

Ajay Tyagi from Ghaziabad at the rally at Jantar Mantar

“The corrupt, no matter who he or she is, should get punishment fast. Corruption should be end from its roots. Any government office one goes to, he/she has to bribe the officials to get his work done. 7.5 lakh people died for freedom and their contributions are going waste because of corruption,” said Ajay Tyagi, a general store owner from Ghaziabad who joined the rally at Jantar Mantar.

Reshma (in the lime-coloured dress) and other women from Rajiv Nagar, Jampanar

A group of women from Rajiv Nagar, Jamnapar, who participated in the rally said that they wanted the government to check the rising inflation. “We do not get ration despite having ration cards. The money our children are supposed to get from schools for books and uniforms are taken away by the teachers. The government asks us to get our children educated, how can we afford it with such rising prices. If the Lokpal bill is passed, we can show the corrupt people that such a bill exists and we can make use of it for our rights,” said Reshma.]

Hitesh Ratwani on facebook.com

The most common experience of corruption I have seen is to give a few hundred rupees to the local policeman/hawaldar so that he forwards your passport documents. I didn't do it and had to wait for 6 months to get my passport. But for the other members in my family who could not wait that long, we had to shed at least Rs.200. Why not legalize this and fix a police inquiry charge of Rs.200 that needs to be paid to the policeman directly. At least we wont feel guilty that we bribed!

K N Rattan, 68, Gurgaon, management consultant

Want to see a new India. All the politicians are continuously eating without shame. All of us have to act. It just cannot happen without public support.

Shiv Kumar Sharma, 40, Buland shahar, government servant

This is one cause and platform which unites the nation. I observed fast for one day in my city and now I am here to support this Gandhian in his noble cause.

Amitabh Sarkar, West Bengal, painter

I am here to stop corruption. Painting is my passion but I cannot paint in this condition. We are all fed up of corruption and were waiting for a leader. Now when we have him, it is our duty to support him.

Karthik, 50, technician with the Indian railways

Many times, I tried to expose corruption in the railways. Nothing happened. Nobody listens. The civil society’s version of the Lokpal bill gives people the power to lodge complaint against politicians and bureaucrats. This is the need of the hour.

Seema Khattar, government employee, Delhi

I am thankful to this 73-year-old Gandhian for becoming the voice of the nation. There is rampant corruption in government departments. When I and my colleagues exposed some corrupt officials, we were suspended. Nobody listens to such things now. You cannot expect change by sitting in your drawing rooms.

Vijaylakshmi Sharma, 63, ex magistrate, NOIDA

There is no sector or field where is there is no corruption. It is going to finish all of us. Politicians remain unaffected, but aad aadmi bears the brunt. It has to stop. And it has to stop now. The government just wants to mint money at any cost. All over the world, whenever the government goes this corrupt, society takes the charge. And now it is happening in India.

Sanjay Kumar, 32, newspaper distributor, Bihar

I am here because I want to contribute t my nation. This is a true example of what happens when the government turns a blind eye to corruption. Graft has been there all this while but the government never heard the voice of the common man. No, the government will surely budge.

Akanksha Sharma, student, Delhi university

I am here to show that the country’s youth is all for this cause. Corruption is eating the entire nation just like termite. Government’s version of Lokpall bill is not people friendly and we will not let it pass.

Hukum Chand, 65, Kanhjawala, farmer

The government is indulging in corruption in a shameful manner. This Mahatma called Anna Hazare is here for our welfare. Now it is for the people to support him and make their contribution for a transparent society.

Geeteshwar, Software engineer, Ghaziabad

This is a do or die situation for all the Indians. We have to finish corruption, or else, it will finish us. We just cannot sit and watch.

Voices from the candle light vigil at India Gate on Wednesday evening:

Latha Mani, housewife, 42, Delhi

I am here as a concerned citizen. Not to brag but I can afford to pay bribe and get things done but my fellow citizens can’t, so I am here for them. I don’t want the youngsters from the country to go abroad for better opportunities.

Nitin, entrepreneur, 30, Delhi

I have here to stand against corruption. Corruption has become a part of our life and everyone has to speak up. I have travelled the world and everywhere I go people ask me about the rampant corruption in India and it embarrasses me. I regularly pay my taxes yet the roads near my offices have so many holes. I am not here with any organisation but as an individual I have taken an off from work to support this movement. If required, I will take an off every day and come here. I am not against any government but this movement is against corruption.

Anil Roy, student, 27, Delhi

I have come here because of Anna. When I came here and saw that a 73-year-old man is standing up for our rights, then I thought that I also definitely need to be here. I have also completed two days of fasting.

Vibhu Garg, NRI, 32

I am here to support honesty and Anna. This is something which might help with corruption in the country for the welfare of the Indians. I am also encouraging young people to come out using social networking websites.
 

Jagman Singh, farmer, 55, Haryana

I came here yesterday morning to support Anna Hazare in his fight against corruption. Corruption is spreading like cancer in the country and everyone should get their rights.

Ali Hasan Khan, civil foreman, 50, Delhi

I saw Anna on television yesterday and today I am here to support Anna Hazare and his mission.

Prakash Singh, student, 26, Delhi

I came to know about this India against corruption movement from facebook and I am here to support the movement.
 

Anita Bhargava, social activist, 50, Delhi

I really feel that unless there is citizen pressure, there won't be any action. But I think corporate India should be ashamed as no one has come forward to support it.