Bollywood music composer to pay for Anna protest -Governance Now

Bollywood music composer to pay for Anna protest

MMRDA in Mumbai is going to charge Rs 2 lakh a day

Geetanjali Minhas | December 21, 2011

Eminent Bollywood music composer Vishal Dadlani has offered to bear a day’s cost for social crusader Anna Hazare’s fast rally to be held at MMRDA grounds in BKC, Mumbai, starting December 27. The authority will charge India Against Corruption Rs 2 lakh per day for holding the event.

Dadlani, an ardent supporter of Anna Hazare’s cause, has earlier participated in his rallies from Bandra to Juhu Jantar Mantar and Azad Maidan. Speaking to Governance Now, Dadlani said: “This movement is necessary for the nation and it must grow. As citizens of this country we have to bring about a change. As a private citizen it is personal decision to support a great man like Annaji in my small way. There are people who have made greater contribution by devoting their time and energies to this movement and it must be wholeheartedly supported. All our energies this year have been gone for Lokpal Bill and it must come into effect.”

Dadlani assured IAC that many would be happy to pick up the bill even though the charges are exhorbitant.

On TUesday, IAC wrote to chief minister Prithviraj Chavan asking for a waiver of charges or substantial financial relief as the NGO is fighting a national cause for governance reforms. Expecting 50,000-1,00,000 lakh supporters every day from Maharashtra and across the country, IAC was suggested to consider MMRDA grounds as venue for the ‘satyagraha’. However, considering huge costs levied at commercial rates it has also requested the chief minister to make adequate arrangements at Azad Maidan for citizens to join protests

Thanking the music composer, Parful Vora, convenor, IAC, said, “Vishal has always supported IAC and is keen to join his voice with Anna supporters to demand the right of citizens to protest for public causes."

He added: "We are rather disappointed with efforts of the government, standing committee, parliament and politicians for not respecting wishes of leader of house inspite of promises of strong Janlok Lokpal Bill . They insist on keeping CBI out and want a weak citizens charter and that is the reason for Anna’s call for fast.”

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