Political observers here feel that the opposition parties want to make corruption as the main issue for the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and this time, the political parties are giving less emphasis on the caste issues and more stress on corruption. The opposition parties including the Samajwadi Party are gearing up to take on Mayawati Government on the issue of corruption the same way the BSP supreme used the law and order issue to come back to power in 2007.

It is an interesting phenomenon that major opposition parties BJP, Samajwadi Party and Congress have extended their support to Anna Hazare. The chief minister Mayawati also said that she would support Anna’s campaign against corruption but she would like to see to persons from scheduled caste and scheduled tribe as member of drafting committee for Lokpal bill.

UPCC president Mrs Rita Bahuguna Joshi and Samajwadi Party state president Akhilesh Yadav have already expressed their desire that Anna Hazare should start his campaign from UP. All the major political parties like BJP, Congress, Samajwadi Party, RLD and BSP are involved in blame game on the issue of corruption.

The entire state of Uttar Pradesh demonstrated support for Anna Hazare through series of protests organized in various parts of state with huge participation. Peoples’ response to candle march in all parts of the state was tremendous.

Now the real test is before the organisers in the state where they would have to show good crowd in all the three public meetings in favour of Anna Hazare.

The Holy city of Varanasi will be the launch pad for a nationwide battle of social activist Anna Hazare against corruption. He will start his three-day tour of UP from April 29. The renowned Gandhian, whose 97-hour fast in the capital this month compelled the central government to allow a joint Lokpal Bill drafting panel involving the civil society, will renew his movement in a big way from Varanasi. Next day he would hold rally in Sultanpur. His three-day Uttar Pradesh tour will end in Lucknow.

The organisers of Anna Hazare programme categorically said that this was not aimed against any political party but it is intended to take the issue of corruption to grass-root level.

'Varanasi has been selected as the starting point since it happens to be the most ancient city and Uttar Pradesh because it is the country's most populous state.'

Anna will also address a gathering of prominent intellectuals, activists and clerics of different religions at the Hazratganj Cathedral at Lucknow and also have an interaction with the media there. (IPA)