I am a social activists. A former soldier in the Indian army, I am now fighting corruption. PASS THE LOKPAL BILL. Join me in this fight India (sic), says a purported official Twitter account of anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare, with the handle @ahazare.
Approximately at 2.15 pm (IST) on Friday, there was an update from the account stating that he had arrived at Ramlila Maidan. Whether the simpleton known for his austerity – “I have no bank balance… I live in a temple in a eight feet by ten feet room. I just have a plate to eat and a bed to sleep on ”– carries a smartphone or a sleek laptop around to tweet is anybody’s guess.
“I’m fasting for a cause and the cause is ‘India’,” tweets ‘Hazare’
It was preceded by five other tweets earlier in the day. “No rain, no heat wave nothing can stop our physical presence everywhere! I’m fasting for a cause and the cause is ‘India’ (sic),” said one.
“And yes, we will fight corruption! Bus Bahut ho gaya! Mera Bharat Mahan!” was the other tweeted message on the account.
A tweet invited people to join the campaign, stating, “To all, plz don’t thank me! Rather join me! I’m just another common man like you seeking inspiration from you! You are my strength! (sic)”
Also Read: Anna mobilizes masses on social media too
There were also a couple of inspirational messages. “A lot depends on the individual! We in ourselves are a credible force! Together we can and we will! Jai Hind! (sic)”
“The Youth, The Aged, The Common Man has radiated new energy and life into me! Come out India! (sic)”
Twitter account has almost 23, 337 followers
While the authenticity of the account and tweets are to be ascertained, there are already 23,337 followers. On his part, ‘Hazare’ follows famous personalities like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Vijay Mallya, Preity Zinta, Shashi Tharoor, Gul Panag, Priyanka Chopra, Pritish Nandy and Ram Gopal Varma, among 26 others.
Sure, the account holder has more than a passing interest in Bollywood, which Hazare might not be well aware of.