Corruption can threaten India's nationhood : Advani

New Delhi, Nov 18 (UNI) Describing pervasive corruption in the country as a warning signal, BJP Prime Ministerial candidate L K Advani today said it threatened our democracy and national security.

''Corruption threatens our national security, because corrupt elements in the system can easily become tools of anti-national forces, that want to spread terrorism and subversion,'' he said at a national summit on ''National Value Crisis and Redressal''.

Stating that in the long run, corruption could also threaten India's nationhood, Mr Advani said the first task to stem the rot ''is to create, encourage and promote right leadership in every profession, in every institution, and in every walk of life.'' He said all-round degradation of values in national life was not confined to politics and politicians only, adding that lack of integrity and professional ethics was seen among lawyers, judges, doctors, teachers, bankers, share market professionals, traders, businessmen, bureaucrats and security personnel. ''It is seen even in the media, which highlights corruption in politics and government.'' The Leader of Opposition, with experience of six decades of public life, said the crisis of character in the nation was indeed a crisis of leadership and hence ''we need new leaders'' who, he said, exist in the society, mostly among the youth. Such leaders have to be spotted, encouraged, groomed, guided and pushed to the top, he added.

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