Anna Hazare says No to Modi, backs Mamata Banerjee

Updated: Thursday, February 13, 2014, 15:08 [IST]

Anna Hazare says No to Modi, backs Mamata Banerjee

Bangalore, Feb 12: Activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday made it clear that he won't support BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha elections. Hazare, who was attending a panel discussion organized by a private TV channel in Bangalore, said that he will campaign for West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, but not for Modi.

Other noted panelists who took part in the discussion were Santhosh Hegde, former Lokayukta, SR Hiremath, anti-corruption crusader and HS Doreswamy, freedom fighter. (See pictures below the article)

Hazare said that although he sent a 17-point charter to all chief ministers in the country, Mamata was the only one who agreed to accept it. "Mamata is an excellent leader. She leads a very simple life", added Hazare.

"Modi didn't reply to my letter. I won't support him", said the veteran activist who added that he would back Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal if he agrees to accept the 17-point charter.

Although many questions were posed to Hazare regarding his troubled affair with Arvind Kejriwal, who was his partner in India Against Corruption agitation, the anti-graft crusader was more or less tight-lipped about it. "We have never had any major fight. I didn't ask Kejriwal to part ways and make his party", Hazare said. "I will accept him when he expresses his commitment to the 17-point charter. Till then, let him do his job, I will do mine", he added.

Hazare: Mamata is an excellent leader. She leads a very simple life

Hazare also disclosed his plans to begin a nation-wide campaign in March. "I will tour the nation in March and campaign for honest candidates. I will support even the honest independent candidates", he said.

Satyagraha begins at home

Satyagraha is not a onetime activity, said Hazare, adding that till his death, he would fight for truth and justice. "But it shouldn't cause trouble to the society", he said.

"Before venturing out to change the world, one must look into one's own self and be the change he/she wants to see in the world," Hazare said. It is not just Lokpal Bill that I am fighting for, he said. "We need right to reject, right to recall and more power for gram sabhas", Hazare said. When asked about corruption in media, the activist said, "Media, the fourth pillar of democracy should write more on how to transform the country than about trivial routine issues".

Lokpal Bill

Hazare reiterated that he will continue his agitation for a stronger Lokpal Bill. The government segmented the Lokpal Bill and now it is much weaker than what it was perceived to be, "the activist admitted.

When asked if he would contest in elections, Anna Hazare said that he won't enter electoral politics, but would support honest, able candidates.

Anna Hazare attends a panel discussion

Anna Hazare, social activist, was in Bangalore on Wednesday to attend a panel discussion organised by a private TV channel

Anna Hazare attends a panel discussion in Bangalore

Santhosh Hegde, former Lokayukta, HS Doreswamy, freedom fighter and SR Hiremath, anti-graft crusader were some of the eminent personalities who attended the event