Anna Praising Modi Unacceptable: Medha Patkar

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 13:  Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar has said Anna Hazare’s public praise of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is unacceptable as it will compromise the battle against corruption.
 
"It was shocking to find that Anna Hazareji after receiving support by all of us, with millions, publicly appreciated the rule as well as rural development work by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr Narendra Modi on the issue of corruption, Modi’s response to the initiative to bring in a strong enactment or to wipe out corruption is, to say the least, only politically motivated. If only he was committed to an institution like the Jan Lokpal, how could the Lokpal’s post be vacant in Gujarat since 2005?" asked Medha.

 

Patkar has got the support of former IAS officer Aruna Roy and several other social activists. They have called Hazare’s praise of Modi as shocking, unfortunate and unacceptable.

Hazare, meanwhile, called for unity in the fight agaisnt corruption.

"Some forces are trying to create divide. We should stay together so that we can defeat all these forces and keep our campaign alive against corruption. If we still believe in the mud slinging and rumors created by the people who are against Lokpal Bill then it will further delay our fight against corruption," Hazare said in a letter addressed to his supporters and well wishers.

Hazare supporter and social activist Swami Agnivesh, too, backed the 72-year-old Gandhian saying he could not endorse any wrong by Modi government or any other government.

"Medha and we all understand that Anna can never endorse anything worng in Modi raj or any other raj," said Agnivesh.

Hazare had on Sunday praised Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the development work the duo had done in their respective states. Modi also posted an open letter on his blog addressed to Hazare, hailing the veteran Gandhian and anti-corruption activist.

 

Who is Anna Hazare?

Anna Hazare is a Padma Bhushan-awarded, 72-year old social activist from Maharashtra.

What is known about his early life?

Anna started his career as a driver in the Indian Army. He also fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. After voluntary retirement from the army, Hazare came to Ralegaon Siddhi village in Maharashtra and engaged himself in the activities of social welfare.

What have been his special achievements?

He built a self-sustained model village called Ralegan Siddhi (District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra). In 1975, it was village replete with poverty and devoid of development. Anna helped in tackling problems of alcohol addiction, untouchability in the village. He revived the agricultural practices in the village. Ralegan Siddhi is now one of the richest villages in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.
What is he campaigning for now?

On April 5 2011, Hazare started a ’fast unto death’ to exert pressure on the Government of India to enact a strong anti-corruption act and constitute an independent body called the Office of the Jan Lokpal which would have the power to prosecute corrupt politicians and government officials without seeking permission from the government. The bill has been drafted by the members of civil society.

Will he be able to bring a change?

Most likely he would be able to bring about a drastic change. Because, last time when Anna sat on fast -

* 6 corrupt ministers in Maharashtra had to resign
* 400 corrupt officers were dismissed from job
* 2002 - Maharashtra RTI Act was passed
* 2006 - Central Government withdrew its proposal to amend Central RTI Act