Facing attack over Modi praise,Anna Hazare calls for unity

Hazare had praised Modi for his developmental efforts in Gujarat but came under criticism by several activists in the state involved in the campaign against corruption. The activists included Mallika Sarabhai who said she was shocked at Hazare’s endorsement.

Social activist Medha Patkar also said Hazare’s public praise of Modi is unacceptable and it compromises the battle against corruption. Swami Agnivesh,however,came to Hazare’s defence,saying the controversy over his praise of Modi was “needless.”

In an open letter to “fellow citizens”,Hazare said people involved in the campaign against corruption cannot afford to dissipate their energies on “arguing over non-issues and quarreling with disinformation campaigns” undertaken by people who see an effective Lokpal as a “grave threat” to their interests.

“Our victory so far over corruption,falsehood,injustice,and oppression is indisputable and unprecedented. But it is also clearly evident that there is handful of people who are already active trying to create schisms in this great coming together of all sections of our society to fight for a corruption-free future,” he said.