Congress plays down conferment of 'Mahatma' title on Anna Hazare

Congress today played down a resolution passed by the Gram Sabha of Ralegan Siddhi village conferring the title 'Mahatma' on Anna Hazare saying no person becomes great by mere conferment of such titles.

"It is left to the the conscience of the people and institutions of Ralegan Siddhi," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here when asked to comment on the resolution passed by the Gram Sabha.

He said no person becomes great by mere conferment of such titles.

Hazare himself has rejected the resolution passed by the Gram Sabha of his native village.

The septuagenarian asked the villagers not to call him 'Mahatma' as he was against such "deification" for carrying out his duties as a common citizen.

The village Gram Sabha had passed a resolution on Gandhi Jayanti yesterday conferring on its famous son the title of 'Mahatma' in recognition of his contributions to the nation.