Suresh Jain, who had to resign as minister in the wake of a campaign by Anna Hazare eight years ago, today said corruption can end only if people take it out from within themselves voluntarily.
Sena MLA Suresh Jain, who had to resign as minister in the wake of a campaign by Anna Hazare eight years ago, today said the Jan Lok Pal Bill for which the veteran social activist is on an indefinite fast in New Delhi, will not help eradicate corruption in the country.
Talking to reporters here, he said corruption can end only if people take it out from within themselves voluntarily.
The former Maharashtra minister said laws already exist in the country to fight graft and it can be curbed within the limits of the Constitution. "If there is people's will, corruption can cease to exist."
Jain alleged that during elections, especially those to local bodies, voters demand money to come out and vote. "How can they dub all politicians as corrupt," Jain asked.
He lamented that people, who do not understand Mahatma Gandhi, are trying to label Hazare as "a modern day Gandhi" and criticised the anti-corruption crusader for giving the impression that he is above the Constitution.
"The Mahatma never dictated terms. Young people, who don't understand Gandhi, are labelling Hazare as modern Gandhi."
"It is a fact that by and large "rulers" are corrupt. But, what is disheartening that a person like Anna Hazare is leading the anti-corruption crusade," Jain, who had undertaken a fast in 2003 to seek action against the 72-year-old activist for alleged irregularities in his charitable trusts, said.
The lawmaker admitted that political culture is on the downtrend and said unless politicians improve themselves they cannot lead by example.
Jain had to quit as minister in the Congress-NCP government in 2003 after Hazare levelled corruption charges against him.
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