Anna Hazare is no Gandhi, says Om Puri

He was one of the most vocal supporters of social activist Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement at the Ram Lila Maidan in New Delhi, using infamously harsh language against Indian politicians. Months after that incident, for which he later apologised profusely, actor Om Puri has raised his voice again—this time against Hazare’s “simplicity and lack of vision”.

“Anna is an honest and simple man with a heart of gold and his contribution in waking up the masses is immense. But unfortunately, he is not Mahatma Gandhi who had the vision and the knowledge to see things through,” Puri told DNA.

Denying that he called Hazare an “uneducated man” as was reported in a section of the media recently, the thespian claimed that all he wanted to say was that the activist’s methods were too simple and impractical. “I don’t doubt Anna’s sincerity towards the cause but his capability in getting the Lokpal Bill passed. I don’t think he understands the nitty-gritty of the matter,” he said.

Puri believes that to make the movement a success it is not enough to have a handful of supporters but experts and lawyers who understand the Constitution and its complexities. “The demands should be open to debate and there should be flexibility on both sides. By being stubborn over the Lokpal Bill, Anna has now got nothing,” he said.