Anna Hazare prays to Lord Ganesh, seeks wisdom for corrupt people

PUNE: Social activist Anna Hazare visited a Ganesh temple last night during a brief halt in the city on his way to Ralegan-Siddhi from Delhi.

Hazare, who had formally announced parting of ways with his erstwhile team members wanting to form a political party, refused to comment on the issue after performing 'aarti' at the famous Dagdusheth Halwai temple.

"I am in a temple and cannot comment on such issues," he said, adding that he prayed to the Lord to "give wisdom to those who indulge in corruption".

Hazare also lauded social projects undertaken by the Ganesh mandal and appealed to them to maintain a clean image.

On September 19, Hazare announced the split with Kejriwal-led group, which is going ahead with its plan to form a party, saying they should not use his name or photo for the outfit they are planning to launch.

Arvind Kejriwal yesterday said Anna Hazare's decision to part ways was "shocking" but he will always be respected "our guru".

Hazare, on his part, said the movement has separated with one going the political way but "both these routes are important".

In a video message posted on Twitter, retweeted by supporters of both Hazare and Kejriwal, the 74-year-old activist said to make the country powerful, there was a need to curb corruption and ensure development.

"Now the movement has separated. One will go the political way while the other will take the movement route. Both these routes are important. The paths are different but the goals are same," he said.