Anna Hazare to campaign for Mamata Banerjee; says no question of supporting Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Praising West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her simplicity, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Wednesday formally announced his support to Trinamool Congress (TMC). Hazare said that he will campaign for TMC ahead of 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Stating that Banerjee is not power hungry, Hazare said, "As a CM, Mamta ji could have a lavish life like so many other CMs. However she stays in a single room," Hazare said.

" TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has agreed to our 17-point agenda and will implement it when she comes to power," Hazare said. Asked whether he will support Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare said, "Arvind Kejriwal never responded to my letter (on the 17-point agends). There is no question of supporting him."

On the 17-point agenda of Hazare are land acquisition, FDI in retail and black money among other issues.

Yesterday, Mamata welcomed social activist at the TMC party office by touching the Gandhian's feet. Hazare's support for Banerjee comes at a time when AAP's Arvind Kejriwal is also trying to woo him to support his outfit in coming Lok Sabha polls.

The Social activist lamented the state of affairs of the country after 66 years of independence. "The poor are not getting justice and farmers' condition has deteriorated," he said.

However, Hazare said, "today I see a possibility of changes and I am beginning to believe that change will come. There will be a change in the country and people also want it. I think that changing time is coming."