Anna Hazare to meet political leaders in Mumbai over Lokayukta

MUMBAI: Social activist Anna Hazare will meet top Maharashtra leaders here tomorrow in a bid to garner support for a strong Lokayukta legislation in the state.

Hazare is slated to meet Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar tomorrow morning. He is also expected to meet Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

"Anna's two-day schedule in Mumbai is packed with meetings on Lokayukta issue with those who matter in state politics," Hazare's aide Datta Awari told PTI.

The Gandhian will also meet Home Minister R R Patil and the leader of opposition in Legislative Council Vinod Tawde, Awari said.

The anti-graft crusader, who arrived in Mumbai this evening, is scheduled to meet Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale later today at the latter's residence in suburban Bandra.

Hazare is embarking on a statewide tour from May 1 to galvanise public support for a strong Lokayukta legislation.

In a letter to the the Chief Minister earlier this month, the 75-year-old activist, whose 12-day fast in support of a strong Lokpal bill hogged global limelight last year, said Lokayukta should get more powers under the state law.

"When you took over, we thought that you will enact strong laws to curb corruption. On the contrary, corruption has increased in the state," Hazare wrote to Chavan.

The Hazare-led nationwide movement for enactment of a strong Lokpal bill evoked good support. However, a similar programme here in December met with muted response.