At least half a dozen Maharashtra ministers have had to resign because of Mr Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption over the past few years while senior political leaders and bureaucrats are extra cautious about their image ever since the former soldier has taken up the cause against corruption.
These ministers include Mr Shashikant Sutar, Mr Mahadev Shivankar, Mr Babanrao Gholap, Mr Nawab Malik and Mr Vijakumar Gavit, recalled the vice-president of Bhrastachar Virodhi Jan Andolan, Ashok Sabban here on Tuesday.
Replying to a question he said that most of them were ministers in the Shiv Sena-BJP governments in the state.
Mr Hazare, whose fast-unto-death began in New Delhi during the day to press for a comprehensive anti-corruption bill, is confident that it would create a positive atmosphere across the country. He also said his longest fast has so far been is of 13 days.
Kisan Baburao alias Anna Hazare had earlier undertaken 13-day fast at Alandi and 11-day fast at Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra and had also been on fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, said Mr Sabban.
About 400 officers in Maharashtra were dismissed from the service on the charge of corruption.
People in Maharashtra said Mr Hazare’s recent tour in the state organised to explain the need for Jan Lokpal Bill received good response but feared that the campaign could slip from his hands.
“He is a Gandhian, has good relations even with some senior political leaders including some Central ministers. But can he sustain the agitation?” asked a resident from his home district Ahmednagar on Tuesday evening.
The corruption issue has dominated last two Sessions of the Parliament.
While Union minister A. Raja, Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan had to resign on scams, CVC P.J. Thomas too could not save himself from the corruption charge.
The 2G, CWG and Adarsha housing scams have exposed the system. People like Mr Hazare are optimistc that they will be able to correct it.