New Delhi, Jan 27: After courting controversy over his “slap for corruption” remarks, Anna Hazare on Friday distanced himself from it saying that he has never advocated violence and accused section of politicians of conspiring to brand him as a “big criminal“.
In his latest blog, Mr. Hazare said he has been fighting against corruption for the past so many years but has never beaten anyone asked anybody to do so.
“But this (beating of someone) is being linked to me again and again. I am now being projected as a big criminal without thinking or understanding what I have said. This is unfortunate,” Mr. Hazare said.
His remarks in the blog came following a controversy over his comments after watching a Hindi movie Gali Gali Chor Hai on corruption that a person is left with no option but to slap when his power of tolerance of corruption runs out.
Citing the protests for a strong Lokpal Bill, the 74-year-old activist said he had never used the language of violence and all his agitations were non-violent.
He claimed that the remarks were being misused to spread misconceptions about him.
Declaring that he will embark on a nationwide tour soon after he recovers from his illness during which he will “awaken” the people on the issue of corruption, he said he will not speak about indulging in violence.
“Soon after I regain my health, I will embark on an all-India tour. Then the corrupt people will understand that the allegations they level against me will not have an effect on people,” he said.
