Lucknow, Aug 17 (IANS) In a belated move, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Wednesday came out in open support of the anti-corruption movement launched by Gandhian activist Anna Hazare.


Far from reiterating her earlier objections against absence of a Dalit on the Jan Lokpal Bill draft committee, Mayawati said in a statement issued here Wednesday evening: “I wholeheartedly support the issues raised by Anna Hazare.”

She however felt that “Anna should also include criminalization of politics in his crusade”.

Claiming that she had always stood up against both issues, Mayawati said: “I have never allowed anyone to go scot-free once the person was found involved in corruption or criminal activities.”

Giving out a list of her ministers, legislators and other party functionaries whom she had axed for their involvement in corrupt or criminal activities, Mayawati said: “I am sure there is no other political party in the country that can match our record in taking prompt action against anyone, no matter how high or mighty he might be.”

Mayawati sought to make an appeal to both the union government as well as civil society to sink their differences. “I feel that both sides should sit across the table once again to resolve their differences in opinion over the Lokpal Bill, so that the final product was more meaningful and strong in combating corruption in the country,” she pointed out.