Mumbai:
Anna Hazare has invited more controversy, this time praising Raj Thackeray, saying he admires the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS ) chief's work.
Mr Thackeray was among the politicians Anna Hazare met on a visit to Mumbai to push for a strong Lokayukta Act. The anti-graft crusader will begin a tour of Maharashtra from May 1.
"His work really appeals to me. So I met him to ask what his stand would be on the the Jan Lokpal and Lokayukta. I told Rajsaheb, one thing that has really appealed to me is that you made people sit for an exam before giving them a ticket. This is very important," Anna Hazare said.
Last year, Mr Hazare was criticised by even some of his most ardent supporters for praising Narendra Modi. The Gandhian later said that his praise was limited to Mr Modi's development schemes and accomplishments. "I praised only the developmental work done by Shri Narendra Modi and Shri Nitish Kumar in rural areas. Alongside I clarified that I am equally opposed to any form of communal disharmony."