'Nobody can be allowed to cross limits in democracy': Rajnath Singh

Dehradun, Jan 25 (ANI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh on Wednesday criticized veteran social activist Anna Hazare for saying that a person has no option but to slap the corrupt when he runs out of tolerance and patience.

"I do not agree with him. In a healthy democracy, nobody can be allowed to cross limits. We agree that the movement that has been started across the country by Anna Hazare against corruption is a right move," said Singh.

"Bharatiya Janata Party feels that the whole nation is worried about the deep-rooted corruption and I also agree with it but if any movement happens then the limits should not be crossed," he added.

Congress leader Rajiv Shukla said that to slap someone is not the way to end corruption, but spreading awareness among people and following the laws would bring a change instead.

"Slapping somebody is not the solution, this is a person's anger, and I feel that this is not the way. By slapping somebody, corruption will not end. This is not the right way. The right way is to carry out investigation based on the laws, which are prevalent in India, or laws that can be formed and making people aware. Slapping is no way of solving the problem," he told media in Dehradun.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot said inciting violence is not part of Indian culture.

"This may be his thinking, but as I said, that the culture that has been followed in this country is that of a civil society and by inciting violence or by hurling shoes and slippers at somebody or slapping somebody is not a part of the Indian culture. We should condemn it rather than encouraging such thoughts," said Pilot.

Hazare, 74, had earlier on Tuesday evening said a person is left with no option other than going for a slap when his power of tolerance of corruption runs out.

"When a man's power of tolerance runs out, then whoever is in front of you, if a slap is given, then the brain is put back in place. That is the only road open now," he told the media at his native village Ralegan Siddhi after watching the forthcoming Hindi flick 'Gali Gali Chor Hai', which is based on the common man's fight against corruption.

The film is directed by Rumi Jaffrey and casts Bollywood actors Akshaye Khanna, Shriya Saran and Mugdha Godse. (ANI)