<p>Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare said an autonomous Lokayukta, like the Election Commission, with no restraints from any government body can curb corruption.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Hazare, who was in Mumbai to meet political leaders to garner support for a strong Lokayukta legislation in Maharashtra, met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray. <br />Talking to the media, Hazare lauded the MNS leader for initiating a move like examination for party candidates and informed that Raj has extended his support for ‘a strong and effective Lokayukta.’<br /><br />Hazare said only an independent Lokayukta, established on the lines of the Election Commission or SC can check corruption. This is what I told the chief minister also, he said. “Corruption is on the rise along with the rise in prices of essential commodities. How can one expect a common man to survive in such a situation? Wasteful expenditure is incurred in the so-called developmental projects.”<br /><br />Hazare's praise for Raj Thackeray came soon after Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray reportedly turned down his request for a meeting. Hazare said, "If he is not meeting me, it will not affect me. I am not meeting him for any selfish interest. I am meeting him as the issue (Lokayukta) is important for the state," he said.<br /></p>
<p>Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare said an autonomous Lokayukta, like the Election Commission, with no restraints from any government body can curb corruption.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Hazare, who was in Mumbai to meet political leaders to garner support for a strong Lokayukta legislation in Maharashtra, met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray. <br />Talking to the media, Hazare lauded the MNS leader for initiating a move like examination for party candidates and informed that Raj has extended his support for ‘a strong and effective Lokayukta.’<br /><br />Hazare said only an independent Lokayukta, established on the lines of the Election Commission or SC can check corruption. This is what I told the chief minister also, he said. “Corruption is on the rise along with the rise in prices of essential commodities. How can one expect a common man to survive in such a situation? Wasteful expenditure is incurred in the so-called developmental projects.”<br /><br />Hazare's praise for Raj Thackeray came soon after Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray reportedly turned down his request for a meeting. Hazare said, "If he is not meeting me, it will not affect me. I am not meeting him for any selfish interest. I am meeting him as the issue (Lokayukta) is important for the state," he said.<br /></p>
