Congress takes potshots at Anna's 'vote influenced by money, alcohol' remark

New Delhi, Apr 28 (ANI): Congress Party on Saturday termed veteran social activist Anna Hazare's remark that voters were not informed enough and could be influenced by money and alcohol to be a contradictory statement, saying there is a need to fight against corruption right from the bottom.

"This is a contradictory statement. At one place it's told that around 125 crore people are with us, and then making such comments. I have been saying this from the very beginning that this is a wrong way to fight against corruption. There is a need to improve the society. We all, right from the bottom to the top, need to fight against corruption," said Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi.

"I am not saying that politics should not be freed from corruption. But we have to fight this battle right from the bottom then only the society will be free from corruption. We respect every voter and it is not right to put a blame like this on any voter," he added.

When asked to comment on some of the members of Team Anna willing to fight the election battle, Alvi said: "As per the Constitution, every individual has the right to contest elections. And if Annaji himself or any of this team members want to contest the elections then the Constitution gives them this right."

Hazare had earlier on Friday said that he would lose his deposit if he fought elections, because voters were not informed enough and people in the villages could be influenced by money and alcohol.

"I feel I should contest elections, but if I do so, I will lose my deposit. I will not do so. Voters are not alert. An informed voter is the crux of democracy. In villages, even today if a Rs. 500 note is waved in front of people they will vote for you, and a drunkard will vote for you if he is promised alcohol," he said. (ANI)