People want Lokpal Bill to be passed: Sri Sri Ravishankar

Sri Sri Ravishankar today said corruption cannot be prevented by legislation only but supported a strong Lokpal Bill as people want it.

"There has to be a spiritual awakening among the people and politicians so that they do not indulge in corrupt practices," he told newsmen here.

Asked whether the government is serious in introducing the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Parliament, he said, "I wish they are. There are people in the government who are against corruption. They should pursue the matter so that the bill is issued in Parliament. I do not see why there should not be strong Lokpal bill, because people want it."

On Congress leader Digvijay Singh's Twitter post calling him 'plan c of BJP-RSS combine to divert public attention from its terror links', he said, "Everyone has a right to make statements. I respect them."

The spiritual leader, who is here on a three-day visit, met the government officials today to expedite measures to curb price rise and said such measures if delayed would be ineffective.

There was no 'magic solution' to the problem, he said, adding, "I request the Prime Minister and the Union Finance Minister to think creatively in solving the problem."

The Art of Living teacher would promote patriotism and raise awareness against corruption. He is scheduled hold 'satsangs' at Midnapore, Barrackpore and Siliguri.

The spiritual leader blamed corruption for the lack of development which, he said, has caused the rise of Maoism in some parts of the country.

"Maoists say that development is stunted. This is because of corruption which prevents money from going where it is meant to go," he said.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, however, evaded a direct reply when asked whether he would mediate in resolving the Maoist problem in West Bengal. "Wherever there is conflict, we have a way to reduce it. It has been successful. Jharkhand, for example is more peaceful now."

The Art of Living teacher, who expressed 'gladness' at the change of government in West Bengal after 34 years, said that fast change, however, should not be expected.

"Change is good and should take place. But the new government should be given time."

Stressing that he wanted the people of West Bengal to be more 'resilient,' he said, industry has taken a back seat here. "The youth here are waiting for government jobs. But I want more entrepreneurship in the state so that employment can be generated. There must be zero unemployment and 100 per cent literacy in this state," he said.

Art of Living Foundation is conducting youth leadership training projects in 18 districts in the state, he said and added he wanted a counsellor in all villages in the country to counsel the youth against the use of drugs and alcohol.