Allegations of corruption do come easily against politicians says Shatrughan Sinha

Public figures should do their social responsibility by inspiring youngsters to take up politics even though many have contempt for politicians, BJPleader Shatrughan Sinha suggested on Thursday. 

"Let's do our social responsibility by asking the younger generation to go to politics, not for any gain. Many people today have contempt for politicians. And though there are good people in politics, not all are good in politics," he said at the 4th Kolkata Literature Festival at the 41st InternationalKolkata Book Fair.

Admitting "allegations of corruption do come, easily against politicians," Sinha said it was not the whole picture and coming to politics was important to serve the purpose of democracy.

Drawing reference from his own career as a politician, he said, "I had joined politics to serve the cause of healthy democracy. I had the intention to keep the white whiter, not to tar the colour. And I have never compromised."

Asked how he would rate West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Sinha said, "Mamataji is a great lady and the late Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu was a great man. I have great respect for Kanshi Ram and Mayawati has been of help to me at times. L K Advaniji is my philosopher and guide whose words I had followed to contest in the by-elections for the first time."

"I had never made personal comments on people as may be they have different ideologies, but all are trying to do good for people. And aren't political leaders also coming from us, the common people? Are they different?" the actor-turned-politician wondered.