It is never too late but top Indian Industrialists are realising only now that it is time to show solidarity with Anna Hazare, social activist who is leading a crusade against corruption. On day 4 of his fast-unto-death, top Indian industrialists pledged support to Hazare’s cause.

“There is rampant corruption being seen across the country. We certainly want to be part of the process eradicating corruption. We are all with Anna Hazare and his stand against corruption,” Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson and managing director of Biocon told Governance Now.

But on being asked why the industrialists were so late in supporting the cause, Shaw says, “Because it is a civil society agenda and the youth movement has started. Industry is supportive because youth have taken over the whole agenda, I think industry is perceived to be not so participative in the whole programme.”

Hazare also got support from another industrialist, Adi Godrej, the chairman of the Godrej Group. In a chat with Governance Now, Godrej says, “"Industry cannot go on streets. But yes, corporate India does support his cause. We are with him.”

Godrej remains hopeful of whole movement. “If it succeeds in bringing transparency and governance and reduce corruption in the country, it will play an important role. I think something strong comes out with this movement,” he says.

Extending support to Hazare’s cause, leading industrialist Rahul Bajaj said that anything adverse happening to Hazare would be a shame for India. “We are sick of corruption and something needs to be done on this issue. There will be change,” he reiterated.

At the same time, Bajaj did not sound fully supportive of Hazare. “To remove corruption in India, the Lokpal bill only can’t do. The whole bill needs some amendment. But who will be the member of the joint committe? Will it be Hazare’s man? He is not a representative of the whole of India,” Bajaj posed.

However, the Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Mittal refused to say anything on this issue. “I don’t want to comment on this issue,” was Mittal’s terse stand on the issue.

The international industry too feels that such high level corruption could put a brake on India’s growth story. “India has a great future but for business and the country, it can put a brake on India to continue to grow,” says Karl Slym, president & managing director of General Motors India.

Slym supported Hazare’s intiative. “Nobody is hiding the issue of corruption. But how do we put right kind of focus and urgency on removing it. We are supporting it.”

But he did not answer the question pose to him whether he will join Hazare’s movement. 

None of the top industrialists have visited hazare at Jantar mantar or any other protest site across the country.