In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

Violence takes a heavy toll and affects public life ______. High or low, known or unknown, rich or poor, popular or unpopular, no one is safe or secure today. It appears that one can harm anybody at any time and at ______. A mad and sad rat race is on to make money and ______ power at any cost and by any means. The result is that no political party or group can now ______ into claim to total innocence in so far as ______ of violence against innocent person for personal or political gains is concerned. Violent demonstrations, rallies, hartals have become the order of the day.

Q:

make money and ______ power at any cost.

• 1
  gain
• 2
  maintain
• 3
  retain
• 4
  sustain