Differences surface between Baba Ramdev, Team Anna; Kejriwal leaves agitation venue

Jun 03, 2012 |

New Delhi

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Differences appear to have come out in the open between Team Anna and yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday after RTI crusader Arvind Kejriwal's comments against Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and other politicians.

Kejriwal, who joined the daylong fast at Parliament Street here, took potshots at both the Prime Minister and his other Cabinet colleagues over their corrupt ways, especially in connection with the coal scam.

Ramdev, however, said that the fight against graft was not against individuals.

"Arvind Kejriwal should not have taken names. It could create controversy. Please don't see it as personal attack. This fight is not against any individual," Baba Ramdev told the gathering soon after Kejriwal's comments.

"Today, we thought that we will not take anybody's name. But Arvind took the names". We don't want any controversies. Arvind does not have any enmity with anyone. The names have been taken in some context. We are against personal criticism," he added.

Kejriwal had earlier said that no political party wanted a strong Lokpal Bill.

"There are serious allegations against 15 ministers out of 34. That is why they are not passing the Lokpal Bill. Manmohan Singh is the leader of those 34 ministers. There is allegation against Manmohan Singh in coal allocation scam. 155 mines were given to the private companies without bidding and Manmohan Singh was the coal minister that time," said Kejriwal.

"None of the investigating agency is neutral, all comes under the government. All cases should be handed over to special investigation team. We have written to the Prime Minister that all the cases should be handed over to fast track court," he added.

Kejriwal had also stated the Parliament will never pass the Lokpal Bill because MPs like RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi and former telecom minister A. Raja are sitting in the House.

Kejriwal has reportedly now walked out of the agitation venue following Baba Ramdev's snub.

Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare began their daylong fast against corruption at the Parliament Street here earlier this morning against corruption and for their demand for a stronger Lokpal Bill.

This is for the first time that Baba Ramdev and Hazare are sitting on a joint fast.

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