Noted RTI activists Arvind Kejariwal here on Saturday said that there was no difference of opinion between India Against Corruption led by Anna Hazare and Bharat Swabhiman led by Swami Ramdev.
Admitting that there have been attempt to spread a canard about differences, Mr Kejariwal, who was addressing a press conference here with Mr Hazare and Swami Agniwesh told reporters, “Baba Ramdev is one of the biggest and most credible faces of the anti-corruption movement in this country. We are with him. We need a large number of Baba Ramdevs and Anna Hazares to fight against corruption in India.”
Expressing their complete support to proposed fasting by Baba Ramdev in New Delhi from June 5 to mount pressure on the government for recovering black money stashed abroad, Mr Kejariwal said, “There are vested interest circle of corrupt people which are trying hard to divide the forces struggling against corruption but we will not allow them to succeed.” He said, “There are people who on behalf of the government are also trying to spread that a powerful Jan Lokpal may be a threat to democracy. We are making an appeal to the media to create awareness among the common people about the importance of a powerful Jan Lokpal proposed by us.”
Referring his interaction with people from different walks of life in Assam, Mr Kejariwal said, “We have got very good suggestions in Guwahati to incorporate in the proposed Jan Lokpal Bill.” He said that a team of advocates and intellectuals who met them has suggested to add that politicians convicted in corruption cases should not only be debarred from contesting elections, but the elections of such people’s representative should be also scrapped.
“About corporates those convicted in corruption cases it has been suggested that they should be black-listed and debarred from getting any contract or assistances from the government,” he said, adding that they have decided to place these suggestions before the committee on Jan Lokpal in its next meeting.
Addressing a joint press conference with Anna Hazare and Swami Agnivesh, Mr Kejariwal also announced that RTI activist Akhil Gogoi has been entrusted with the responsibility to consult the organisations all across the nation and prepare modalities for selection of Jan Lokpal in a transparent manner. (EOM)