Govt attacking Anna to divert attention from Lokpal: Kejriwal

Denying reports that Anna Hazare had close connections with the late Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha leader Nanaji Deshmukh, key Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said it was part of Congress' "tactics" to divert attention from the Lokpal Bill.

A section of media on Sunday reported that Hazare was closely associated with Nanaji Deshmukh, a Sangh pracharak.

"Congress government is targeting Anna unnecessarily by spreading such rumours. Even former president Abdul Kalam and Digvijaya Singh have been photographed with Deshmukh," Kejriwal said.

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Kejriwal was addressing the media at the MMRDA grounds in suburban Mumbai where Hazare will be sitting on fast from December 27.

"What is the mistake of Anna Hazare? That he is raising his voice against corruption? He has got medals from the army," Kejriwal said, adding wrong message was being spread against the anti-corruption crusader.

Hitting out at the United Progressive Alliance government, Kejriwal said "The government is provoking us by saying Anna is an RSS agent."

He alleged that Central Bureau of Investigation was not an agency to stop corruption but formed only to help and protect the government.

"CBI is under the government's thumb. Whenever the government wants support from someone, they put CBI after them. Take the example Mayawati and Mulayam Singh. CBI should be taken out of the government," Kejriwal said, adding even in the 2G scam, the CBI did not initiate any action till orders from the Supreme Court.

Asked about the reported threat to inject Hazare and his supporters with HIV-contaminated needles, Kejriwal said, "There is no need to worry. It is just to create fear among people. These are all rumours. It is all selective and everyone can join us in the movement."

He said the movement would be carried out in other parts of the country as well. People will observe fast at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi too.

India Against Corruption coordinator Mayank Gandhi said about one lakh people are expected to turnout at the MMRDA ground everyday.

"Anna would be fasting for three days and this time we have not registered the number of people who would fast with Anna. Those who want to fast can go ahead.

"There would be adequate security arrangements. Over 3,500 CRPF personnel would be present at the venue along with the bomb disposal squad. No vehicle will be allowed to park near the ground. There will be separate entry point for media and VIPs. No luggage and bags would be allowed. Ambulance and fire engines would be kept on stand-by mode. There will also be 12 top doctors at the ground," he said.

The IAC coordinator said on the day of fast, Hazare will go to the Juhu beach where there is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and take his blessings.

He will be later escorted to the ground by a motorbike rally, he added.

Gandhi further said that over 86,000 people have registered with IAC for the 'Jail Bharo Aandolan', which would begin from December 30.

On being asked whether the massive 'Jail Bharo' is meant to create a world record, he said, "There is no need to go for the record. This is all for the country."