Anna differs with Kejriwal's methods, tells him to focus on one issue at a time

New Delhi: Activist Anna Hazare has advised India Against Corruption member Arvind Kejriwal to focus on one issue rather than target one leader every week. However, he says that though he may differ with Kejriwal's methods to fight corruption, but their objective is the same. Speaking to CNN-IBN, Anna says Kejriwal should take every issue to its logical conclusion instead of gunning for a leader every week.

Earlier, Kejriwal on Friday promised an internal Lokpal to look at charges against members of IAC. "We are not trying to shield anyone or protect anyone. We will set up an internal Lokpal, so we have requested the most eminent and credible judges for this probe. We have referred these cases to them. On Monday, we'll formally send a letter to them and let them decide whether anyone is guilty," Kejriwal told CNN-IBN.

In fact, the IAC on Friday announced a probe by its 'internal Lokpal' of three retired judges to investigate charges against Prashant Bhushan, Anjali Damania and Mayank Gandhi. Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice AP Shah and retired judges BH Marlapalle of Bombay High Court and Jaspal Singh of Delhi High Court have been named the three ombudsmen for Arvind Kejriwal's yet-to-be named party and the cases of these three will be presented before them by Monday.

Announcing the probe, Kejriwal said they will have to quit the party if the allegations are found true. "If any member is found guilty of any illegal or immoral activity he would be expected to resign from the proposed party," he said. Bhushan, Damania and Gandhi welcomed the move, saying they are ready to face any probe and they have nothing to hide. A probe will clear all charges against them, they added.

Kejriwal's announcement came after allegations were levelled against Bhushan that there were irregularities in buying of land in Himachal Pradesh that Gandhi has links with builders and Damania's land deals in Maharashtra were questionable. "We have from time to time requested the government to

set up an independent enquiry to investigate into the matter and give us double the punishment than prescribed if found guilty. Unfortunately, the government has been more interested in mud-slinging than setting up an independent probe.

"Therefore, we have formed an independent ombudsmen consisting of three retired judges enjoying a reputation of high integrity and independence to Inquire into any charges made against key members of IAC and they will probe Bhushan, Gandhi and Damania," Kejriwal said.

He said they would request them to expeditiously inquire into these charges and give their report as early as possible and within 3 months.

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh on Friday launched a sharp attack on Kejriwal. The former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh wrote a strong worded letter to the India Against Corruption (IAC) member calling him "a self serving ambitious megalomaniac man".

Hitting out at the activist-turned-politician, the Congress leader said, "You are a self serving ambitious megalomaniac with scant regard for democracy." Digvijaya also had an advice for Kejriwal – first practice, then preach.

In his letter, the Congress general secretary reiterated that Kejriwal wanted to be a member of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) and even wanted to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over the issue.

(With additional inputs from PTI)

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)