New Delhi, Aug 22: Congress today charged BJP with using social activist Anna Hazare to return to power at the Centre after failing to cash in on the Ayodhya movement.
At the same time, party spokesperson Rashid Alvi admitted that though 80 per cent of the people were not aware about the Lokpal Bill, they were joining his agitation as the common man was affected by the scourge of corruption.
“Anna Hazare does not have an organisation, no funds...food is being distributed free of cost, an estimate suggests SMS worth Rs five crore are being sent daily, internet is being used...RSS and VHP say they are not with this movement. Should we close our eyes. Are not we aware of what you are doing,” he said.
Addressing a seminar on Lokpal Bill, Alvi claimed the “real motive” behind the BJP's support to the movement was not corruption but regaining power at the Centre.
“L K Advani today said the Prime Minister should resign and call for fresh elections. They want power. They could not encash the Ayodhya movement, now they want to use Anna Hazare to gain power,” he said.
In a veiled attack on Hazare's associates, Alvi said he has “records” of the “five to ten most honest people” whom he would not like to name and would make public the details soon.
“The matter would not end with passage of the Lokpal Bill. Once lion has tasted blood, he would long for it. Today, those five to ten people - I would not like to blame any individual - but we have the records of the most honest people. I would not seem correct if I name them now. Wait for a few days, we will do that...”
Referring to his recent statement in which he suspected the role of the US behind Hazare's agitation, he said, “I don't say the US is behind it. But there are powers which do not want India to prosper.” PTI
