New Delhi, Oct 23: “Hang some of us if that helps”, activist Kiran Bedi said today as she alleged a “pattern to defame” Team Anna members who are under the scanner for alleged misconduct.
“There is obviously a pattern to defame every member of Team Anna. It has been systematic from day one,” Bedi, who is facing allegations of overcharging institutions by inflating her travel expenses, told PTI.
“Team Anna is paying a personal cost for raising national concerns on rampant corruption and voter awareness to ensure the passing of the Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament,” she said.
Her response came as another activist Arvind Kejriwal was accused of depositing the donations for the Hazare campaign for a strong Lokpal in a private trust run by him. None of the prominent Team Anna activists were members of the trust. Noting that people are aware of the machinations of the detractors, she said it only underscores the need to stay focussed on the Winter Session of Parliament and ensure that the Jan Lokpal Bill is enacted.
“It is evident why sensitive and reputed persons shy away from speaking up. Which leaves civil society without independent voices. This serves the vested interests,” she said.
Bedi said the Hazare movement was of millions and there was a need for staying united.
“After that hang some of us if that helps. If my saving for poor by means I followed is wrong I be punished. Same Lokpal can punish me. Distraction is being manipulated,” she said.
