‘I am deeply hurt by Anna Hazare’s accusations’: Kejriwal

New Delhi – Activist-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that he was saddened by the release of a video footage in which Anna Hazare was seen purportedly questioning the use of India Against Corruption funds for political purpose by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

“Yes, I am deeply hurt. I am very sad to see the video. Since these allegations have been made by Anna Hazare, who I regard as my mentor, I want an open probe into this case,” Kejriwal told media here.

“We are ready for any probe, I have already said that I will not fight elections if found guilty,” he added.

He further accused the Congress and the BJP for trying to create differences between them and Anna Hazare.

“It’s a Congress-BJP conspiracy. The two parties are trying to create differences between us and Anna Hazare,” he said.

Hazare on Tuesday revealed that he wrote a letter to Kejriwal to clarify whether his name was being misused by the AAP during its election campaigns.

“He (Kejriwal) said that Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal Bill would be passed on 29th December. But using my name is wrong,” he said.

Hazare also said that he is been made an accused in a court case that deals with SIM cards issued in his name, which were reportedly used during his Jan Lokpal Movement to collect funds.

“I was not aware that SIM cards are being issued. I was told that SIM cards were issued in my name during the IAC movement, the sale of which led to collection of funds. When I have nothing to do with those SIM cards, then why I have been made an accused in the case. That is why I suspect my name is being misused,” he added.

He also said that Kejriwal was not his enemy.

“I am ready to talk to him. We are not enemies. I wrote to him because I had a few doubts that needed to be clarified,” he said.

Kejriwal had earlier said he has tried several times to speak to the man he calls his “guru,” Anna Hazare, but “intermediaries…people in the middle” don’t allow him to.

“Intermediaries do not let me talk to Anna Hazare, have tried to talk to him, people in the middle don’t allow me,” Kejriwal said.