The core committee of India Against Corruption removed one of its members, Mufti Shamum Kazmi, from the panel after he was allegedly found taping the proceedings of a meeting attended, among others, by social activist Anna Hazare here on Sunday.
On his part, Mr. Kazmi came out of the meeting saying he was quitting as the committee had become “politicised” and was “anti-Muslim.”
But Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said: “Whatever he is saying is baseless. Nothing of the kind that he is alleging happened. Till now the group was not politicised or anti-Muslim; only after he was found recording — even private conversations — and requested to stay away from the meetings, does he find the panel politicised.” Mr. Kejriwal compared the incident with the one involving Swami Agnivesh. Agnivesh was removed after he was caught on camera allegedly talking ill of Team Anna with a Union Minister when Mr. Hazare was on fast on the Ramlila ground in New Delhi last year, a charge the activist denied.
Earlier, two activists P.V. Rajagopal and Rajinder Singh quit the team following differences over the way in which decisions were taken. Team Anna said they had left because they were preoccupied with their own work.
“Several issues are thrown open at the meeting and discussed threadbare before we reach consensus. One such issue was that the group will have to take a stand at some point on electoral politics,” Mr. Kejriwal said.
Mr. Hazare would join Baba Ramdev's day-long fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 3.
Keywords: team anna meeting, India anti-corruption movement, Mufti Shameem Kazmi, team anna muslim member
The reliability of Team Anna is at stake. While others seem to be taking sides, I feel that both the sides are at fault here. Why was the recording done without the knowledge of other members by Mr. Kazmi is something that he has not answered. Why does an organization that says that the lack of transparency is the cause of all evil in our society not accept to being recorded without its knowledge is something that it has not answered.
Overall, the target for Team Anna, though good seems an impossible one to meet. When someone says that things have to be perfect, then it borders on childishness. Even in our schools, we are asked to work towards a score of 100%, but 99% or even 70% is not considered to be a failure. Neither do we punish our kids whose mark goes from 60% to 80%. Society as a model is built on constant improvements - not on perfection.
@ Naveed Khan,Team Anna is waging a battle against corruption which
effects everybody regardless of caste,community and gender.Dont you
think muslims are too at receiving end of bribe culture like
others.This fellow was found recording the plans of team anna on effective social networking and public mobilization to hand it over to
his masters.When found he played muslim card.Even congress
general secretary proclaimed last week that he is a brahmin.Is not
congress then following brahmin dominated.Dont get carried away by
politicians and their sinister tricks
For all the people who think mufti kazmi's act has sanction just bcoz Anna's team asked for recording of their prior meetings with Governements lacks one important aspect. Mufti kazmi could have sought permission to record the proceedings which would have helped others understand what's the position of each team member. what was the purpose of secretly recording the entire meeting and then sending secret messages to we know who. I am happy that some people of minority community rejected the acts of kazmi as wrong while others blabber in defence of kazmi. How could an Anti-corruption movement be anti-muslim when the most affected due to corruption is the poor(a disproportionate among them are muslims), perhaps this is the way vote bank works which doesn't think or need to think (even if its educated).
Anna Hahare time and again fails to understand the real issue behind him. He hides behind Kejriwal and Bedi. The entire team is exposed of its hypocracy.
Anna Hazare proves to be a nuisance to peace loving people. He clearly has ulterior motives than what we are made to believe. We all know there is corruption everywhere; don't we? The existing laws are adequate to fight and eliminate corruption, of course, with strict enforcement. We don't need self-acknowledged and well-advertised crusaders like Anna Hazare to fight corruption. Indians should ignore Hazare & Co. as they are bent upon causing harm to Indian democracy and institutions.
For all those shouting at Team Anna about the lokpal discussion tapes, remember that they did not record it illegally. They have the right to ask for a recording and they did it. Whereas in this case, the person is found to be recording without permission. Come on guys, atleast the team is trying to do something..don't throw stones at them.
What surprised me more than anything is the fact that Mufti Shamum came
to know about Team Anna turning anti-Muslim in that very meeting? Mufti
is no one to tell that friend turned foe Anna team is against Muslims.
Mufti Sahib, now people know your name; you better try your luck in
politics. How fighting against evils be against any religion?
Even a child knows anna's RSS background, poor kazmi didnt know it!!
Everyone who feels Team Anna should Live Telecast their discussions because they demanded the same about Lokpal Bill in parliament are either too naive or plain stupid. Do you think Team Anna just woke up one day and decided to fast en masse, obviously to plan such large scale movement against the the all powerful politicians involves lots of planning and strategy which they would like to keep to themselves.
Moreover like one member of Team Anna said if Mr. Kazmi wanted to tape it for the sake of transparency he should have informed them before hand, in not doing so he made it clear that he has his own agenda, and playing the religion card, that's just pathetic remember Swamy Agnivesh?. Am really happy that informed muslims are able to see through that and are supporting Anna. We Indians need to appreciate the efforts of Team Anna, they left their comfort zone and are fighting for us, don't judge them at the slightest doubt.
This was an internal meeting and therefore no recording or live
broadcast is necessary. If they wanted, then they would have
discussed and done a recording. But what Mufti Shamum Kazmi did was
on the sly! He should be ashamed of himself! This clearly shows his
bad intentions. After being caught he has the audacity to play the
minority card. Being a Muslim myself, I can certainly not accept
this irresponsible behaviour!
Because of Anna and his work, there is a lot of awareness about
corruption and a lot of people are changing. I wish him all the
best.
People who keep playing the minority card whenever they face
problems should be locked up! This type of statement creates an
unhealthy environment and leads to communal clashes in the country.
Lets all strive to to make a better nation and try to live in Peace
and Harmony.
I think Anna and his commit are playing round round. They are now goalless and questioning each other and blame each other.
people who are talking about transperancy should understand the nature of the meeting and consequences of making the things public. everytime I read this comment of double standard i see an excuse to not support anna or support congress come what may.. do political party do public meeting to formulate their strategy?
It shame that few people use religion to hide their fault. If kazami can not follow guidelines of group he need to be removed. What salman khurshid did in UP election is that was good ? On basis of justice he should have been removed and fined but as he was from minority he escaped.
Not sure whom to believe. Have little faith in team Anna now.
If the people commenting here, think that Team Anna is really anti-your-community, please know that Shazia Ilmi is still part of the core committee. And she's a dedicated member, as important as any other member. Now, you might claim that she no longer represents the community as she does not wear the "prescribed" dressing. A dressing that was prescribed a millenium ago.
I am saddened to note that a Muslim should resort to sch tactics, presumably on behalf of the anti- national elements who are currently ruling India from Delhi. Muslims have much more to gain from reduced corruption as compared to others; and same is true for dalits etc. The movement against corruption is must in a country because it binds people together regardless of caste, creed, religion, language, age or sex. Playing 'minority' and caste card to derail such a movement is highly deplorable. I felt bad when the Anna committee agreed to "reservations" on the basis of caste and religion. When will Indians rise above these considerations. I request all - Hindus, Mulsims- whoever- to support Team Anna to the fullest. Jai hind !
I am really sad with Naveed Khan's view "Team Anna's Jan Lok Pal movement is basically a Brahmin Fascist movement". It represents his orthodox nature.Anna is fighting against corruption that is a virus for our society.If we can not give our contribution to this movement,we should not represent this type of view to foment the people.If black money return to India it will be useful to all Indian not only a special kind of caste.A true Indian should disdain people like Mufti Shamum who instead of accepting his fault playing the muslim card.
Dear leaders if you can't support "Team Anna" then why you people discourage them. If they wanna some change against corruption. let them do. And see the result first.
That Mufti should explain why he was doing the recording. He appears to be a Congress mole planted by the likes of Kapil Sibbal. Mufti should stop pretending to be a victim and stop saying that it is a Muslim issue. Muslims should stop playing Muslim card to justify any crime.
This is the oldest trick in the book. Put a spy in the enemy's council. Now that the house is set to debate the bill again, and any farce action in the house will be retaliated by team Anna, the govt. wants to know whats happening, and build files against the members using personal conversations etc... But no matter what the govt. does the fact remains the same, this admin has failed to come up with a strong anti corruption law. This, in spite of all the suggestions from across the spectrum. And to hide its failures, it just points fingers at others. They have failed the country is every possible way.
any movement that runs with a hidden agenda will have a abrupt ending ,just as what team anna having now. ask govt for transperancy and u urself are afraid of it, this is true hypocrisy
Team Anna has fallen to the back door drama played by Congress. With a simple tactic they have created a blot on the Anti Corruption crusade. Who can withstand such immoral acts.
A traitor of Team Anna. Unfortunately, again a Muslim.
If readers remember, sometime back "Team Anna" had created a furore over the live telecast of team's internal discussion with group of Ministers. At that time Team Anna gave a logic that public has the right to know. Ironically, it is the same Team Anna, which is now against anyone making public their discussions. Can there exist anymore double standards within. The movement which begun as genuine was hijacked by people belonging to various denominations purely since they only wanted to show-off their association with Anna's Cause to gain mileage with their junta. Role of the core team is also questionable as is some of their decisions and revelations, which entirely derailed the movement.
Yeah, cricket captain Mohd Azharuddin also used the same minority card when he was caught for match-fixing. There is no shame in this claim by this man.
Team Anna should live webcast all their proceedings - Just like they demanded that their discussions with the Govt Panel be live telecast.
It is a breach of trust, - particularly so in an on-going strategy meeting', to: i) BROADCAST LIVE PROCEEDINGS, SECRETLY to OUTSIDE WORLD, knowing that there are many people who want plunder & corruption to continue, and have proven their devilish skills (ii) RECORD without PRIOR AGREEMENT of all members at the meeting; And attempt to: (iii) SABOTAGE the movement knowingly (was there an earlier attempt of sabotage by a spy?) (iv) DEFAME the movement as anti-Muslim (v) DIVIDE the movement on religious lines, etc. What a pity, the ex-member failed to appreciate his own civic duty to save India from plunder, & his obligation to his own future generations. HE HAS ALREADY FAILED. Supporters do not doubt IAC's commitment to remain without bias towards any political party, religion, caste etc. IAC will emerge stronger, as it did before, and thoughtful citizens from all walks wanting to improve the nation will be more united than before, in the face of increased threats of "sabotage".
The act of Mr. Kazmi is indefensible. It is gross indiscipline on his part. As a core committee member, he is expected to maintain secrecy of the proceedings of such important meetings. Since Team Anna is vulnerable to such a charge, he is leveling the charge of team Anna being anti-muslims after having caught in the act of betrayal. Prompt removal of such persons from the committee is the right decision.
Team Anna's Jan Lok Pal movement is basically a Brahmin Fascist movement. It is designed to bypass the election and further marginalize the Muslim, Christian, Dalit vote. Team Anna's movement is to establish the ethos of Brahmin Chauvinism. It is in very innate character racist and what do Muslims have to do with it? Muslims can not and must not participate in activities that are racist and discriminatory. It is against the basic tenants of Islam.
Team Anna sending notices to Union Ministers for the allegations against them is a wise move. Public will appreciate them. Before going ahead with agitation and seeking legal action against them, they should be given an opportunity for clea...ring up. If team Anna is planning for nationwide agitation against corruption, they should come out with the facts they have, against different state leaders irrespective of political affiliations.
-Another Mole- After this incident, it is very clear that Mr. Kazmi was another mole in team Anna. This incident shows the evil intention of this corrupt government who is scared of the fact that two anti-corruption movements are coming together. What else could be the reason of recording the meeting secretly except that Mr. Kazmi was acting on the behalf of corrupt government? Tie Up With Ramdev- You may not agree with some of Baba Ramdev’s opinions but it does not make him untouchable. It shows poor mindset of Indian people and media, who try to see everything from a biased prism and lack intellectual capacity to evaluate any issue rationally. -Role Of Media- I am very disappointed with the media coverage of this incident. Media is projecting is incident as a rift in Team Anna but in my opinion this an expose of a mole placed by corrupt government. Media should not be biased and should report the incidents as it is, with-out adding their flawed and biased analysis.
Anna and his team is doing commendable job for the welfare of the country and any one who is not cooperating with this team is the traitor of the country because this team is fighting against the corruption which is the order of the day. Team Anna should keep such a person like Kazmi away from its meeting as such persons can pose serious problems for their strategies against corruption.Team Anna should be very conscious regarding selection of persons for the core committee.
The Hazare movement, without a party or a constitution, is becoming a ragtag conglomeration of disparate groups and individuals. Mr.Hazare should do something about it before it commits Harakiri and becomes defunct. That would be a sad end for a movement started with good intentions.
How shameless can these guys be. Found recording the proceedings and when asked about it they play the muslim card. The country is really in bad shape with the mindset of people being so bad that anything wrong you do and if caught you play the caste or minority card. Shame on these guys. Anna's movement will be far better to be bereft of these type of people
It is clear from his outburst that Mr.Azmi was not identifying himself as Indian but muslim. If he was partaking all these days how is it he suddenly found out that team anna is antimuslim? And can we not read the language is not his but prompted from behind the scene?
I simply can't believe what Mr. Kazmi is saying and i also don't understand how a fight against corruption can go against any religion. Any ways, lets hope what Team Anna is doing is good for the country despite of any such set back and i am very much hopeful that many Muslim brothers would want to come up and support Team Anna's fight against Corruption.
I can understand Mr Kazmi's views and I disagree with those views.But my question is why he was recording the proceedings ????? For what and for whom ? I still support Anna's anti corruption movement.There are many kind of contrversies being concoted by vested interests to defame the movement or give it a communal color and, of course,they will hire an insider to do the job.
Here we go, in India, you can always play the minority card and get away with anything. "Lone Muslim" in the Team Anna -- Let us see how well this game works.
I do not know what call it, if Team Anna has 2 faces(BJP & RSS) BJP has 2 faces (RSS & Team Anna)or RSS has 2 faces (Team Anna & BJP)
Leave alone audio recording, Team Anna should conduct the proceedings in full public view if Team Anna is for transparency in public life. I think this movement will peter out after the initial high public support, given the dubious activities of its members.
A telling example of the prevalent loss of quality in all walks of life is the Anna Movement. An equally striking proof is the way media played up the movement for want of any better media event. There is no doubt absolutely that what Anna Hazare has initiated is a very appropriate and a burning issue. Equally undeniable is the fact that Anna himsel is a simple and saintly soul. But, movements such has this can't be left to his lieutenants of doubtful calibre as Kejriwal or Bedi. Let's pray Anna gets a team politically savvy and knowledgeable to carry the movement cleverly and to the good end. We can't have any more of Kejriwal kind of "I am the holiest and the entire gang of MPs big jokes"
Too bad Mr Qazmi. You betrayed Team Anna and finally played the minority card when caught. you missed a golden chance to do something for the country............
What is there to be so secretive of proceedings of meetings being conducted in the interest of 'people'? Let everybody know what you are discussing. You ask for transparency in public affairs but when it comes to your own agendas,'top secret' needs to be maintained. Why so?
I think Anna and team deliberately made this plan to send Mr.Kazmi out of the team,however they are backed by BJP and RSS and perhaps want to making anti-muslim agenda.The people should not support such teams,one who wants disturb the communal harmony and peace of the nation.So people should come together for peace of the nation.
Insecure little attention seekers are in abundance these days. They join a cause so that their insignificant little self will come in limelight. Then they play the communal card when their incompetence hinders their progress, just like Azaruddin said he was targeted in match fixing scandal because he was from a minority community. Wake up everyone, We are Indians first, being a Gujrati, Kashmiri, Haryanvi, Punjabi, Tamil, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim etc is all secondary and should never supersede us being Indians. Jai Hind.
At the height of media supported agitation last year, this team was insisting the government of video recording of the proceedings of Lokpal bill drafting committee. Now its double standards are fully exposed, it has lost its credibility. Innocent Anna is being used as puppet. His villagers should advise Anna to dissociate from Kejriwals and Ramdevs.
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