Aam Admi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday denied that the party was misusing Anna Hazare’s name during the Delhi Assembly poll campaign and said that there was a conspiracy to mislead the social activist.
“Anna said yesterday (Tuesday) that some people showed him posters with his photo being used for AAP. We told Anna that the posters were not real,” said Mr. Kejriwal.
“It means fake posters were printed. There is a conspiracy to mislead Anna against us,” he said.
He also said the AAP was not using Mr. Hazare’s name in its party’s election campaigning.
“When I say Anna Hazare fasted for Janlokpal, it is a historical fact. People don’t understand Janlokpal, so I say Anna’s Lokpal bill. I always say it is not Anna’s party. Still if he (Anna Hazare) has objections, I will not use the term Anna’s Lokpal,” he told reporters.
The activist-turned-politician said the AAP was being targeted by several “vested interests”.
“We have challenged all the powerful people. There are so many vested interests which are working to malign us. More may come out in next 48 to 72 hours.
“Manish (Sisodia), Prashant (Bhushan) all will be targeted,” Mr. Kejriwal said.
He, however, added he felt saddened by Mr. Hazare’s allegations.
“I have only earned honesty in my life and when my ‘Guru’ questions me, I feel sad. If there is any misappropriation, I will not fight the polls,” he said.
Asked if he would talk to Mr. Hazare, Mr. Kejriwal said he was not being allowed to do so.
“How do I talk to Anna, they don’t give the phone to him,” Mr. Kejriwal said.
