In an observation that could raise the eyebrows, social activist Anna Hazare on Tuesday said he had agreed to talk to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after it approached him to extend its support to his anti-corruption movement
This was a step in getting the entire country together, and to create ‘one India' to fight corruption.
“The Sangh has sent a message, and I will definitely talk to them. This movement goes beyond religions, castes and political parties. I will also talk to Muslim and Christian leaders,” Mr. Hazare said in an interaction organised by the Pune Union of Working Journalists.
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On reports of some conditions being laid out to yoga guru Ramdev Baba for joining his (Hazare) movement, Mr. Hazare said Ramdev would be allowed to join the ‘andolan' only after discussions on ‘some issues.'
“There is no doubt about his intentions. The goal is the same as ours, but the means are different. So there is need to control the situation, for the sake of social benefit.”
Mr. Hazare said he had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh several times demanding that Prime Minister's post be brought under the Lokpal Bill, but did not receive any reply.
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Asked whether the Prime Minister was scared, he said: “Manmohan Singh is not scared, the remote control behind him is.”
The anti-corruption crusader would meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday. He would also meet Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray.
Both leaders had expressed doubts about the Lokpal movement. Mr. Hazare would also have an interaction with Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani.