Day after, Arvind Kejriwal faction suspects Ramdev hand behind split with Anna Hazare

A day after their split became official, there was speculation in Arvind Kejriwal's India Against Corruption (IAC) group that Anna Hazare's growing association with yoga guru Ramdev may have been the final breaking point. Significantly, Hazare was closeted in a meeting with Ramdev and former Army Chief Gen V K Singh last night, immediately after the IAC meeting.

Sources in the Kejriwal camp also pointed to "close RSS links" of some of Hazare's aides, saying that Kiran Bedi and Sitaram Jindal had pushed for a dialogue with the "principal opposition party".

Ramdev's spokesperson confirmed Gen (retd) V K Singh's presence at the meeting last night, and said the Baba might address a press conference on Friday to reveal details of what transpired.

In Pune, Hazare refrained from commenting on the split or his meeting with Ramdev. "I will not speak on this subject for the next four days," he said. "I came here to pray to Lord Ganesh to rid the country of corruption. I will not comment on other dirty things."

In a video address earlier in the day, Hazare reiterated that the movement had split, and both groups would work for the common goal of eradicating corruption.

"We respect Anna Hazare, he is our guru and father. Yesterday's developments were shocking, unbelievable, unfortunate and sad. Anna's five principles are the foundation of our party. Anna's photograph and name are printed in our hearts... We will keep seeking his blessings," tweeted Kejriwal today.

Sources said both Hazare and Ramdev agreed that they would not be a part of any political outfit and would not allow any party on their stage. Incidentally, Ramdev's last fast at Ramlila Maidan had ended with a show of strength by top NDA leaders including BJP president Nitin Gadkari and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav.

"Hazare was originally slated to meet Ramdev at 5 pm and he started becoming very restless. Three people were not even allowed to speak," said a member of Team Kejriwal. "Sitaram Jindal and Kiran Bedi urged a dialogue with BJP. Jindal said Italy's rule has to end... There are reports that VHP and RSS functionaries were present at the Hazare-Ramdev meeting," he claimed.

... contd.

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