Kejriwal ends Delhi protest, will take fight to Khurshid backyard

After camping at the Parliament Street for two days demanding resignation of Law Minister Salman Khurshid, the India Against Corruption Monday made a retreat and announced suspension of the agitation against him but not before alleging that there was a quid pro quo between the minister and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav — who has a disproportionate assets case against him — to "save each other".

With the indefinite protest not turning out to be a hit in terms of crowd participation and the government and the Congress firmly ruling out their demand, Arvind Kejriwal, who was leading the protest, announced winding up of the stir "for the time being". He said the IAC will organise a rally in Khurshid's Lok Sabha constituency, Farrukhabad, on November 1.

During the day, he continued his tirade against Khurshid alleging a deal between the UP government and the minister. He produced a physically challenged person, who alleged that he was not provided any help as claimed by the NGO run by Khurshid's family although his name figured in the list of beneficiaries. Kejriwal attacked the Congress for defending Khurshid and alleged the party was also involved.

"There is enough evidence but the question is who will conduct an investigation. Akhilesh Yadav? A case of disproportionate assets is pending against his father Mulayam Singh in Supreme Court. Who appoints the government lawyer against Mulayam? The Law Minister does. Now Khurshid will save Mulayam and Mulayam's son will save Khurshid," he said.

Khurshid has rejected charges of embezzlement of government funds for Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust for wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids and other equipment to the disabled.

The ground for the tactical retreat was prepared in the morning with Kejriwal announcing that a letter was being sent to the Prime Minister's Office seeking an appointment with him to demand sacking of the minister. He said the IAC will wait for a response from the PM before deciding its next course of action. In the evening, he said the IAC has not received any reply from the PMO and announced shifting the campaign to Farrukhabad.

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