Team Anna targets Congress in its campaign pamphlet

Team Anna today released a campaign pamphlet for the upcoming assembly polls in which it attacked the Congress accusing it of betraying the country on Lokpal issue even as the activists claimed that they will not seek votes for or against any single party.

The four page pamphlet titled 'Your Vote can Change the History of India -- Betrayal by Central Government on the Country' also targeted Rahul Gandhi, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati to question them on Lokpal and land acquisition. The BJP was also posed questions.

However, Team Anna members Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan told a press conference that their campaign is not against or in favour of a party but on "important" issues like corruption, Lokpal and land acquisition.

When pointed out that the title of the pamphlet betrays the claims of not targeting a party, Kejriwal shot back, "Hasn't the government cheated the whole country?" Bhushan said they will raise the issues on Lokpal and what all parties did to the Lokpal bill.

The pamphlet has listed "six betrayals" on the issue of Lokpal by central government while another page titled "Congress' strong Lokpal bill" cites the "deficiencies" in the anti-corruption law.

Six questions were raised to all political parties which include whether they agree that the Lokpal bill is weak, CBI should be independent of government control and whether they will oppose the bill in Parliament. The parties were also asked about their stand on land acquisition bill.

Making the campaign personal, Team Anna also sought answers from Rahul Gandhi on whether Congress will dare to bring a strong Lokpal bill on the lines of Lokayukta Act in BJP-ruled Uttarakhand.

Noting that Hazare went on hunger strike thrice last year for a strong Lokpal, Team Anna said, "but the Congress-led government in the Centre has betrayed Anna on every step. This betrayal is not against Anna but against the countrymen."

They also asked Rahul whether the Congress will take steps to loosen the iron grip of government over the CBI and whether he supports the efforts to save corrupt leaders in his party with the help of the investigating agency.

"Is it that the ruling party misusing CBI against Mulayam Singh and Mayawati to garner numbers and remain in power? Does he support this?" Team Anna asked.

In their questions, they asked BJP whether it will bring a strong Lok Ayukta bill in party-ruled states. "However, BJP does not fully support the law in Uttarakhand and what are your objections?" they said.

They also asked the main opposition party whether they will oppose the "weak" Lokpal bill brought by the Centre and will they favour people's participation in law-making along with Parliamentarians.

Tey sought to pose some uncomfortable questions to Mulayam Singh and Mayawati asking them why they preferred to walk out of Lok Sabha during Lokpal bill voting, thus helping the Congress.

"After elections, will you support Congress? Will you enter into an agreement that CBI cases against you will be withdrawn if you give support?" Team Anna asked.

Asked about Hazare joining the campaign, Kejriwal said he may do so if his health permits. He may also come to Delhi to participate in the 'Save Republic Campaign' on January 26.

Team Anna's campaign will start tomorrow from Uttarakhand and will be spread to Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Goa till early March.

Team Anna also questioned the decision of the returning officer of Haridwar not to permit them to hold a meeting in a big ground and instead asking them to conduct their programme in a banquet hall.