With the source of funding for Aam Aadmi Party's election campaign coming under Government scanner, his one-time associate Anna Hazare has also questioned the same. In a rather strong-worded letter to Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare has asked the AAP convener if the funds collected during the Jan lokpal movement was being used during the polls. He also sought to completely distance himself from Kejriwal and his political party saying the decision to contest the elections was his (Kejriwal) decision and he had nothing to do with it.
What came as a bigger shock for Kejriwal was Hazare seeking details of expenditure of the money that was collected as donations during the agitations at Ramlila Maidan and Jantar Mantar. "I have got the information from various sources that funds collected during the 2011 anti-corruption movement are being utilised to fund the campaign of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). You created a political party and decided to contest the Delhi Assembly election, it is your decision. I have nothing to do with your political party, Delhi Assembly and any Assembly elections, whatsoever," Hazare clarified in his letter.
The veteran activist also expressed his anguish over the manner the AAP was carrying out its campaign saying it gave an impression that the party had his (Hazare) full support. "The entire election campaign is being done in such a way that it marks an impression that I am supporting the party. Some members of AAP may also be utilising my name and making it appear that I have offered my complete support to the AAP's election campaign. However, I have no connection with the party at all. Further, the sources of funding for the election campaign is also under scanner," Hazare said.
He also disapproved of Kejriwal's claim that he would implement Jan lokpal Bill by December 29 at the Ramlila Maidan. "You know it very well that the Bill can only be passed by the Parliament and that the Delhi assembly (for which Kejriwal is contesting) is incapable of passing the Jan lokpal Bill," Hazare said, as he also asked Kejriwal to exercise caution in using his name and said that his image in the society is impeccable and he would not like it to be spoiled. In his letter, Hazare has made references to certain SIM cards, registered on his name, that were brought to his notice by members of the party. He expressed his fears and said that the SIMs can be subjected to misuse by miscreants.