Kumar Vishwas defends Anna over RSS links

New Delhi, Dec 25 (ANI): Kumar Vishwas, a close aide of Anna Hazare, today said that is a matter of pride if the veteran social activist was photographed with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Nanaji Deshmukh, as both share similar interests for working in the benefit of the country.

Shielding Hazare, Vishwas emphasized that the entire matter is being blown out of proportion.

"I think there is nothing wrong with Anna Hazare being photographed with Nanaji Deshmukh. I think it is a matter of pride because he is considered to be a social activist and is recognized by masses. He has a clear conscience and has contributed a lot for the development of India," said Vishwas.

"Annaji has also been a proactive social worker and there is nothing wrong or sensational about him being photographed with him. I think this matter is being blown out of proportion," he added.

Vishwas further informed that millions of people are continuing registering for Hazare's 'Jail Bharo' as a symbol of protest against the Central Government's version of the Lokpal Bill.

"We are garnering a lot of support from Indians across the country. We are also preparing well for Annaji's fast. A lot of people are registering on our website for the 'Jail Bharo'. It is evident by their will that people of this country are adamant to get a strong Ombudsman Bill. If the bill is not enacted within three days, people will fill up prisons in the country," he said.

A Hindi daily published a photograph of Hazare with Deshmukh and claimed that the anti-corruption crusader had worked under the latter's leadership in 1983.

Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said had earlier in the day said Hazare should clear the air over his alleged links with the Hindu radical outfit Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Team Anna and the government have locked horns over the Lokpal Bill issue, with the former stating that the bill's latest version is 'weak', while the latter says that it has gone out of its way to incorporate the views of all sections of society.

Anna Hazare, who is spearheading the movement for a strong Lokpal, will begin his three-day fast in Mumbai from December 27 to pressurise the government to accept their demands including bringing the CBI under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman. (ANI)