Hazare defends Ramdev

Ramdev's statement that there were "dacoits and murderers" in Parliament has drawn the ire of MPs.

Talking to reporters here, Hazare said that he had spoken to Ramdev about his remarks. Ramdev did not mean all the MPs when he made the statement but only a few, Hazare asserted.

Refuting reports of rift in his team, Hazare alleged that it was a media-creation.

Hazare addressed a rally here as a part of his state-wide campaign for stronger Lokayukta Act in Maharashtra.

The anti-corruption crusader also said that he would take up the cause of farmers at the national level in future.

Asked about Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's refusal to meet him, Hazare, who recently met prominent leaders of all the parties to push for stronger Lokayukta, said it was no great deal.

Hazare also criticized Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, who recently visited drought-hit areas of Maharashtra, saying that the visit did not provide any succour to the people.

He said that although Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had agreed on the need for a stronger Lokayukta, he would not be able to do anything unless the party "high command" allowed it.PTI COR KRK

VMN