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Delhi: An Income Tax notice slapped on Arvind
Kejriwal for Rs.9 lakh dues saw Team Anna Friday launch a frontal
attack on the government, accusing it of indulging in "dirty
tricks" and not having "learnt any lesson" - within days of the
Aug 28 peace overture. Kejriwal, who was slapped the Rs.9 lakh
dues notice from his years in government service till 2006, Friday
said he had not violated any rules and the official claims were
baseless.
"Instead of indulging in dirty tricks, the government should argue
on the basis of the Jan Lokpal bill drafted by the civil society,"
said Prashant Bhushan, another Team Anna member and senior lawyer.
"First, they started a smear campaign when the joint drafting
committee on Lokpal bill was constituted. Then came Manish
Tewari's baseless allegation," added Bhushan.
Kejriwal denied violating any rule. "I have not violated any rule.
In 2006, when I had resigned from the service, I had written to
the government to deduct my dues from my general provident fund (GPF),"
he told reporters.
Addressing newsmen, Kejriwal said he had gone for a sabbatical for
three years from November 1, 2000. He signed a bond that he would
refund the salary if he resigns or retires or fails to resume duty
within three years of his study leave.
However, the government did not deduct the dues or settle the GPF
payment, and instead served him a notice after four years and just
ahead of Anna Hazare's fast for a stronger Lokpal bill, he said.
"The government, which did not send any letter for the past four
years, sends the notice on Aug 5 ahead of Anna's fast. I don't
think that the Income Tax department has sent it, but it has been
sent by their political bosses," said Kejriwal.
"Government is interpreting the bond in a wrong manner. No
employee can work without taking a single break. I have not
violated the bond condition. The government should return
(release) the GPF amount. I would donate the entire amount in the
movement against corruption," he said.
Kejriwal alleged that his uncle and other relatives in Siwani in
Haryana were probed and harassed by officials of the Intelligence
Bureau and other agencies. Officials were asking people to give
information about any irregularities by him or relatives, he
alleged.
Prashant Bhushan said the manner of sending the notice shows that
the government has "not learnt any lessons".
Meanwhile, Kiran Bedi, another member of Team Anna against whom a
privilege notice was moved in parliament for mocking MPs, said: "I
am sorry I will not say sorry to you. I will show a bigger mirror
to them on what is happening in our parliaments."
Anna Hazare ended his 12-day fast on Sunday, a day after the two
houses of parliament at a special sitting agreed on the three key
points of the Jan Lokpal Bill.
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