JOIN USTrouble escalates for Team Anna
Team Anna has found itself in yet another controversy as allegations have been levelled against its key member Kiran Bedi of charging her hosts full fare on her air tickets while availing discounts. However, Bedi has asserted that she has not done it for personal gain.
The allegations made against her that appeared in an English daily said she used the facility for gallantry award winners of availing 75 per cent discounts on air tickets, but she charged full fare from the host NGOs which she visited. She also charged fare of business class, though she travelled in economy class.
“No personal gain here. Sorry to disappoint detractors trying real hard to find a smoking gun,” she said. She added that the money “saved” went to NGO India Vision Foundation run by her. “I have nothing to hide. Whatever money came from the organisers of functions, it went to the institution,” Bedi said. “I get a lot of money through my lectures and royalty on books. I donate it to the NGOs,” she told reporters.
She admitted that she downgraded her travel from business to economy and organisers knew about it. “The person is aware that I am downgrading my travel. Organisers appreciate it. They say we appreciate your gesture that you have saved money for the foundation.” It has become hard for the team members to defend her. Arvind Kejriwal admitted that giving fake bills was wrong. However, he feels that only a probe by the police could tell whether bills were fake or not.
He said all her reimbursement went to NGO that was all he knew it. “This is a very serious allegation and Kiran Bedi should come clean,” said Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh.
“I have read the news but I think she (Kiran Bedi) herself will have something to say. I don’t want to condemn or hurt anybody. I cannot take a judgment on anybody as quickly as I feel as the judgment is pronounced on many of us by the movement (India Against Corruption) in which Kiran Bedi has a significant role,” said Union Law Minister Khurshid.