New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS): Delhi Police was not acting under political pressure but had detained civil society activist Anna Hazare to maintain law and order, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said Tuesday.

"Delhi Police detained Anna Hazare to maintain law and order and was not acting under political influence or pressure from the government. The police is working independently," Soni told reporters.

Hazare was detained Tuesday morning as he was about to set out for his fast in support of a strong Lokpal bill.

"We heard Hazare appeal to the people that it was a peaceful protest, no one should harm any property. But with a crowd of 10,000 protesting, can anyone guarantee that four people in the crowd of thousands will not disrupt the law and order situation," Soni said.

"As a Congress member I have also been in opposition and I have always taken part in protest marches... I have been arrested many times in the past so many years," Soni told reporters.

"Parliament has seen many demonstrations, and those who don't follow rules and regulations will be picked, then released following the condition laid down on them," she added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the arrest of Hazare, comparing the scenario to the "1975 Emergency like situation".

Commenting on the opposition party's response, Soni said: "This is like jumping into troubled waters by the BJP."