Daijiworld Media Network
New Delhi, Oct 20: The controversies surrounding Team Anna are accelerating day by day, with the latest blow being on Team Anna's key member Kiran Bedi, who is accused of inflated travel bills.
In a span of just one week, Prashant Bushan was roughed up in New Delhi for his controversial remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, Arvind Kejriwali was served with a slipper attack at a rally in UP, and now it's Kiran Bedi's turn to be at the receiving end. Though not attacked physically, it's a clear attempt to silent 'India Against Corruption' movement led by Anna Hazare and his associates.
On Thursday morning, The Indian Express, which has the credit of exposing several scams in the recent times, published a report that Kiran Bedi claims business class fares from organisers who invite her to deliver talks or attend events, but travels economy class.
Soon after reading the report, Congress was the first to react on the issue and blasted Kiran Bedi for her double standards - fighting against corruption while indulging in corruption herself.
Digvijay Singh, senior Congress spokesperson told the media that this was a serious issue and that detailed enquiry must be conducted.
Reacting on the report, Kiran Bedi clarified, "Business class travel is part of the invitation or entitlement from the event organisers or corporates I'm asked to speak at. Travelling economy is a choice despite entitlement, to ensure that savings remain with the NGO.
"(There is) no personal gain here. Sorry to disappoint detractors trying real hard to find a smoking gun. However, I accept this kind of coverage as a part of the challenge being in public life poses," she said.
She further clarifies that the money saved from the business class is deposited in the accounts of the NGO. The same money is used for supporting other NGOs that invite her for delivering talks or participate in events, but cannot afford to bear travel expenses.
It may be recalled that after the Lokpal movement started gaining momentum a few months ago, Shanti Bushan, Arvind Kejriwal, even Anna Hazare and now Kiran Bedi have been targeted on corruption issues.