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If you want to beat us, you are welcome: Kejriwal
Asserting that violence can't be the solution to get rid of the rampant corruption prevailing in the country, veteran social activist Anna Hazare's key aide Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that he has been receiving messages about his office being attacked, and termed the whole episode to be a conspiracy against civil society activists.
"I have been receiving messages from Friday that my office will be attacked. I have been receiving these messages from yesterday evening that people would attack us. Are they the same people who had attacked day before yesterday? So, we all had a telephonic conversation and decided that we will not hit back," Kejriwal told media personnel.
"We will try to convince them that violence is not the solution. If they think assault or violence is a solution, then many of our volunteers are ready to get assaulted. People will sit outside our offices and tell them that if you want to beat us, you are welcome. We will try to talk and not indulge in any fighting. But violence is not the solution," he added.
'We do not know who is responsible'
Arvind Kejriwal further said the government will have to investigate the whole matter and find out who is responsible.
"We do not know who is responsible for it. But it is all a conspiracy. Earlier, they used to say that they have problem with regard to the Kashmir issue, but it was clarified yesterday. Now, who are these people? So, the government will have to find out, but is questionable whether the government will investigate this issue with sincerity," he added.
When asked about Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh's letter to Anna Hazare, Kejriwal said that Hazare would decide on the issue.
He further said the core committee has made its stand clear on the controversy surrounding senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan.
'These forces have pre-planned such attacks'
Kejriwal had on Friday said the assault Prashant Bhushan is a conscious effort by unidentified corrupt forces in the country, who are trying to divert attention from Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement.
"The attacks in the past two days, according to us, are not only in connection with Prashant's statement on Kashmir. I think corrupt people have got together and are conspiring against us," Kejriwal told media personnel.
"It is tough to point fingers at any one individual or organisation; however it is clear that these forces have pre-planned such attacks and are trying to divert attention," he added.
'It is tough to point fingers'
Kejriwal further clarified Hazare's statement on Bhushan's position in the core committee and said that he would remain an integral part of the movement, as he has contributed a lot.
Bhushan was beaten up by some youths, suspected to be from the Sriram Sena, in his chamber on Wednesday as they were upset with his stand on Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhushan reportedly supported a plebiscite for Kashmir and said that if the result comes in favour of separation, it should be honoured.
The senior Supreme Court lawyer, however, later made it clear that these were his views and did not reflect the views of Team Anna.