Naming and shaming is necessary: Arvind Kejriwal

CNN-IBN | 04-Jun 11:04 AM

New Delhi: Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal on Monday downplayed the controversy over his sudden exit from the fast venue at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, claiming that he had no problems with yoga guru Ramdev. This comes after speculation that he was upset with Ramdev for openly criticising him for naming parliamentarians. Defending himself, Kejriwal said that it was necessary to name people in a political fight but it was okay if saint like Ramdev didn't agree to it.

"I respect Ramdev ji. There may be difference of opinion on a particular strategy. Its a political fight and we have to name the people. Naming and shaming is necessary. Ramdev is a sanyasi and he thinks that naming is not necessary. Ramdev ji is also right and I am also right. I have not been told to name anyone. A piece of paper was pass on to me at that time," Kejriwal said.

Virtually snubbing Arvind Kejriwal, Ramdev disapproved of his comments against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other politicians during his fast along with Anna Hazare saying he was against personal criticism.

Soon after Kejriwal, who was on fast along with Anna Hazare and the yoga guru, finished his speech, Ramdev took the microphone and said, "Today, we thought that we will not take anybody's name. But Arvind took the names."

"We don't want any controversies. Arvind does not have any enmity with anyone. The names have been taken in some context. We are against personal criticism", he said.

Ramdev claimed that the understanding was that they will not take names to ensure that the focus on the issue is not diverted.

(With additional inputs from PTI)

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