New Delhi: Cracks were on Sunday wide open in erstwhile Team Anna, which is taking a political plunge soon, when Kiran Bedi skipped its protest here due to her differences with the group on targeting BJP on coal block allocation.
Though activists Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan insisted earlier in the day that she will come to Jantar Mantar and join the protest, Bedi did not make it to the protest.
"I had informed the team my personal perspective, that we ought to focus on the ruling party as bracketing opposition right now when they are already attacking the ruling party will in fact benefit only the party in power -- They obviously firmed up their mind! I have nothing whatsoever to do with any political formation. Nor am I being soft. I am just being realistic," Bedi said.
"Am equally aware that allegations are against many persons in opposition parties too. But it was about the focus as of now. Focus on the main culprit, the ruling party. End of the day if we paint all black but who will get us what the country needs now and in the near future? IAC cannot be an
alternative overnight, it will take time," she said.
The former IPS officer said that the "prime opposition party" (BJP) was needed to get the system in place. "In JLP (Jan Lokpal Bill), BJP was moving amendments for independent CBI at least, had the Bill been allowed to be passed in Rajya Sabha that night. Jaitely, Sushma Swaraj, Advani and Gadkari were receptive to our suggestions. Arvind and Bhushans had several meetings with them," she said.
Bedi said that BJP, at least, was not "dismissive" like the ruling party as they "agreed to support in some ways, not in all though.... Why must we forget this? I am being objective in this. I have no political affiliation, inclination or expectations."
She also thanked volunteers for "continuing to have faith in the movement".
Earlier, she had tweeted her support for the protest though she voiced her opposition to target BJP on the issue.
"I fully support Arvind's call for Jantar Mantar rally. While I feel we need to focus on party in power, I respect his and others view to cover all. This is time for 'a united front against corruption'. If we keep fragmented, the corrupt will continue to be in power to protect itself," Bedi had said.
Kejriwal said on Saturday that Bedi was "completely" with them and "there could be two view point on any issue. But he admitted that "her viewpoint is slightly different".
"We welcome her view point. But the question is—will replacing Congress with BJP change the situation?" he had said.
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