New Delhi, Sep.2 (ANI): Right To Information (RTI) and civil society activist Arvind Kejriwal on Friday questioned the notice sent to him by the Income Tax Department for payment of Rs.9 lakhs in outstanding dues from his years in government service, saying that this was a clear case of political vendetta against people involved with the Jan Lokpal campaign.
Addressing a news conference here, Kejriwal, defending himself against the August 5, 2011 IT notice, said: "In my opinion, there is no role of the income tax department ,and they are doing it under political pressure."
Accepting that he had been in government service from 1995 to 2006, and that he had taken a sabbatical and also gone on study leave before resigning to devote himself full time to his NGO Parivartan, Kejriwal rejected the view that he had violated government service and bond rules, and that he owed money to his previous employers. He said that if at all he owed money, the government could take the same from his outstanding General Provident Fund dues.
"Government is interpreting the bond in a wrong manner. No employee can work without taking a single break. I have not violated the bond condition. The government should return the GPF amount. I would donate the entire amount in the movement against corruption," said Kejriwal.
He jocularly also said that: "As per government rules, I am due for voluntary retirement next year. In case, I take a voluntary retirement, then the government would have to pay me pension throughout my life. I don't want to take voluntary retirement, I don't want my pension."
He also refrained from commenting on a question related to the new members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice which is looking into the Lokpal issue.
Kejriwal also described "India Against Corruption" as a campaign and that Team Anna and others involved with it, "would ensure a special audit for the amount invested in the campaign of all the five months."
Eminent lawyer and civil society activist Prashant Bhushan said: "The notice, which has been issued against Arvind Kejriwal shows that the government has not yet taken any lesson. Government is still applying its dirty tricks. If they have a fight with the Jan Lokpal Bill, then they should fight with the issues brought under its ambit."
Former senior police officer and civil society activist Kiran Bedi confirmed that she had received a privilege notice from parliament, asking her to come before the lawmakers and explain her statements against them.
"I will not regret for what I have said. The truth has to be said," Bedi said. (ANI)
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