Responding to the doubts raised by Sena chief Bal Thackeray during his party's recent convention in Nashik on the expenditure involved in meeting Sonia Gandhi, Hazare stated that he was prepared for an open discussion with Maharashtra's ``remote control ruler'' over the doubts the latter has about his (Hazare's) assets and wealth.

He had a stopover in New Delhi on his way to Rajasthan and had fixed a meeting with the Congress party president. His to and fro air travel was sponsored by Uttari Rajasthan Milk Associate Limited who had invited him to be the chief guest for their annual convention, he clarified when Thackeray questioned as to where he got the money for his air fare.

Hazare's meeting with Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi and her announcement to visit Hazare's native RaleganSiddhi raised many an eyebrow. While the Sena chief and even the Janata Dal leaders questioned the propriety of Hazare's meeting, it was also alleged that Hazare was being used as a pawn by anti-Sharad Pawar groups within the Maharashtra Congress.

Describing Thackeray's lookout as ``jaundiced'', Hazare asked what was so improper about sharing experiences with ``a few responsible politicians''.

Hazare has welcomed Thackeray's suggestion for an open discussion on ``from where Hazare brings in all that money''. The social worker has set a precondition, though. He wants the discussion to be an open affair like any television talk show instead of a close-door meeting between him and Thackeray.