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Team Anna announces political party, Anna Hazare says he won't contest
Clean Media Correspondent
New Delhi, August 03 (CMC) Team Anna officially announced their entry into politics as they ended their 10-day fast at Jantar Mantar on Friday. Making the announcement at Jantar Mantar, Arvind Kejriwal said that the team would not take the move to Parliament.
Kejriwal also assured the people that efforts would be made to keep the functioning of the political party transparent, adding that people would be given a chance to select their own candidates. He further asked the people to suggest a name for the party.
"We will make all our donations and spending public and challenge other parties to do the same. Our candidates will be decided by people, we will challenge others to do the same," said Kejriwal.
The Team Anna member said that the party would not have any high command.
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, however, made it clear that he would not contest any election, but said that he would back his team’s party.
“I will not form a party. I will not contest in any elections. But I am ready to provide an alternative to the people of this country because people like VK Singh and other eminent people have given us encouragement,” said Anna.
Anna also said that he would travel across the country to make the people aware.
Justifying the decision of Team Anna to join politics, the veteran social activist said that they were challenged by the government itself to come into Parliament.
The announcement came after the government ignored Team Anna's demand for a probe against 15 Union ministers.
Another highlight of the day at Jantar Mantar was retired Army Chief General VK Singh, who extended his full support to the political movement by Team Anna.
The former army chief, at whose hand Anna Hazare broke his fast, addressed the gathering earlier saying there was no governance in the country.
Singh said, “There are many problems in the country, one of that is black money... the governance is finished and we are directionless."
He further said that Team Anna must be prepared to face "opposition from those who do not believe in democracy."
While the political parties have mocked Team Anna since Thursday over their decision to join politics, former aide Swami Agnivesh slammed them for deciding to break the fast and go political.
He said, "Anna has broken the sanctity of 'anshan' (fast). Anshan is always the last option. This is a black day."
"Calling off the anshan and looking at an alternative political option has hurt the dignity of the fast that was introduced by Mahatama Gandhi. They should apologise to the country to have used the sentiments of the country," Agnivesh said.
Team Anna has, however, remained firm on its decision to go political saying they were left with no other option as the government did not intend to listen to them.
"The same people who challenged us to a political fight are now saying we have political ambitions. We had no choice but to provide a political alternative," said Team Anna member and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan.
Another key member, Manish Sisodia said, "We realised that the government was not listening to us. Look what has happened to Irom Sharmila, she was force fed for years. The government has many ways of ignoring people's opinions. The voice of the people does not matter to the government."
Team Anna announces political party, Anna Hazare says he won't contest
New Delhi, August 03 (CMC) Team Anna officially announced their entry into politics as they ended their 10-day fast at Jantar Mantar on Friday. Making the announcement at Jantar Mantar, Arvind Kejriwal said that the team would not take the move to Parliament.
Kejriwal also assured the people that efforts would be made to keep the functioning of the political party transparent, adding that people would be given a chance to select their own candidates. He further asked the people to suggest a name for the party.
"We will make all our donations and spending public and challenge other parties to do the same. Our candidates will be decided by people, we will challenge others to do the same," said Kejriwal.
The Team Anna member said that the party would not have any high command.
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, however, made it clear that he would not contest any election, but said that he would back his team’s party.
“I will not form a party. I will not contest in any elections. But I am ready to provide an alternative to the people of this country because people like VK Singh and other eminent people have given us encouragement,” said Anna.
Anna also said that he would travel across the country to make the people aware.
Justifying the decision of Team Anna to join politics, the veteran social activist said that they were challenged by the government itself to come into Parliament.
The announcement came after the government ignored Team Anna's demand for a probe against 15 Union ministers.
Another highlight of the day at Jantar Mantar was retired Army Chief General VK Singh, who extended his full support to the political movement by Team Anna.
The former army chief, at whose hand Anna Hazare broke his fast, addressed the gathering earlier saying there was no governance in the country.
Singh said, “There are many problems in the country, one of that is black money... the governance is finished and we are directionless."
He further said that Team Anna must be prepared to face "opposition from those who do not believe in democracy."
While the political parties have mocked Team Anna since Thursday over their decision to join politics, former aide Swami Agnivesh slammed them for deciding to break the fast and go political.
He said, "Anna has broken the sanctity of 'anshan' (fast). Anshan is always the last option. This is a black day."
"Calling off the anshan and looking at an alternative political option has hurt the dignity of the fast that was introduced by Mahatama Gandhi. They should apologise to the country to have used the sentiments of the country," Agnivesh said.
Team Anna has, however, remained firm on its decision to go political saying they were left with no other option as the government did not intend to listen to them.
"The same people who challenged us to a political fight are now saying we have political ambitions. We had no choice but to provide a political alternative," said Team Anna member and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan.
Another key member, Manish Sisodia said, "We realised that the government was not listening to us. Look what has happened to Irom Sharmila, she was force fed for years. The government has many ways of ignoring people's opinions. The voice of the people does not matter to the government."
Its a very dicey decision, lets hope for the best!
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