In spite of the anti-corruption movement starting out as apolitical, the circumstances in the country are forcing Anna Hazare and his associates to turn towards electoral politics, Team Anna member Kiran Bedi, said on Friday. She was addressing reporters at the ‘India Against Corruption’ protest site in Pune.
Responding to a question from The Hindu, Ms. Bedi said, “By choosing the right candidates and fielding them in the elections, Anna Hazare will clean up politics for you. It is the circumstances which are forcing the movement to take this direction.” She stated that the country needs honest politicians as an alternative.
“By saying Anna will enter politics, why are you giving it [the movement] a bad name?” she asked.
Asked if she would contest elections as suggested by Mr. Hazare in an interview to a TV channel, Ms. Bedi parried a direct answer. “I want to be a part of the national movement. It will continue as an awakening. These [the decision to join active politics] are very important choices to make. I would like to travel the country with Anna. I don’t want to reduce myself to one vote in Parliament,” Ms. Bedi said.
As for the low turnout at the Jantar Mantar, where Mr. Hazare and Team Anna members have been protesting since July 25, Ms. Bedi turned the heat on the media. “Isn’t this your movement? Don’t you want a corruption-free country?” she asked. “We have been told by journalists themselves that the media has been ordered to downplay the agitation, by the government. The government is scared that the movement is questioning their survival. You do your job, we will do ours.”
“The media doesn’t see that Anna is in every Indian’s heart. The nation has demanded change,” she said. “The movement is progressing as we had expected it to…Whoever isn’t here [at Jantar Mantar], their heart is with the movement,” she said.
It seems supporters of Mr Hazare are writing scripts and letter
sitting in AC, praising the efforts of him. Why 'PEOPLE' are not
turning out is not because of media or not because of Ramadan.
Majority dislike and disagree the way 'AKA' (Anna, Kiran & Aravind)
team challenging the elected members of parliament and pretending as
the watchdogs of democracy. If 'PEOPLE' are with them, find out
suitable candidates who have a profile in 'Face Book' and let them
contest under 'AKA' party for the cause of nation. 'PEOPLE' who are in
majority will vote and elect them and can make any rules passed in
parliament. What I see now is the act of a blithering idiot who
threatens the government and people who casted their votes.
I did not see AKA group in Assam consoling the molested Guwahati girl.
I did not see their presence with 'PEOPLE' at the riot hit areas of
Assam. What is their opinion about ban of cow slaughter? What is their
opinion about the propaganda to make Hindi the sole national language.
Ya.. Even though we aren't there at Jantar Mantar, our heart is with the movement.
Who will clean Kiran Bedi? Anna movement is loosing the crowd not because of media , its media who made hero of Anna then why blame media. The problem is within Team anna.
It is again because of our politicians that people are not turning up.
They have shown time and again that they can resort to violence (think
back on the crackdown on Ramdev) any time they like. Even as this
fast started, a group of NSUI members tried to disrupt the
proceedings.
It is quite clear from these actions that the politicians are scared
of the movement. Now that Anna and Ramdev are openly talking about
fielding and supporting candidates, they are also very angry. However,
politics is not any group's private privilege and anyone should be
free to enter it if he or she chooses to. There is no reason why
Kejriwal or Bedi or Ramdev or Anna or the thousands of their active
members should not contest every election from now on and fill up
every political position till the clean up is complete.
Kiran Bedi is absolutely right that wherever the people may be, their
hearts are with Anna. The fact is, it is no longer just his movement
but every clean Indian's movement.
sir, what kiran bedi said is a fact .all are with Anna-hazare.everybody wants change
and corrupt free and efficient government. people are fed up with the present system
of beauracracy and their functioning.public has become helpless and mute
personnel.taking out processions or dharnas have also become useless. hence all
are waiting for an honest and constructive,active government.for their daily needs
and survival common man cannot take part in Anna movement but their hearts are
with him only and surely support him.
Good, go ahead, we are with you. country need a change, a revolution to clean corrupt.
I liked the last sentence of Ms. Kiran Bedi, "Whoever isn’t here [at
Jantar Mantar], their heart is with the movement,". Its very very true!!
Its just that people know how shameless these politicians are and they
will not do anything on lokpal bill so they are just waiting for the
right time. they will teach lesson to all these corrupt goons in 2014
elections!!!! Jai Anna!
I don't think it is going to cut ice anymore. One cannot fool the whole country for ever.
heart is with the movement.is true.Why media turning away from team
anna.writing opposite to team anna. It is true that this media help
raise and raise of team anna last year.Why most of media going away from
team anna writing confuse heading.Media fear govt bill of cotrol media.
Team Anna...you are right in every aspect !!!! We are with you..It doesnt matter if I couldnt be there at the venue as I am abroad, but my heart is with the movement, with the team..Jai Hind !
Team Anna should concentrate on passing Lok Pal bill, all detailed
allegation of corruption against ministers should be filed in court
with the evidence gathered. That should be run parallel with the
andolan. Harping on that, even if relevant is making andolan too
complex for an average Indian to follow. Brief mention or status
update on the case filed may be done
1 agenda, bring lok pal bill. period
I am a great supporter for movement against corruption. All the very
best!
At last Anna Ji have signaled to enter in politics,I welcome him, now
people have choices rather than B.J.P or Congress who had done nothing
but looted the whole country and ruined the education system. Now we can
hope for a bunch of good leaders
"Long Live ANNA"
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