Team Anna members met here on Sunday for the first time after they ended their indefinite fast and discussed strategy for evolving a political alternative in line with their plans to take a plunge in electoral politics.
Anna Hazare and his close aides deliberated on a variety of issues, including the name of the organisation, and other formalities like the Constitution of the party, sources said.
Besides Mr. Hazare, those who attended the meeting included Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Shanti Bhushan, Kumar Vishwas and Sanjay Singh.
Psephologist Yogendra Yadav, who was a regular face at the Jantar Mantar during the protest arguing that the movement should take a political turn, was the new participant in the discussions. There was no official word on the meeting.
The meeting came two days after Mr. Hazare and his aides called off their indefinite fast and pitched for entering electoral politics by forming a political alternative.
“This was an informal meeting. We came here to thank Anna and enquire about his health,” Ms. Bedi told reporters.
Mr. Kejriwal said the discussions are on and once a decision is taken, it will be conveyed to media and public.
Asked whether there was any discussion about the name for the political party, he said they have received a number of suggestions. “I have received almost 500 text messages regarding the name.”
When queried whether ‘Swaraj Party’ is one of their choices, he said numerous people have suggested it. “There is nothing concrete in today’s meeting. Discussions are still on,” he said.
On participation in yoga guru Ramdev’s indefinite protest from this Thursday, he said they have not received any invite and “when it comes, we will see.”
Forming a separate political party may not be good, in my view.
There are many national and regional parties already with some members
having corrupt background. In the elections no party will have
majority to form the Govt on its own. Therefore the Team Anna's
party, if it is formed and contests elections and wins some seats, it
also has to support some party for forming Govt. The same present
condition may prevail then too. Therefore, it is better to be
nonpolitical, supporting the candidates without any blemish and
interested in eliminating corruption in public life. It may also
choose the active members of the Team to fight the elections as
Independents and support them to get them elected. That may answer
the problem to some extend.
It's extremely important to clean political system in India specially the campaign financing.
Intentions of Anna ji team are very noble. I am not sure if they all have maturity, tact and
experience to deliver what they are promising. I highly commend them to have brought
corruption issue in forefront. One thing is very clear if Anna Ji's team enter politics, they will
definitely raise the bar to better and more transparent/ honest candidates.
Jai Hind
Entire nation is awaiting the FORMATION of such a party by TEAM ANNA.
The integrity & ethics of the TEAM ANNA is beyond question.
ANNA has successfully converted an ARID, POOR village into a evergreen town with a capacity to export fruits, vegetables & milk
With the guidance of ANNA the entire nation will become a MEGA RALEGON SIDDHI.
Arving Kejriwal is a bright IIT Candidate with public spirit & patriotism.
All the team members - Sisodia, Rai, Bhusans,Bedi etc are known for their impeccable character & patriotism.
LONG LIVE SWARAAJ PARTY.
Anna and his team have let themselves down by backing off the indefinite fast without any consent or assurance from the government. Their decision to enter politics is a hasty decision. They should have waited for winter session of the parliament. Hope this new political agenda doesn't turn out to be disaster. All the best Anna, we are ready to support you and your team for change in administration and fight against corruption
There are a lot of young people ready to work for this party and bring about a change we all have only been talking off.
If their model is wholesome in participation for all ready to contribute, am sure this will be the Indian Spring and will end all the politics till now, the Dynasties, the demolisher's and the pseudo peoples party
Interestingly, there will be a lot of resistance from India and the external world for sure to not to allow this to happen.
Keep an open entrance exam for eligibility, this should see some real calibre coming in & dont follow the old ways.
Let the vision of our forefathers who fought for this country's freedom come to you help in deciding the future of India.
What has been suggested Anna and Team is only an idea like a seed but people are reacting like crabs in a basket and trying to abort the baby even before it is conceived. Let the idea take shape, the issue before the people is clear, it is corruption and lack of governance. People have to make a choice either pro or anti corruption. The future depends on the choice the present generation makes. There is no point in blaming the politician after electing him, people have to make a choice before voting and ask the politician and his party whether they are pro or anti corruption. Both hell and heaven are before the people, they have to make a choice.
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