Team Anna points to challenges on political road

Being an Indian its our moral responsiblity to let the India free from waste, garbaged and corrupt leader and officials. I strongly recommend team Anna to join politics with the best character member in party so that we could take the India at the zenith right from today. We all need to strongly stand behind team Anna and I myself especially stand behind them to awaken each and evry one of this country from their dirt sleep and pass of present corrupt environment. The time has now come to put up our zeal and efforts to to pure ourself,our family,our society and our country. I have only one stenga "No more corruption". So support team Anna for his further step in reformation of our country.

fasting and ending life is not a solution and i welcome the step taken
by team anna for stopping the fast. we need your life ANNA because I
could see a true leader for a nation without any power but with full
public power. Even entering politics is welcome because atleast I want
a system totally opposite and parallel to so called "POLITICS" which
has been now defined as "Politics can not be done without money and
muscle power". I am sure if TEAM ANNA choose 542 Candidates from their
side every one will be selected with majority and new era will begun
in India.

Fianlly team Anna has taken the decision to enter in the politics becuase this is the only way left to introduce strong lokpal.
I request you to all to please render full support to this idea.

I wish to say that this government is stubbern and do not bother about the people. The only thing they are doing best is to keep the inflation high. Congress is only trying to fill up their bank balance till 2014 and for that they are putting pressure from all over on the people by taxes. Congress is crushing the people and voice raising against them.
I dont think Anna have taken a good decision of going into the politics but now the decision has been made i will definitely support them and vote for them as they are doing all this for us not for themselves. So I urge people to support them.

Surprised at the comments of some readers, who think that once
Congress is voted out of power, all will be fine in India. How many
times have we seen non-Congress govts in power, and seen what they did
- on each and every issue on which people now criticize the UPA govt.
Let team Anna come with their ideology and views on all issues - from
regional issues like Telengana, to job reservations, Kashmir issue,
North-Eastern zone's problems, economic strategy, role of private
sector etc. I have observed the politics in INdia for several years.
Congress ideology was good - but competitive politics from regional
outfits, communal outfits, plus lack of some towering leader at the
head has weakened it. About Lokpal, what Justice Katju says is to be
seriously taken. When there has to be around 1 lakh lokpal officials,
what prevents them from not taking bribe?

As far as i am concerned i strongly believe that the present youth of India are not at all interested in active politics by just saying that politics is the worst field to enter, thereby giving a chance to the looters to try their luck. Many of the educated youth does not know to whom they are voting i.e either to an MP or to an MLA and what those positions mean to them and what they represent and what they can do to them. The present day youth are interested to discuss about cricket rather than politics.
On the other hand i think that the people who are very much interested in Anna movement should give an entry into active politics rather than just supporting Team Anna and this will be the real support to our beloved leader Mr. Anna Hazare
And finally today's youth should consider politics as a profession like Medicine, Engineering etc

Shri. Anna & Team: Aim to become a powerful opposition party in the Lok
Sabha by just contesting 270 seats in the coming elections. Independents
under one banner as United Independents can be formed. People may not
vote Anna & team to power now but certainly would vote them to be
opposition.

anna doing good job for nation as well as people.where as whose are entertain your efforts those persons shall be kept away from your active participation please.

There is no other choice left for anyone what we say as 'ordinary man'
to raise their voice against the issues which are eating our country's
name, wealth, respect other than entering into the so called Dirty
Game(Which is dirty because of current parties thinking as they are
the rulers now not the servant for the people).
As we all say that the government can't do anything and they are
corrupted, but we have only chosen the govt, so to clean up the things
we have to join our hands and be ready for the movement and vote for
the party which we can at least think can help us.
So I am very well with them.

Dear Hindu,
Firstly, I am really happy to see at least one of the media houses
publishing the news unbiased and without mixing their own sentiments
with the news. You are really setting an example.I hope you keep on
doing this in these times.
Secondly, I want to welcome the move from Anna and team to come in the
politics. They are ready to lead us from the front but now its time
for our part to contribute by casting our votes.We already knew that
all the present political parties are united to not pass any bill that
will try to check their power, investigate cases and judge them (a
bill like lok pal). Since my childhood days, I don't remember any
politicians getting the punishment in any cases. If they are really
out of favors then they spent 2-3 months in jail at max.
so the only way to pass lok paal bill was to pass it yourselves rather
than pleading to these dumb ears to pass it. I support Team Anna and
the time has come to stand with them.

I appreciate the decision taken by team Anna to elect the coming 2014 polls.Please select good,honest candidates who really want to change India / Indian politics.
Currently all the political parties are well versed & they know how to win the elections by using muscle & money power.Even in a day/night they are making favourable situations by giving false commitment, distributing money to the public.
If we see in all the past elections, there were average voting of about 55 to 65%.The remaining 15 to 25% peoples are not showing the interest in voting. The class is qualified, educated & employee class. I feel, if the young generation & those educated, qualified class have wake up, the India will find better future & will save our future generations.

Thanks.

I don't believe in any politician and i blame them always. But one thing
is clear that one person can't remain perfect in his whole life unless
the surrounding is very good or there is any rule which bounds to make
him perfect. So though Lokpal bill was not sufficient for politicians
still its better than none. But sadly its not getting passed.

Team Anna has taken correct decision.I am agree with this decision...Hats off to the Team Anna....

ya i know that getting into politics is not a good option but every thing starts from their ,every step is difficult and challenging but to force them to do something is better than to be in their position or high comment so that we can mold anything as we want or we can make our country which exists in the dreams of our national political heroes.

I am proud to be a part of IAC. Hindu please keep this movement alive. Team anna's decision on entering into politics is right " Enter into there domain and erode the corruption"

We would be extremely greedy if we had expected Congress to engage
with Anna. A party which is corrupt from top to bottom and ruling the
nation would never come forward to discuss corruption. It is
unfortunate that the biased and corrupt Indian electronic media played
against Anna and his team from the beginning. Every half-baked
intellectuals in the name of panel discussions in channels
systematically campaigned against the anti- corruption move. MK
Gandhi and his men never participated in politics to get freedom for
us. To bring a law against corruption, no one needs to be in
politics. The vested interests have finally succeeded in forcing Anna
to take a political route. What is understood from this move is that
we do not respect Gandhian values. Honesty has place in politics. A
good movement is poisoned and killed. Alas, God save India!

It seems to be struggle between two classes ie common people and people in power. The ruling government is absolutely indifferent in blatant disregard to peoples' hardship. Unfortunately the media is also supporting government by broadcasting the unwanted discussion from self proclaimed experts. Team Anna is facing a thick skinned and shameless Government hence should not expect any sensibility from Sonia Inc. The political alternative seems to be the only option but it needs to have a very strong leadership. The rural India participation and support is a must, if it is to be an Andolan(IAC) and it is only thing Team Anna seems to lacking at this point of time.

If the aspersions of people are not reflected by the current political
lot, why can't we support ANNA. To provide a political alternative is no
SIN. We respect HINDU newspaper for unbiased coverage.

I urge to every indian to support team anna.. i am an ordinary boy and
want to see india shining..to change the system, we need to move into
the system.. Team Anna has taken a good step and I am with them at every
stem...

Now Anna has decided their plan it is the duty of the public to encourage the movement against the corruption.as they said where is the guarantee that once they occupy the power,honesty in them? we have to select honest ones who can sacrifice everything for the nation as in olden days(my father who gave up everything in the non-cooperation movement) for instance in the yesteryears.so many sacrificed their life and wealth for independence like prakasam pantulu.
congress now busy with looting the public until 2014 as much as possible with new taxes, projects, raising their salaries,perks etc as they fully know their chances are grim in the next election. beware citizen.thanking you sir

Mr Anna. I am one of those tired souls arguing with our fellow citizens that you vote a corrupt party, you are the culprit. But they always revert with "Choose the best criminal philosophy".

I am one of those Indians who never voted any criminal. Atleast my conscience is clear. I will vote for your party this time that too once and hope. Whether we win or not, this will be a mighty seed in the minds of youngsters.

The people get a ruler they deserve. by the people, for the people and of the people will also befit the people

[GGRajan: "I would like to see what directions the movement takes if there is no Media coverage."] Of course the movement would immediately wither and die, like a thousand just causes that no one ever hears about because it does not suit the press to publish them. Popular movements are all about communication, spreading the word as far as possible and bringing in as many voices as possible. They use whatever media are available to them, like the movements that liberated this country. Are you implying that this somehow compromises them? Without them, they are literally nothing.

media plays the key role in bringing awareness among people about any thing, if this media helps us in bringing awareness about LOKPAL and its advantages to people. every one educated, un-educated will definately start thinking.

if team anna forms a new party then do you think they will get that margin of votes/seats, answer is NO. it is possible that anna and some of the members in team will win what about rest? they will not win, if anna's party does not get the maximum seats will not form the govt. then end to all dreams for next 5 years. we all know that most of the voters are not aware of what is local MP or MLA is doing they only know that his because of his leader we are getting roads, street lights, water ... etc this are basic things which every one thinks and if few months before the elections if all the basic things are fine then Maximum votes will go to him. and very important cash, liquar distribution during the election campain will impact more .....

I think anna& team should go ahead on political path but they itself not involve in it.
Because this message should not go in public that they have done the things for
power and politics. No doubt anna ji & his team is the real hero. I salute all of them.

It is difficult to fight election without money.However Team Anna should decide on a small number of persons say around 200 who can fight election with the backing of Team Anna without spending much money.They should be the selected ones who will definitely win and at the same time are willing to receive the brickbats from Congress spokespersons.Congress will stoop to any level to degrade them.We should not loose hope

This is an unfortunate turn of events in that this movement has given
up not only on the ruling coalition but also the entire opposition.
It would take a transformational leadership and epic efforts to
change the Indian political establishment with all its layers of
complexity, diversity and widespread corruption. But it's a task very
much in order and must be undertaken even if it eventually fails
despite earnest efforts. In that case the next generation would take
it up from there. My best wishes to Anna Hazare and his team and
today is a day to celebrate.

yes, it should must be made.
most welcome .................

I somehow feel The Hindu is the only media which is covering Team Anna and the movement news unbiasedly. Thank you so much.
Respect Team Anna and the movement!!

i dont understand why ppl are upset as this movement is getting political.....politics in not Delhi and corruption,its collectively us...thanks team Anna for giving us an alternative

in my opinion should be 3 pronged approach.
1) continue with intermittent protest like now
2) go to each state or create the system to create awareness of
corrupt system and or people , organisation
3)At the same time go for election . ( this is difficult for all the
concerns raised by Anna. but an option

4) revolution - get to streets non violence just sit on the footpath
right from parliament to each and every city , call for international
media and embaress the bull skinned politicians

5) else go for complete non -cooperation .. get down all the system
off the hook

Now we are talking. It is definitely a step in the right direction.
Money and power corrupts most. Hope Team Anna sticks to the spirit.
Our votes are for you Team Anna! We will make our voice heard!

Thanks to Hindu for covering the most crucial fight for our Nation.

For me its a wrong step by Team Anna.. Its like leaving the battle in
the middle. Bhagat Singh underwent fast for 116 days for equal rights of
Indian prisoners. Even its not about fast its about with what
determination you took the steps in your life, and its not a good e.g
set by the Team as many youngsters look them!!

I agree.That's the only way to get it done.Mobilize the youths of India.Wake up India,this is last chance.

In order to save the nation, Anna and his party must contest all metro
locations and all incumbent UPA lok sabha members. Must win to form a
Govt in the centre and the first duty is to pass a law that will give
the strictest of the strictest punishments to corrupt politicians and
capital punishments for corrupt judges.

I think now team Anna made a good decision. If you want to make changes in a system, the best thing is to enter in that system.

Mr. Kejriwal and associates ask their supporters to tweet and update
their facebook walls, and it gets done in a matter of seconds. I
wonder how many of their online activists would actually turn up at
the polling booths.

And what will the elected members of IAC do if they come to power?
Spend all their time running after the millions of government
officials and even more millions of members of the public who indulge
in bribery? What about the economy? Social policy? Foreign policy? Is
Anna going to impose his ideals on everyone else like he did in his
own village? Rang De Basanti and Naayak are just what they are -
fantasy movies. Fight corruption and ineptitude, but in a saner,
practical way.

The Historical Challenge before ‘Team Anna and the Honest Countrymen:
The Present Indian Democracy Is Directionless and Needs a New
Direction and System


That presently in India, “no political force in sight that is
democratic that to be accountable, ethical and non-violent and capable
of leading an electoral revolution to democratise and decentralise
power and make the power structures of the country more accountable to
people,"

If they are serious about the cause, Team Anna should generate a mass
awakening on the issue, asking people to stop paying bribes, and name
and shame those who demand them. Fasting is not a short cut.

Perhaps politics is the only option. The one thing that unites political parties is corruption. I hope that whoever enters politics do not lose direction.

in my opinion should be 3 pronged approach.
1) continue with intermittent protest like now
2) go to each state or create the system to create awareness of
corrupt system and or people , organisation
3)At the same time go for election . ( this is difficult for all the
concerns raised by Anna. but an option

4) revolution - get to streets non violence just sit on the footpath
right from parliament to each and every city , call for international
media and embaress the bull skinned politicians

5) else go for complete non -cooperation .. get down all the system
off the hook

Anna and his team need to sit and think about the way to proceed. Getting into politics and running for election is not the way to get at corruption. Lokpal is not the only alternative, they need to have a long term strategy to solve this problem. Anna, himself has raised a number of what ifs to going political, its just going to further harm the reputation of all these folks. Give it some thought before embarking on the best way forward.

I completely agree with Jay's comment above. Seems only a few people are
actually working towards a corruption free nation. Everybody else -- all
politicians, media, corporates and us are now lobbying for the dirty
political system. This team consists of such bright and intelligent
personals; why become a martyr for a nation which doesn't even
recognize your sacrifice? We are definitely not worth it and they are
fighting with their lives for us. Team - go home, we are just not worth
it.

I welcome the move of Team Anna. I sincerely believe that they will get huge mass support as a clean, untested alternative.

I am very sure that they can make things happen even if they just get about 25 MPs.

Best Wishes

To those who say that the movement is turning political - well, the
movement must be political. When the polity is involved, every
movement automatically has to involve politics and politicians and
their policies. The issue is that popular media has been feeding
biased opinions in the minds of people and trying to fester doubts
among those not directly involved in the movement.
There should be no doubt about the likes of Arvind Kejriwal, Anna ji
and all those nameless people in this movement. The Hindu has been one
of the few newspapers which still remain unbiased and as such should
strive to portray the movement in the right spirit.

It is saddening to see how Media can change the course of any action.
Team Anna has been let down by Media without the shadow of a
doubt.There was no coverage of their fast till day 7 as it used to be
during their early campaign.Don't know what struck Media this Time.I
am in total consensus with the above post that most of the people be
it be Media, bureaucrats, Corporate baron are corrupt.Only a handful
of people are totally against corruption. Corruption is entrenched so
deep in this Nation that most of the people don't even want to
conceive of the day when this country would be free from massive
corruption.And coming to Media, i think they should use their power
for the betterment of the country and not be subservient to Powerful
and Corrupt.

Dwindling crowds, reduced media coverage and total lack of public interest have all forced to Anna and his team to end this farce.
He started his movement, with the good intention of fighting corruption but his associates have hijaced his agenda to further their own cause.And that proved to be the undoing of this "movement".

By going to Ramdev, who have no credibility or integrity and aligning
with political parties like BJP, Anna lost his neutral supporters.. Also
striking is that when media decided not to make it huge news like first
time the 'fast' lost steam .. It just shows that 'Anna Hazare' was just
a media creation !!

After reading the news and comments, I feel that we can do nothing
about corruption and it will live peacefully ever after and may reach
a new level and we should feel very proud of it. We are proud nation
of many youngsters and men and women of all ages, if determined will
route out this corruption from roots but feel that there is something
missing, which is not making us to move in the right direction. The
anti-corruption movement created awareness among us but political
leaders made it non-entity by promising to act but betrayed it and
doesn't even on the radar and you will not find it soon.

If the Anna team and Press come together and attack the political
leaders (on the main topic whether they corrupt or not only and how
well they improve India and our community), who will be contesting the
elections for 2014 and make sure that corrupt leaders are shown their
right place in our society.

If not happen in 2014, it may happen later on, Our India will run out
of patience for sure.

Anna Hazare is an Empty Talker. As Nobelist Amartya Sen observed,
Anna's understanding of the root cause of corruption in India is
seriously flawed, and his solutions are ill conceived. By just passing
Lokpal & Lokyuktha bills corruption will not be eradicated. It has to
be fully implemented by able authorities. There are very many anti-
corruption laws on the books already, but none can be implemented to
the satisfaction of anybody. In short, corruption in India is
pervasive and endemic, and it needs a Cultural Change bottom up. Anna
is an Autocrat, not believing in the power of the ballot box. Now, he
has decided to attack corruption politically, but not starting a
Political Party! Very funny idea!! How is he going to do it? He and
his Team are useless, poor thinkers. It is impossible to influence
politically without getting into the politics of National Parties.
From the decisions Anna made today, he has lost all the legitimacy he
had as an Anti-Corruption Crusader. Wait & watch.

I have thought of an alternative.
I think the campaigning should happen in a an organized manner maintaining emphasis on the manifesto rather than the haphazard way that is in place right now.
Every contestant should be given a time during which he presents his manifesto to an audience which encompasses the electorate,the representatives of election commission as well as all the other candidates contesting for the same post.
Which should be followed by an essential round of questioning by other candidates and election commission members over the feasibility and necessity of the proposed changes and improvements.
This will reduce the hoards of false promises (unfeasible suggestions) showered on the people and the would be elected representatives would have a chance to fight it out among themselves prior to the election!

Pathetic end to the unique reality show 24X7 simultaneously on numbers
of TV channels.

India is only 65 years old democracy. This will change, we will surely get a better India, once we have the ability to keep changing -Including the consitution. Today Citizens are held responsible for every thing they do and act. (The laws were made for the slaves by the british -we still have them - we should immediately change them). Governments be State/Central are laws of their own. There is nobody to question them. I think the political system in our country is too complicated. It is too difficult to win election for Team Anna -if they are trying to enter politics. (They will end up like any other political party -Fully selfish entities).

This time media is playing in hand of government. Almost none of the media channel
covered the movement in positive manner. They were concerned about the numbers
in crowd not the TA demands. Even some channel and websites were not showing
even the small heading about this great cause.

Team anna took right step. As fast is not a solution and why they(team
Anna) should die for whom, when nobody is bothered about them niether
the people of India nor the political party .People are not joining the
compaign as they don't have time.They did the right think to try to
provide clean candidate s for election and let the people decide what
the want "corrupt or clean India". As a hardworking and good politician
can atleast change the status of his own area without any external help
and best example of it is Anna's village. This village dream village of
India and world. So every body above 18 has right to vote in India so
please please use it.

Welcome to the party, team anna!!

My only worry; how and what kind of decisions they will take once and if elected to responsible positions? Will they feel it was a waste. Or the kind of alternate politics which anna/prashant bhushan is talking about is actually asking the opinion of people via social media for each and every policy decision, when they hit a wall?
What a way of leading?!!

Dear Hindu,
Really appreciate you for your unbiased reporting. We wish there would be a news channel of Hindu aired.

This is good decision taken by Anna ji and team. Now it is the responsibility of the people to support him and throw these sick politicians out of this country. If everyone who wants good of this country will support this movement then definitely we will live in the nation of our dream.

By calling off the strike, Anna is accepting his helplessness in the
great fight against corruption. Our country has more than enough
number of politicians. We don't wish to see Anna Hazare as one among
them. Instead, keep on the struggle. And also please try not to accept
all those who come in your support. Its high time for you to realise
that people has lost credibility in your strike because of the
presence of a few who just act opposite to your ideologies. "Either
you think you can or you cannot, you are right". You can. Indian's are
praying for you.

Viva India Against Corruption

Does he think he can change people's mind by reaching out to them?
Whether people will listen to him or to them who offer freebies. People should realise themselves. Only people can change this.

Anna's call off fasting and thinking about alternative is positive step. Because he needs energy and encourage public to fight against corruption. And the difficult part is what happens after a politician is convicted of crime and removed from the position, we need somebody more efficient, more accountable and public should have confidence on the new elected person. Educating the public the cost of corruption, finding new efficient political workers, confidence to public-if you talk and give pressure government has to respond!!

I tend to agree with Jay. If the Indians are happy to live in hell, why should Anna and his team be prepared to sacrifice their life. I am a firm believer in something along the line of French Revolution to purify this country.

The country welcomes the Team anna's decisions. The country needs a genuine political alternative and am very sure team anna is capable of providing it. I hope it gets proper media coverage.
Regarding the three questions asked by team anna-
1]I believe the members of the political party should be the ppl who are educated and socially active.
2] Regarding the funding i believe donations , team should get involved in some developmental work through which funds can be raised-work like arranging public pay and use toilets.

I wish all the best to team anna and hoping things to change after 65 years of independence.

Please take this to Team Anna; The best solution for India will be to abolish political parties. These political parties will not go away in a couple of years, but having 550 independent MP's will bring the focus on policy/resolutions passed in the parliament than the party whip. In my opinion the party whip is anti democratic because even if the MP feels the policy is not correct for the people of India, he/she has to vote according to the party. If we have more independents then the MP's have more social responsibility to reply to the people who elected them than to please some idiot higher up the chain to get another ticket for the party next time. If the MP performs well he will be automatically re-elected by the people.
This is a big thing in terms of people awareness. My other fear is the media can influence a lot when there are only independents.

The corrupt oligarchy that rules India has won this round. But it’s a
pyrrhic victory. The UPA government stands exposed as an
establishment of corrupt time servers. They should have joined hands
with Anna Hazare instead of fighting him so bitterly. The least the
UPA should do is to get the Lok Pal bill currently in the Rajya Sabha
is passed by the parliament. Even a week Lok Pal would be better than
no Lok Pal.

He may be right... he may be wrong... We - had/have/may have many options... but is it of any use? UNTIL WE THE CITIZENS OF INDIA DECIDE or atleast understand what is right or wrong, these things will continue for ever... film actors or real life actors we accept and follow. We feel proud doing it! No one can bring a change unless we/you are prepared to bring/make a change! The key is not with the actors but with us, ALAS....but we never understand!!!

what can people do when you don't have an option to reject all the parties that stand for election. Rights of peoples who dosen't like any parties that stand for election are denied. India should comes up with third option where you can select different government other than the political parties that stand for election, we should be an example to world.

To The Hindu,
Dear editor, I am really proud of you for not being biased to anyone.
You are the only media in India who can be called as 'Media to Mass'.
You are the last hope in today's corrupt era of Indian Media.

Good decision. Youths and all sections of society must take up this opportunity and defeat the corrupt enterprise of UPA 2.

I find nothing wrong in the introspection of Team-Anna. It's not a win-loss
question of ideas. It actually shows the current state of India, where the political
roots are so deep that it shakes the will of those who wants to stand up to trim it.

Equally, it is a testament of the society of India, where people can't come together
like they did for our independence. We copy things from western world for all the
wrong reasons and leave what's good out there. Not just during 9/11 but time and
again people came together. I'm sure we'll criticize that too, and move on.

We are caught up on our daily life - which is hard - but what are we doing for
somebody who is fighting on a cause that we feel sick of and get burnt every single
time ?

seeing the movement losing its sheen, I am reminded of a famous dialogue spoken by Jinnah, in the film Gandhi, about gandhi, as"let him come, make his speech and slip into obvilion. Another famous dialogue was that of a British viceroy, pointing to gandhi would ask, "Mr Gandhi, you don't expect us to walk out of India, would you?.
The third comment by jinnah saying that world is not full of mahatmas like you, pointing to Gandhi.
Congress party is not in a mood to listen to any of his dialogues, sorry slogans and they know very well that if they grind the old man to the hilt, he would definitely be made to lose his interest in the whole campaign.
Anna is wishing for a battle in 2014 forgetting that he is not becoming younger and three years is too longer a period in politics.
When we are getting tired of politicians, this is what happens. No one having the time to listen.
Every one is trying to make money in some form or the other, what is the big deal? that is the kind of apathy .

Corruption affects poor,medium class more as compare to affluent.
And these two classes find it difficult to stand at Jantar-Mantar
for several days without going to work. ROJI is important for
ROTI in this class.Annaji, Ms Kiran bedi and others don't have
problem of ROTI. However we don't doubt Team Anna effort.
Another fact is today medium class is equally involved in
corruption. They find it easier,pay for job get the work done and
if job is not done just shout in neighborhood against
govt/corruption. Easier. Congress has ruled India over half a
century and fight with it wont be effortless. Percentage of
leaders in congress who are corrupt and low on character has gone
up in this 50 yr rule. Agitations and Participation in electoral
process both are important to fight against corruption. Jai Hind.

Team Anna should join the politics. They have already proved that they are the people who actually care about country's future, but they should also be careful so that no one could take advantage of their popularity and use their name just to enter into politics.

Good Luck TEAM ANNA. We are with you.

Am sure this will be another set back for congress and other parties who
forcefully wishing a 75 year old man to join politics and testing his
patience , revolution is on its way INDIA will change someday..we
support strong lokpal bill...

I respect cause of Anna movement but not Anna because he is not having the direction. All the people considered him as Gandhi but in the above story he said he don't want 2 waste time in fasting- indeed fasting means non-violence. A man with out direction can't lead a team. After a year he now realized he has to know what to do in future. I pity him and his ardent supporters. wake-up

This fight against corruption should go on and go to the next level. Fasting alone is not helping. Perhaps we need to arrange discussion forums or debates in various cities and towns and villages across the nation, to bring forth the common people to discuss how the next government should look like and how to prevent corrupt inviduals from getting in. Obviously funds are needed for this kind of an undertaking and media attention is required for the right type of publicity. Team Anna should start using the online social media to reach more people across the world..God help the movement !

I salute The Hindu for the unbiased coverage on this where as rest of the media has turned a
blind eye towards the event. You truly desreve all the fame that you have.

Finally he comes to terms with reality. The first democratic statement from Anna and his ilk.

I feel that people of India are so much depressed that they could not
even welcome a brave step properly. When TA was fasting they were asking
of alternative and when they r trying to bring alternative they say they
are illegitimate if they give the alternative. What do u want man!!! You
want some honest people to sit on Jantar mantar and die or become ignorant like rest of fellow Indians!

We all welcome the decision of Team Anna to end their fast, enter into
electoral politics and contest the next election. But the question
remains why they resorted to fast at this time. They declared that
they will not end the fast until the Janlokpal Bill is passed as per
their terms and 15 ministers named by them are put behind bars. These
demands are highly unreasonable in a parliamentary democracy. The
Lokpal bill was passed by the Loksabha and it was stalled in the Upper
house by other parties. In a democracy we should allow the parliament
to enact laws and undue pressure and blackmail can not work in such a
system. Team Anna should have waited till the next session of the
Parliament and meanwhile prevailed upon on all parties to pass the
bill. Now Team Anna has an opportunity to contest elections, win a
majority, form a government and eradicate corruption from the whole
system. If they can do it the whole country will be grateful to
them.We are waiting for that to happen.

I Believe that it is a good decision could have taken early.Any how
"Better late than never".They also come to know hypocritical nature of
people who vote based on religion,cast and money.I believe that we
should change the attitude of the people to avoid corruption.I had
seen A.P one CM who forced to work govt employees made him lost the
elections and one leader with corruption charges won massive
majority.Better luck Anna Team for raising great thought on
corruption.

Anna keep fast for us, our moral duty is to support him and encourage
Anna's team.If Anna's team contest general election in 2014 we should
elect this team for better future of our country and our society.We
elect government for welfare of society but present system of
government forget this motive and now trap in materialistic and self
interested life and push the nation in such a era where common man
alienate from government and become hopeless, helpless and depressed.
We should recognize our vote power and use it with consciousness for
better future of nation.

I welcome Anna's decision. Today politics has reached the lowest level of credibility because of corruption. There is no point in cursing the darkness when we can light a candle to dispel it. Anna's decision is a new beginning and he has sown a seed which will sprout in the days to come into a clean political party which will regain the lost glory of India because of scams. Anna may not be having money as he said that he is a Fakir who lives in a temple and holds only a plate to eat as his only asset, but he is aware that the money lies in the pockets of the people and history will be repeated as it was after the Emergency where people came out with votes and notes. In today's chaotic conditions people have discovered a new icon in Anna who the politicians consider him as a slave but he will turn out to be their saviour to give them their due dignity and economic freedom and hunger. I wish Anna success and assure my vote and a small note as well as the poor widows might in the Bible.

It is high time now that a new political party with different ideology comes into
being. Anna and team should start scouting and recruiting mature youngsters and
well qualified individuals. Like Obama used the net to raise resources, team Anna
should start advertising for candidates. Pick up a new team and make the difference.
No more old bandicoots and people who have not made a difference in spite of being
in office.

Anna It's tribute to you..you are carrying dreams of every Indian who are willing to see the India as a prosperous country and surely You will succeed it.Every Indian is with you and supports you..Love you Anna....

I think it is high time that instead of asking the government for bills and laws we the citizens of india should start fighting corruption at each and every level.
First of all we need to stop giving bribes. Secondly, as much as possible we should bring all the corrupt babus and politicians infront of public through mass media and internet.
Its pretty much clear now that government is least bothered about taking any action against corruption, forget passing any kind of bill.
It our country and we don't need any law to stop something which is already illegal.

Team Anna left to People to decide on alternative. I think good
alternative is to get a new government. Honest Offices IAS or IPS, any
honest person can join hand and fight against the government. I
request all the IAS and IPS office to come out speak against the
corrupted politicans. Very strict laws should be enforced to remove
the corrupt from our country may lifeterm / remove the citizenship are
the alternatives. I think Team Anna and honest people X-IAS , X-IPS,
Good politicans can join hands with Team Anna and contest the election
for 2014. For the next 2 years i request the IAS and IPS offices to
fight against the corruptions.

The tragedy of this nation is that around 80 % of its population is so
inextricably mired in poverty that they live their lives beyond the
pale of desperation. In other words, they have come to accept their
lot as something 'naturally given'. So, this considerable chunk of the
population is least concerned with the issues of the Indian public
sphere. Yet, it is this section of the populace that determines the
fate of political parties at the time of elections. Our politicians
are smart enough to know this, hence they spurn all critical debate in
the Indian public sphere with impunity.

I must confess I had not even bothered to get a voting card because of what was being
offered so far as political fare But now that team Anna and the young people are
putting their heads together to from an alternative front with leaders who have a good
track record of governance. I will get a voting card and of course who will not back ten
times national award winners like Kiran Bedi if she decides to take on the challenge!

Sir,We fully agree with team Anna that the prevalence of corruption at every stage retards progress of the country's economy at every stage and because of that, the country's rich class(which include the senior influential officers and the MPs and the ministers) are getting richer and the poor and the less influential getting no justice and have to wait. But what is required is electoral reforms to ensure that no MPs or MLAs shd hold this position more than twice at the most.In a letter to Shri Hazare our PM had suggested the need for electoral reforms first to remove the corrupt MPs and MLAs?

Sorry to say this true fact,
Its the end of Team Anna.

Congress played the game by not responding to the fasting protest, ultimately Team Anna lost the battle.

At the outset it was clear that the present govt.dam care for the passing of lokpal bill.Knowing this it was not advisable to undertake fast in the first instance. Team Anna is helpless as the democracy we have adopted require to go to parliament and they as a class are dishonest, and concerned only about their personal interest. They are prepared to sacrifice national interest to sustain their vote bank through cast, religion etc.In the circumstances what is first needed is to effect electoral reforms.

All that our population needs is a bit of discipline. Bring in the
Military and everything will be alright in a few years. We people are
lazy and the least bothered about anything that does not affect us
directly. And this has been unchanged even since 1857!!. Our attitude is
what needs to change.

Its high time that Team Anna should join the main stream politics. The
candidates must be chosen based on their past profiles, education,
social service and political and business acumen. There is still some
time to 2014 elections hence the process to select the appropriate
candidates could be achieved. Team Anna should invite the applications
from the general public and scrutise the best candidates and provide
people some potent alternative.

this is the politics and should not put emotions.
this is the congress next attacks on anna team

Finally a good decision by team anna. It is not so that Indian are not bothered about corruption but they are so busy in the routine tasks that they can't sit on a ansan and it it even difficult for them to go to jantar mantar or any other places where IAC organizing ansan. But in heart, they all feel the pain. If team anna fight election, these people will surely vote for them.Even I never went to vote because I dint know whom to vote. All parties appeared same. But if anna fight, i will surely vote for him and so millions of indian who are carrying pain of corruption in theit hearts.

It is becoming clearer as the days go by that the Team Anna has
enthusiasm in abundance but lacks focus and coherence. One day it says
the fast is for a strong Lok Pal; the next day it says it is for
putting "new and apt" people in positions of power. Now it wants a
"alternative system". Nothing is achieved by such vague talk. It only
reveals its dearth of ideas. Enthusiasm is no substitute for coherent
and practical ideas.

Solution to bring lokpal bill is to create a political party by Anna hazare, It shows how our MPs sitting in Parliment are senseless and shame less they are not human beings , just they shows how they respond to the govt, and how they treat indian democracy and law and order , public openion, they are not elected to ruin india, they are elected to make india a better nation to live for future generations, Where all my tax money is going? We indians slowly lost human values, people slowly becoming senseless to the situations and becoming so selfish, and looting india, manay scams showed and prooved, no one punished till today, leads to more and more corruptoins,
scam list : 2G,CWG,Coal,Arilcel-Maxis Deal,Boforce,Adarasha Housing Scam,Black money in realestate , Corrutped 155ministers of Congress, 144 MPs from BJP sitting in Parliment with crimanal charges.
How laws are approved/created by them, they themselves are criminals, and not humanities.

Asking political parties to pass bill against corruption is similar that
of asking bandits to sign an agreement that they will not steal !. I
believe the decision is right to end the fast, and they should now think
to form a political party against congress.

Congrats Team Anna! You have announced what the country has been waiting for from IAC
all along. Good that your team has now realised that thorns cannot be removed by
showering rose petals on them! Please go ahead without looking back. Be vigilant to avoid
infiltration of dirty elements into the yet to be named political party of yours. Strict screening
of persons at every stage in your journey ahead with thorogh background check alone will
ensure your party's survival and success! The whole nation will be behind you, as it was
behind JP Narayan and will stand like a solid rock, to drive away corruption in all forms from
our sacred soil. Jai Hind !

Instead, people can do very simple things for the change to happen. Never break the law, if you do break it, prepare to pay the fines. If a Government or private individual demands bribe, inform it to the central vigilance. Government officials should report suspicious activities of co-workers or individuals who are involved in bribery to appropriate authority. Use public litigation (PIL) and RTI. Contribute experiences online and to news papers. Make collective appeal on issues to the local MLA or MP. And finally, dont be afraid!

comments of Jay show the Indian attitude of going to some other country and love happily. With this kind of Indians how it will flourish. With this similar attitude so many IITians gained knowledge with Indian public money and served for other country's growth

24 hours earlier team Anna declared fast unto death but when the government indirectly conveyed "best wishes and good luck" team Anna comes with a shocker "why wasting time on fasting". God save India !

India welcomes if Anna forms a politically party....
Every common man of India will vote for anna's party candidates..:)

Let us support this revolutionary movement...And we can give a better
India to our next generation..and create history..

Jai Hind!

I think the fast is the only solution.Annaji should not leave it now.After coming so far.It is DO Or DIE.In a day or two teh govt will bink.By joining the political system we will never be able to achieve it and teh process will be delayed.by stayagrha we will achieve it in a year or so but by politics it will be another century atleast.I will request anna to sacrifice him self for the country.NO POLITICS NOW.IF WE GET INTO POLITICS NOW WE WILL SURRENDER TO CURRENT SYSTEM AND ALL THE WAY THE LONG WE WERE SAYING THE SYSTEM WAS WRONG.WE HAVE TO SACRIFICE.FREEDOM AGAISNST CORRUPTION WONT COME WITHOUT GIVING OUR LIVES.

Initially i felt Team Anna is here to do few right things for the country. But now it looks like this was all a part of politics. Team Anna is using Anna's name for their political gains. It is heading towards a fight against Congress, this is what makes me feel that all this was planned. Well Played Team Anna.

I appreciate the honesty of The Hindu in covering the movement. Back here in Delhi it seems that all newspapers are completely sold out to the government. You are the amongst the few who reminds me that media is the forth pillar of democracy.

Anna, please start a political party, that could be the beginning of a
new dawn for this ill fated country in the recent centuries. Your team
could start the campaign for a nationwide recruitment of excellent
capable candidates with proven track records and launch a political
party to gain power. People like us are so sure that neither congress
nor BJP has the will power or capability to end corruption, people are
already so tired of them. Please listen to us.. with 2 years time
available before 2014, there is ample time to do all the ground work!!

It is good to know Anna have realized change in political system would bring real change.
High time he inspires people of this country to get into good politics and develop this nation.
Politics is not bad and not the exclusive rights of few people or parties.

Thats the better way to deal with the corrupts. show them their way in
election 2014 !
Let Team Anna bring in the movement at the front with the political
party.

The decision of the Team Anna to fight politically is a good decision. In weaving the team, it should keep in mind that it includes only those who have a straight record. those who have had stints in other parties should not be admitted. Since there are two more years for the Lok Sabha Elections, the Team Anna must kick up the dust so that it is definitely in power at the Centre. I will Team Anna all the very best.

Anna Hazare's fight against corruption seems to be groping in the dark, every robust intellect can understand its allination from other people's movements. Soem film stars - regargitating old utopian views in the name of SATYAMEVA JAYATE,by sitting in the air conditioned rooms of thier luxurious houses located in mega cities as support for anti - corruption movements. Are they dare to meet Erom Saharmila who is the epitom of the non - violent movement in our country. Self declared Yoga guru Ramdev is another person who always found running behind the media popularity. FIrst understand what is the real cause of corruptin? WIth the advent of private property and amazing levels of copital in the hands of a few, corruption also has intruded within the system. Corruption and uneven distribution of income is two sides of the same coin. So look into the issues of all kinds of injustices by which the poor people are suffering.

Right thing has been done,unnecessarily punishing your selves before
mostly corrupted,dirty,mean MP & MLA.We are relieved and wish Anna &
Team has to take up so many issues on corruption in future.You are saved
from the nasty politics presently.Hope people will react against them.

In the prevailing circumstances, Team Anna's decision to end the fast and initiate measures to form an altenative political party is a move in the right direction. By this they can make sure that tickets for contesting elections are given only to candidates with clean record - the first step to ensure corruption-free governance of the country. Undertaking fasts for achieving even laudable objectives has become totally outdated and it is also misconstrued to be resort to pressure tactics. Every step Team Anna takes hereafter should be a cautious one in order to make sure that none with a bad background manages to gain entry into the new party.

It is amusing to see the euphoria that followed Team Anna's announcement to enter the political fray. The fact of the matter is that, the base of IAC has eroded considerably in the recent times which can only be attributed to their inconsistencies and lack of objectives. The Government was unwilling for negotiations nor it was in any mood to glorify this agitation by forcibly removing the fasting volunteers. As no logical end was visible, Team Anna has managed to pull a trick out of its thinking hat and proclaim their political intensions just to save face. They have lost and can only blame themselves for this debacle.

If Anna were to launch a political party, it would be extremely welcome
step. I will definitely vote for it.

We all know the motives behind this agitation, but our government still ignoring them. In order to complete this, If Anna’s team wants to open a political chapter in their agitation, nothing wrong in that. We all are with them. Keep it up Annaji!!!

I am a big fan of your online news peper because of you don't care about political bias.
Continously you are publishing the best news "satyamev jayate" as well as ANNA's movement..All people know better that Good works always have best rewards.

I really respect ANNA's movement..Heartly Salute the great man..

I request Mr. Anna Hazare to stop fasting and to launch a campaign against corruption and create awareness among the public. Politicians are corrupt because the society is corrupt. Lokpall bill is not the cure for corruption, but the change in general public's mindset,that I shall not take or give bribe. As Gandhiji rightly said" to change the world, first change yourself".

I think due to a deaf and dumb government, this should have been the
best decision. instead of losing life for these political impotent, its
good to call it off. The decision of creating a new party is welcome.
I also appreciate "The Hindu" for being on top of this movement without
being bias under the pressure of Congress Government.

What is this Baba Ramdev doing with Anna? A person who give the dying
the false hope, makes huge amount of profit by selling clinically
unproven and dangerous medicines, who makes all sort of claims? If Anna
is really so clean, he should better detach himself from corrupt bigot
like Baba Ramdev, and not just one Baba, but all such Babas.

Politics is the last refuge of the scoundrels.How true?

From the time The Movement started, I have become even firm on operating with fare means in every aspect of work that I do. I vehemently support the Team and the cause. Its high time that Shri Anna Hazare nominates a charismatic leader. There's no dearth of leaders in the country. I appreciate the twist that has taken right now. Its the politics that runs the country. So why not get into it and drive away the hidden political forces that are manipulating the present country standards? Let's get those dirty things Down.

This is a welcome step Annaji. Your current protest was not going to
go anywhere since you were trying to expose the very those who were
supposed to have dialogue with you. WIth a political alternative, you
can definitely do much better in this setup. See, you dont need to
come out as single largest party. You can just have 20-30 LS seats and
you will be in a great position to do dialogue with the government.
Look at Mamta Banerjee for example. So dont think too wide and focus
on the strong geographies and try to win from there. Rest assured, you
are doing a great service to the nation

Dear 'The Hindu', I highly appreciate your neutral stand in Anna
Hazare's anti-corruption movement. Thank you for providing unbiased
news about the updates and happenings at Jantar Mantar, unlike your
other other counterparts who are constantly committed to asking only
negative questions on the pretext of testing the movement's
authenticity. A question that is asked too often, always becomes a
statement. 95% of the primetime news debates I watch these days are
always engaged in asking negative questions, hence turning them into
statements. My faith in the press has been restored after going
through your articles covering Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement.
Thank you very much.

Political party is not a solution. Because Indian society is fragmented
and no single political party will get absolute majority. Not all people
keep their mind, speech and action in straight line. Hence a powerful
and permanent citizen force (on the line of DK of Tamilnadu which is a
movement) should be formed to pose a strong opposition (outside of
parliament) to erring government actions. In today's competitive world,
even an individual cannot stick on to his avowed principles and hence it
is well nigh impossible for a political party to do that.

It is wellcome to call off the fast.Anna team is only confined to urban land.India is vast.Anticorruption sentiments must errupt from every corner of India.

I agree with Vishwas, please keep the movement in news!!

this is worst decision anna team could take. Why they cant see that they
have 0% chances to winning the elections. Why couldnt anna team just
join or get support from some other party.

Appreciate Hindu's effort on daily coverage of Anna's movement.The Government has behaved DUMB AND DEAF like a dead body without any conscious or sole.We residing in BOTSWANA as well our NRI friends living in other countries very humbly request Anna and his team to end fast and not to waste your precious lives because we will need you during 2014 General Election.You are the only hope and we do not want miss you.

We all respect Anna and the movement, but it seems to be getting a little political offlate. We have to wait and see how many of this group gets in politics, they are welcomed as long as they dont join any party.

I would like to see what directions the movement takes if there is no Media coverage.

Dear Hindu,
Please keep the ante up!
You are one of the rare media houses in India which is Honest and unbiased.
We count on you. Please keep the movement in news...

It seems that only few hundred people including team anna wanted to end corruption. The rest of the indians: politicians, media people, corporates, rich and poor etc either not bothered about the happenings or humiliating the team with their comments and interviews. Why should the team anna do this if more than 99% of the indians not bothered about it? They(team anna)can go to any other (good) countries and lead their beautiful life if they dont like this hell. The indians are used to the corruptions and everything..Please end your fast..live the rest of your life peacefully...

No one has doubt over integrity and noble cause of Team Anna. Instead of
fasting at Jantar mantar Delhi, team Anna should have launched
nationwide campaign against corruption: I will not pay bribe and expose
whenever it occurred. Mass movement is precursor for pressurizing
government. Every Indian supports movement against corruption but no one
knows the correct remedy on corruption. Besides Gandhiji had rightly
said about Fasting and Satyagraha that frequent use of this weapons
blunt it.