Anna parts ways with Kejrival, says IAC can’t use his name
New Delhi: Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejrival’s split wide open now. Anna Hazare and some top activists on Wednesday choosing to part ways with the Arvind Kejriwal-led group, opposing their plans to form a political party.
The group led by Hazare had acrimonious discussions with Kejriwal and his supporters including Prashant Bushan and Shanti Bhushan on the issue of forming a political party.
Backed by activists including Kiran Bedi and Justice Santosh Hegde, Hazare told the other group during the nine-hour deliberations that they were free to form a political party but cannot use his name or photo for their campaign.
“It is unfortunate that the team has separated…I will not join any party or any group. I will not go for their campaign. I have told them not to use my photo or my name in their campaign. You fight on your own,” he told reporters here.
“My best wishes are with them (those taking political path). There is no harm in it. If they think that they can get majority in Parliament, it is good…The paths have been separated. Both of us have chosen our (separate paths).
When pointed out that Kejriwal had earlier declared that he will not form any party if Hazare does not approve it, he said if that was the case, then the party should not be formed but “it is a good thing”.
The discussions saw a section alleging that Hazare was “exploited” by the Kejriwal group. It was countered by others saying “people in Delhi have made Anna what he is now”.
Reacting to the developments, Kejriwal tweeted, “country is on sale. It is passing through very difficult phase. I will do everything possible for me to save my country.”
Bedi, who is opposed to forming the party, tweeted, “Anna finally distances himself from political option. Moves to strengthen the movement. May bring together anti-corruption movements.”
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who attended the meeting, said in case one needs to fight corruption solidly, one “may have to fight elections”. He said there is no controversy but only deliberations.
During his interaction with press, Hazare also expressed hope that government will be forced to pass a strong Lokpal Bill as elections are nearing and the government should be fearing it.
“They will be afraid of losing power. That time has come. I believe that they will have to bring the Lokpal Bill before elections. Now it is that they bring Lokpal or my death,” he said.
