Anna's decision to float political party evokes mixed response

New Delhi, Aug 3 (ANI): The proposal of veteran social activist Anna Hazare to float a political party has evoked mixed response across the country.

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said that India's democratic setup was very supportive of any individual or collective foray into electoral politics.

"Even those who do not form political parties are free to contest polls. Nobody can stop a person from contesting, even if that person has been denied a party ticket. If (Hazare and his aides) want to enter politics, it is their decision, and their own views on the matter are more important," Hussain said.

Former lawmaker and journalist, Shahid Siddiqui welcomed Hazare's decision to launch a political party and said political clout is needed to fight corruption effectively.

"I welcome this announcement and I think you cannot do away with corruption only by having a Lokpal or going on fast. If corruption has to be fought, political corruption has to be fought. Political alternative has to be given. I believe that unless we are able to remove corruption from our political atmosphere, from political parties, we will not be able to cleanse our economy, our politics and our society," said Siddiqui.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Atul Anjan said that the idea to float a political party is a welcome step but Hazare and his associates have to reckon with a good number of ground realities.

"If some people decide it on urge of some people that they are ready to form a political party, I have no objection. The question is this. The political party will stand with whom? In this present situation one should understand that corruption is the by-product of capitalists who formed the government. And one has to fight corruption, nepotism, sectarianism-also narrow sectarianism-communalism and casteism; these are also eating away our democratic process and so that has become a big challenge," said Anjan.

Asserting that power should rest with the people in a true democracy, Hazare yesterday reiterated that there is nothing wrong in forming a political party.

"In a true democracy, power should be in the hands of the people. The power must be given to the public. Village land, village water belongs to the village. There is a government in Delhi, but in the village, we are the government. Village has the right over coal, water in the village," he said.

Hazare asked his supporters to dislodge those leaders, who don't give in to people's demand.

He, however, said that he himself would not enter politics.

"I will not get into politics. I will fight from the outside. You have to think who goes into a party. Do they have a good character? Such people only should be given a ticket. If you want to change the nation, form a party. But see who is going into that party. How will you monitor them? You have to think about that," said Hazare.

"The people who ask for your votes, whether they are right or wrong, should be monitored," he added.

The 75-year-old social activist also reiterated that the government is not serious on bringing a strong anti-graft bill to combat rampant corruption in the country.

The government, however, hit back at Team Anna, saying they must contest elections to rove its claim of representing the will of the people. (ANI)