Team Anna's decision to enter politics upsets supporters

New Delhi, Aug 3 (ANI): Supporters of veteran social activist Anna Hazare on Friday expressed disappointment over the civil society activists move to float a new political party.

Earlier on Thursday while addressing his supporters, Hazare hinted of forming a political party.

Ram Avatar, a supporter told reporters that they were let down with Anna's decision as their purpose was to combat graft and not any political party.

"We are very disappointed with Hazare's statement. We have been participating in the campaign for past eight-nine days we were shocked to listen to his statement. We want that this movement should continue and it should not be transformed in any type of political battle because people and students who have come from far off areas, from schools and universities want to fight against corruption and not against any political system. I think Anna should take his decision back," said Ram Avatar .

Vijay Kumar, a campaigner, said that formation of a political party would not help to make a difference in the democratic system of the country.

"If Anna will choose politics, then we would like to tell him that there are many parties who had majority in parliament but still they were not able to pass those laws which will benefit the democratic system of the country. That is why I want that Anna Hazare should drop the idea of politics as an alternative and should concentrate on the movement," said Kumar.

Voicing similar views, Siddharth Rai, another supporter said that a movement led by the masses has had more impact than any political party.

"We agree that political alternative should be there but we do not agree with the fact that we need the political alternative at the moment. It is not necessary that we should take a political alternative to garner support of people. Movement is more powerful then any political party. While protesting you can say that how many people are involved with it but in parliament one has to show the numbers of lawmakers to have majority to pass a law," said Rai.

Thousands of Hazare's supporters have been participating in his campaign with the hope that the 75- year- old activist will lead them to a corruption free India.

Hazare's aides Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai had begun the fast on July 25, with the veteran activist joining them four days later.

However, 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. (ANI)