Despite Anna snub, IAC roots for party

After facing a shocking split with Anna Hazare on Wednesday, India Against Corruption (IAC) led by social activist Arvind Kejriwal is gearing up for political party formation.

Anna Hazare had earlier turned down the results of the online poll conducted by IAC, which showed that 76 percent people want them to form a political party. Anna said that he did not believe in a poll conducted through social networking sites. However, IAC members remain unfazed despite Anna's statement. But IAC claims that only a small part of the poll was done through the social networking site Facebook.

According to IAC data, out of total samples in the poll, 5,56000 were through SMS, 1,10,000 through physical forms and 5309 were through Facebook. And 76 percent of these respondents replied said “yes” for party formation.

“Apart from this poll we have also received 14,500 emails suggesting ways the party should be formed, how the candidates be selected and many other such things,” long time IAC member Ankit Lal told TSI.

He added that Anna himself was in favour of giving a political solution to the people at the time of ending his fast at Jantar Mantar in August. “We are just sticking to that stand. Though Anna does not believe in the political system in India, but with our efforts we can change the system,” he added.

“We will not use Anna's name and photos, but we will follow Anna's 5 vichar. We will strictly follow accountability and transparency in selection of candidates and funding of the party,” Ankit elaborated.


Aseem Trivedi, who has been charged with sedition for making controversial cartoons under the banner of Cartoon Against Corruption, has also expressed disappointment with Anna's decision to part ways with Arvind Kejriwal. Talking to TSI he said, “I am really disappointed with the split, but we should not take it as a final decision. We will be holding series of meeting in next two days. Let us see what comes out.”

On formation of a political outfit, Aseem said, “Whether we form a party or continue an apolitical movement, I believe that we should stick together. In case we form a party we will have to go through a lot of things which we did not face during the anti-corruption movement. People will put up different allegations against us and many such hurdle will come up.”

IAC is holding a two-day meeting of its state level committees to discuss further strategy for the formation of the political party. They will also be forming district level committees.

Avinash, a member of youth section of IAC said, “ Arvind is not working for himself, but he is working for the nation. All the political parties are the same today and people don't have any other option. By forming a political party we will give them an option which will be against corruption and for the betterment of the people.”

After a high voltage movement against corruption which lasted for 18 months where Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal stood together, the two seem to have parted ways. Some IAC members cautioned Arvind Kejriwal to take time, assess the situation and only then form a party.

One such member Shaleen said, “Before forming the party we should hold open stage meeting at district, Tehsil and block level. These should be serious and open debates where people from all sections of society should be given a chance to speak. Once that is done we should base our decision on the outcome of these meetings.”

Amid claims of transparency, accountability and honesty in the proposed political party by IAC members, it will be interesting to see the final structure of the outfit that is likely be announced on October 2nd.

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