Activists fasting in support of Anna Hazare, a social activist also on hunger strike, have ended their 9-day protest and announced their plans to form a political party.
So-called 'Team Anna' have said that there will be no party high command that would sit and decide on candidates; the public would select candidates.
They also said that no one would sit in AC rooms and decide on the party manifesto; the activists would go to the people, the farmer and seek their recommendations for the campaign manifesto. They have also promised absolute transparency including publishing details of donations of their website.
However, if the government agrees to urgently pass the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill and introduce electoral reforms like the Right to Recall under-performing MPs and the Right to Reject unworthy candidates and nullify an election, Team Anna will cancel its plans.
The move has been met with a mixed response, although mostly positive:
