Anna Hazare to chalk out strategy with old aides

After formally splitting with fellow activist Arvind Kejriwal, social activist Anna Hazare will meet his associates to chart out the future course of the anti-corruption movement.

“The main issue discussed is how the agitation can be taken forward. The priority of demands to be taken up like the right to recall (elected representatives), the set-up of the Lokpal and strengthening the Lokayukta in Maharashtra will also be decided. This will be like starting from scratch as some of his main strategists have broken away from him,” a Hazare associate told DNA, adding that the strategy for the movement would also be chalked out in the meeting to be held soon.

“The agitation was becoming loud, it was necessary to make it comprehensive,” he said, claiming that Hazare and Kejriwal going separate ways would strengthen Hazare’s campaign.

He added that before making up his mind against exploring the political option, the Gandhian had spoken to leading social activists on whether the anti-corruption movement should have taken a political turn, the priorities of issues to be taken up and the expectations of these activists from the movement.

“These people stressed the need for a comprehensive movement against corruption…. which would be apolitical in nature,” said the Hazare associate, adding that they had also sought that the scope of the anti-corruption agitation be broadened.

“Any social movement always makes a political demand, it is a pressure group,” he said, adding that it was a misnormer that elections in India were fought solely on the issue of corruption.

“We will not abandon the demand to set up the Lokpal,” said the Hazare associate.

He added that setting  up of the anti-corruption watchdog was the issue of starting the agitation.