Team Anna discuss to form Swaraj Party

Team Anna members met here on Sunday for the first time after they ended their indefinite fast and discussed strategy for evolving a political alternative in line with their plans to take a plunge in electoral politics.

Anna Hazare and his close aides deliberated on a variety of issues, including the name of the organisation, and other formalities like the Constitution of the party, sources said.

Besides Mr. Hazare, those who attended the meeting included Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Shanti Bhushan, Kumar Vishwas and Sanjay Singh.

Psephologist Yogendra Yadav, who was a regular face at the Jantar Mantar during the protest arguing that the movement should take a political turn, was the new participant in the discussions. There was no official word on the meeting.

The meeting came two days after Mr. Hazare and his aides called off their indefinite fast and pitched for entering electoral politics by forming a political alternative.

“This was an informal meeting. We came here to thank Anna and enquire about his health,” Ms. Bedi told reporters.

Mr. Kejriwal said the discussions are on and once a decision is taken, it will be conveyed to media and public.

Asked whether there was any discussion about the name for the political party, he said they have received a number of suggestions. “I have received almost 500 text messages regarding the name.”

When queried whether ‘Swaraj Party’ is one of their choices, he said numerous people have suggested it. “There is nothing concrete in today’s meeting. Discussions are still on,” he said.

On participation in yoga guru Ramdev’s indefinite protest from this Thursday, he said they have not received any invite and “when it comes, we will see.” 

PTI