Arvind Kejriwal set to enter politics; to announce his party, vision today

New Delhi: Activist Arvind Kejriwal is all set to make his his much-anticipated foray into active politics. He is expected to launch his political party on Tuesday. He will also outline the vision of his party, its constitution, the selection of candidates and a party manifesto, for which he will seek feedback from the general public.

Kejriwal chose Gandhi Jayanti to make his big announcement as he takes his fight against corruption to the next level. An internal Lokpal will also be appointed by the party to probe cases of impropriety. The name of internal Lokpal, a retired judge, will also be announced on Tuesday.

On Monday, Kejriwal met Anna Hazare, who said that he supported the IAC activist but not his party. The two had parted ways on political differences. But on Monday, Anna Hazare said that he will support Arvind Kejriwal if the latter stands for elections, while denying that they had any differences. The 75-year-old activist said that he will campaign for Kejriwal if he stands against Union Minister Kapil Sibal and added that his movement is different from Kejriwal but their goal is same.

Kejriwal chose Gandhi Jayanti to make his big announcement as he takes his fight against corruption to the next level.

"Ours is a democratic country. If Arvind selects a good candidate, I will support him. We will not fight against each other as our goal is same," he said at a press conference.

He, later, clarified that his support is only for Kejriwal and not for any other candidate. "I will only support Arvind Kejriwal if he stands for election, will not support any other candidate selected by Arvind Kejriwal," Hazare said.

Kejriwal also assured Anna that he'll support the anti-corruption crusader in all his movements. This was the first meeting between Kejriwal and Hazare after they parted ways.

"We came here to assure him our support in all his movements. Our roads are different but the destination is the same. We will keep meeting and supporting each other. There is no fight," Kejriwal said after the meeting.

Kejriwal had earlier said they were not entering politics to acquire power as politics is yet another tool for strengthening of the anti-graft movement. The proposed party is likely to first test its strength in Delhi Assembly polls next year, skipping this year's Assembly elections in BJP-ruled Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier, the Kejriwal-led group had decided to form a preparatory committee consisting of 80-100 members, including some retired judges, to chalk out the details of formation of the party. It was also decided that an internal Lokpal, having retired judges as its members, will be constituted to ensure internal discipline within the party. The preparatory committee, however, was not formed despite the plan of having its first meeting on August 26.

(With additional information from PTI)

Also See

• Kejriwal should contest polls against Sibal: Anna
• I will support Kejriwal, not all candidates: Anna

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