ISSUE
Friday, August 22, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 73
New Delhi, Sept 23: Social activist Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he had been compelled into joining politics as he led a rally in Delhi against the state government for raising power tariffs.
"I've been forced to enter politics. I'm not doing it out of choice," Kejriwal was quoted as saying in Jantar Mantar, as he urged people not electricity bills and start a new civil disobedience movement.
Less than 400 people reportedly turned up for Kejriwal’s rally, the first one since his public falling out with veteran activist Anna Hazare, and seen as a precursor to the launch of his own political party.
Kejriwal made references to the self-styled Gandhian activist, expressing hope that he "will come back to them in three-four months once he see our honest and dedicated work".
"No one can take him away from us. It is just that while he believes that politics is a dirty thing, we are of the view that we have to enter politics to clean it," he said.
Kejriwal, known best for his campaigns for the Right To Information Act, also on Sunday attacked the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition government at the Centre over the recent string of economic reforms.
"Prime Minister [Manmohan Singh] terms capping supply of subsidised LPG cylinders and diesel hike as reforms. This is not reform but deforming the country," Kejriwal said.
The now disbanded group of activists led by Anna Hazare and nicknamed Team Anna, earlier this week split into two factions after the veteran corruption fighter refused to support fellow activist Arvind Kejriwal's political ambitions.
Anna on Wednesday met fellow activists for long hours in New Delhi to discuss future strategies of their anti-corruption movement.
Clarifying the divide in the team, Anna said Kejriwal faction should no longer use his photos and name.
The anti-corruption crusader said he is not in favour of any political party but wished good luck to Kejriwal.
Kejriwal later called Anna's decision as 'shocking'.
"We respect Annaji. He is like a father figure. The decision he took yesterday was shocking and unexpected," Kejriwal told reporters on Thursday.
Kejriwal on Aug spelled out the decision to form a political party.
Anna on the other hand has repeatedly said he would never contest elections.
New Delhi, Sept 23: Social activist Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he had been compelled into joining politics as he led a rally in Delhi against the state government for raising power tariffs. "I've been forced to enter politics. I'm not doing it out of choice," Kejriwal was quoted as...
New Delhi, Sept 23: Social activist Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that he had been compelled into joining politics as he led a rally in Delhi against the state government for raising power tariffs.
"I've been forced to enter politics. I'm not doing it out of choice," Kejriwal was quoted as saying in Jantar Mantar, as he urged people not electricity bills and start a new civil disobedience movement.
Less than 400 people reportedly turned up for Kejriwal’s rally, the first one since his public falling out with veteran activist Anna Hazare, and seen as a precursor to the launch of his own political party.
Kejriwal made references to the self-styled Gandhian activist, expressing hope that he "will come back to them in three-four months once he see our honest and dedicated work".
"No one can take him away from us. It is just that while he believes that politics is a dirty thing, we are of the view that we have to enter politics to clean it," he said.
Kejriwal, known best for his campaigns for the Right To Information Act, also on Sunday attacked the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition government at the Centre over the recent string of economic reforms.
"Prime Minister [Manmohan Singh] terms capping supply of subsidised LPG cylinders and diesel hike as reforms. This is not reform but deforming the country," Kejriwal said.
The now disbanded group of activists led by Anna Hazare and nicknamed Team Anna, earlier this week split into two factions after the veteran corruption fighter refused to support fellow activist Arvind Kejriwal's political ambitions.
Anna on Wednesday met fellow activists for long hours in New Delhi to discuss future strategies of their anti-corruption movement.
Clarifying the divide in the team, Anna said Kejriwal faction should no longer use his photos and name.
The anti-corruption crusader said he is not in favour of any political party but wished good luck to Kejriwal.
Kejriwal later called Anna's decision as 'shocking'.
"We respect Annaji. He is like a father figure. The decision he took yesterday was shocking and unexpected," Kejriwal told reporters on Thursday.
Kejriwal on Aug spelled out the decision to form a political party.
Anna on the other hand has repeatedly said he would never contest elections.
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