“Indian democracy needs a new direction. We request the people who are fasting to accept this historical challenge and call off their fast,” a letter signed by eminent people appealed to Team Anna on Thursday.
Activists Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai have been fasting for the ninth day in a row, while Anna Hazare entered his fifth day of fasting.
But, there has been no indication from the government to engage them.
While announcing their decision to give a “political alternative” to people before calling off the stir, Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan said: “All the people listening to us, watching us, tell us whether Team Anna should form a political party?”
The announcement of Team Anna to get into the system to cleanse it was welcomed by political parties. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said: “Everyone in public life has a right to join politics.
You can’t hold the government to ransom like that. I am glad they will end the fast.” BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also called it a “healthy step”. “Firstly, it is good that they are calling off their fast. They need to be healthy to carry on any movement. In a democracy, the option of entering politics is available to everyone. We welcome this decision. BJP will support any movement that is against corruption,” he said.