Indian Anti-Corruption Activist’s Supporters to Form Political Party

Posted August 3rd, 2012 at 2:40 pm (UTC-5)
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Supporters of Indian anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare say they will form a political party in order to further their cause in parliament.

The announcement came Friday as Hazare ended a six-day hunger strike in New Delhi to protest lawmakers' failure to pass anti-graft legislation. He and his supporters have also called for an investigation into corruption allegations against 15 Cabinet ministers.

A year ago, the former army truck driver's 12-day fast galvanized the Indian public, attracting hundreds of thousands of supporters angered by government corruption. Since then, the crowds have waned, and some detractors say the decision to launch a political movement is a bid to regain support.

Hazare told supporters Friday that he will travel throughout the country in the run-up to the 2014 general election to “awaken the whole population.” But the 75-year-old activist said he will not personally contest a seat in parliament.