Fight is for changing the system, not power: Team Anna

Team Anna on Friday said it will not compromise on the issue of corruption, claiming that its fight was meant to change the system, not gain power.

"Anna is a hero of the people. How long he can remain deaf to the voice of the people? He has taken a decision to challenge the political class," a statement posted on the India Against Corruption website said.

"Now, Team Anna is ready to enter the battlefield of politics. Now Team Anna is ready to enter the battleground to take on the government. Anna has said that he will not dilute his beliefs. The political alternative that will come up with will not compromise on corruption. This fight is not for changing power but changing the system," it said.

Political parties continue to claim that Anna and his supporters will not be able to win elections and to counter such claims, it is necessary to talk about a political alternative, said the statement.

"Team Anna has sounded the bugle to enter the political battlefield and take on political parties. Now, people have to take a decision on whether the corrupt system will continue to exploit you or support a right alternative," it said.

However, a word of caution came from Medha Patkar, a member of Team Anna's Core Committee.

"One has to ensure that people who are awakened remain so and one has to think a 100 times before taking the plunge into electoral politics. If he joins politics, then the momentum gained should not be lost. When people with noble intentions join politics, either they don't last long or they don't achieve much," she said.

Team Anna member Kiran Bedi defended the move, saying Hazare's call is that he will help identify good and ethical people so that they can make it in politics.

Lawyer Prashant Bhushan claimed they were taking this step reluctantly but people have been telling them to try a political alternative.

Activist Manish Sisodia, whose fast entered its tenth day, said the ball is now in the people's court on how this fight can be taken to Parliament.

"It will happen by forming a party or with the help of individuals or some other way will emerge. People are sending their suggestions. The bottom-line is that this mission needs to be taken to Parliament from the streets," Sisodia said.