Anna starts political innings, pledges support for Mamata

Addressing the media persons along with Banerjee at the Constitution Club here, he said, ‘I have already started working for the last six months to form a Jan Sangathan (people’s organisation). I will field 100 independent candidates with clean image and a vision to work for the poor and downtrodden in 2019 election.’

Without going in to the details on what will be the name of his party or whether he will actually form a party or not , Anna said, ‘Earlier, I used to think that I will not support any party but now people want change. To make a beginning I have started with support to Mamata and in 2019 I will send 100 candidates to the Parliament.’

‘We felt that only political change is not enough but change in the system is now become very important. I had outlined 17 issues of national importance to Arvind Kejriwal as well, but he never responded. Mamata is one person who understands that without sacrifice India can’t progress. I support her ideology,’ he said.

He stressed for a need to develop the villages and call for an empowerment to the Gram Sabhas. ‘In our country rivers, water bodies are sold. We must stop exploitation of rivers, this isn’t progress, its destruction.’

Anna, while raising serious concerns over the state of affairs of the country even after 66 years of independence, said, ‘The poor are not getting justice and farmers’ condition has deteriorated. Today I see a possibility of changes and I am beginning to believe that change will come. There will be a change in the country and people also want it. I am sure Mamata will be able to bring this change to retain India’s glory.’