Anna Hazare: Will back taint-free independent candidates

PUNE: Social crusader Anna Hazare, who split from his former protege and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on grounds that their movement against corruption had turned into a political party, on Wednesday announced his support for an independent candidate to represent Pune Lok Sabha constituency. Anna’s decision has led to a frantic search by his supporters to select a candidate for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

"I will support independent candidates who have served the nation and are not corrupt. I have not taken any decision to support candidates like Medha Patkar, contesting as AAP candidate," Hazare told his supporters at Ralegan Siddhi, where they discussed support to independent candidates in Maharashtra.

"Hazare is looking for an independent to contest from Pune LS seat. He will support Balasaheb Darade, who is contesting as an independent candidate from Buldhana constituency . He will also back an independent in Parbhani," said Anna’s confidant Vishwambhar Choudhari. Team Anna has also appealed to citizens to recommend independents who can take on established parties. Choudhari appealed to citizens on his Facebook page to suggest an independent candidate for the Pune.

"Recent events in Delhi raised questions in the minds of people who supported AAP. Now, they are in two minds about supporting the party in the LS elections. Also, MP Suresh Kalmadi is likely to re-enter the political arena. In this volatile situation, we want to ensure people have a right choice. Hence, Anna has decided to support an independent candidate in Pune," said Choudhari.