Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) Welcoming Team Anna members’ decision to end their fast, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni Thursday said their move to form a political alternative would make them realise the responsibilities and compulsions of being in politics.

Talking to reporters here, Soni said people associated with Anna Hazare always seemed to be inspired by politics as they had been making comments about members of parliament and criticising them.

She said the Congress had always held that Team Anna was goaded by politics and it is a good thing that they have come out in the open with their intention.

“I have come to know through TV (that they will seek people’s opinion for political alternative). They will realise what are compulsions, what are responsibilities. Particularly working with honesty is not easy,” Soni said.

She said only Team Anna knows what was the purpose of its fast being held at Jantar Mantar.

“I am glad they agreed to call off fast…they can’t hold government to ransom. Government has some obligations,” Soni said.

Referring to their demand for a strong Lokpal bill, Soni said the government has already got the legislation passed in the Lok Sabha and it was now with the select committee of the Rajya Sabha.

“The bill is not with government. It is property of parliament,” she said.

Anna Hazare and his team members Thursday announced they were calling off their indefinite fast against corruption at 5 p.m. Friday and said they would seek a referendum on forming a “political alternative”.