'It was Anna's call to go political': Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi, Aug 12 (ANI): RTI crusader Arvind Kejriwal has said that it was Anna Hazare's decision to go political, and added that the decision was not a thrust on the veteran social activist. "A malicious campaign is being run that Anna is against political party and that Team thrust it on Anna. Truth is it was Anna's decision," tweetedKejriwal. "Anna clearly directed us to start forming political party. If he says even once that he doesn't want us to do that, we will immediately withdraw. Let Anna say once that he is against pol (itical) party formation, we will immediately withdraw," he adds. Kejriwal, a member of now disbanded Team Anna, further said Hazare is convinced that there was no road left other than providing political alternative. "Anna has been fighting corrupt for last 30 years. He is extremely sharp politically n (sic) fiercely independent. Those projecting Anna as a gullible man may try getting Anna to say a single line against his wishes," tweeted Kejriwal "For last one year, Anna (was) being projected as a simpleton, an infant who could be influenced by anyone," he adds. Hazare's close aide SunitaGodara earlier on Saturday revealed that the former was reluctant to support his team's decision to switch to a political alternative in their fight against corruption and bring about a potent public ombudsman bill. Godara said that Hazare insisted on following his methods of spreading awareness in villages andcampaigning for a strong ombudsman bill as the next step of their agitation. "He (Hazare) clearly stated that I would continue to walk on this path that I have already taken, the path of non-violence and campaigning in villages to empower the poor of this country. If you feel that this new alternative is a better way to fight against corruption and you believe that through this new alternative, you will win this fight then you have the freedom to choose that. Anna did notpressurise anyone, he said that you are free to choose your own path, if you decide to stay with me or not, I will continue to work in a non-violent social way," Godara added. "He (Hazare) said that we are not yet ready to enterthe political fraternity. The letter given by Anna Hazare depicted that the resolution, points and questions raised by Anna Hazare in front of the public, now even we are in the gambit to find answers to those questions," said Godara. Shortly after declaring hispotential foray into politics, Hazare made an announcement through his blog of disbanding of his team on August 7. Hazare wrote in his blog that Team Anna or Team Anna Core Committee, which was formed to get the Ombudsman (Lokpal) Bill passed in parliament, will cease to exist and that they would also not hold any more talks with the government. Thousands of Hazare's supporters had participated in his campaign with a hope that the septuagenarian activist would lead them to a corruption free India.