Hazare announces 15-member team, says 'lokpal movement is on'

Almost two months after his split with Arvind Kejriwal-led group, Anna Hazare today unveiled his new team to take his 'apolitical' anti-corruption battle forward with a promise to expand the panel within a month in which Gen VK Singh could be a special invitee.Hazare claims IAC's name, Kejriwal says will oblige | Anna announces new team

Almost two months after his split with Arvind Kejriwal-led group, Anna Hazare on Saturday unveiled his new team to take his "apolitical" anti-corruption battle forward with a promise to expand the panel within a month in which former Army chief VK Singh could be a special invitee.

The first list does not have names like that of the former Army chief or activists PV Rajagopal and 'Waterman' Rajinder Singh and agriculture expert Devender Sharma.

Rajagopal and Singh had earlier snapped ties with Team Anna while Sharma had opposed Kejriwal-led group's plans to turn the movement political.

Sources said VK Singh could be inducted as a special invitee in the coordination committee.

A press statement issued by the group said Hazare reconstituted the coordination committee to re-energise India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, signalling a possible confrontation with Kejriwal-led group which is still using the name.

Hazare had a split with Kejriwal-led group over the question of anti-graft movement taking a political course.

Anna Hazare addresses a press conference in New Delhi as Medha Patekar, Kiran Bedi and other members of his team look on. HT/Gurinder Osan

Kiran Bedi smiles as Anna Hazare raises slogans after addressing a press conference. HT/Gurinder Osan