New Delhi:
Days after his split with Anna Hazare, activist Arvind Kejriwal will formally join politics today with the announcement of the launch of a political party.
The move coincides with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mr Kejriwal will also announce members of his new party, an aide said on Monday.
"The formal launch of the party will be later this morning. The announcement will be made at a function at the Constitution Club in New Delhi," Aswathi Muralidharan, India Against Corruption media coordinator, told IANS on Monday.
Mr Kejriwal, a prominent leader of India Against Corruption (IAC), will state the vision of the party and its constitution at the launch, she said.
Mr Kejriwal met Anna Hazare in the capital on Monday for the first time since they split and said that although their paths now diverged, their destination was the same.
"Anna is in Delhi, so I naturally had to meet him. Our ways are different, but our destination is the same. I have told Anna that I will support him in all his movements," Mr Kejriwal told reporters after the meeting.
He blamed the media for trying to project a rift between him and Mr Hazare.
"There is no fight. Our relationship and communication will continue, we will keep meeting," he said.
Mr Kejriwal said Mr Hazare would not join his political party.
"He has already said that he will not be part of it as he thinks politics is not the right direction," Mr Kejriwal said.
An internal Lokpal will also be appointed by the party to probe cases of impropriety. The name of the internal Lokpal, a retired judge, will be announced today.
Mr Hazare arrived in Delhi on Sunday to meet activists to decide the future course of action in his campaign against corruption.
Mr Hazare is opposed to the movement turning political and parted ways with the pro-party group led by Kejriwal September 19. He has also banned use of his name or photograph by any political outfit.