Anna, Team Splits Officially

New Delhi: Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare confirmed his "separation" from his former team and from key associate Arvind Kejriwal on the issue of forming a political party and directed that his photographs or name should not be used for political campaigning.

Formalizing a split with his team and opposing the movement taking a political plunge, Anna said: "I will not go with any political party or form any political party."

"It is unfortunate that Team Anna has separated," Anna said after a meeting with other social activists who were members of erstwhile Team Anna to decide future course of action.

Anna told social activists: "Do not use my photo or name for any political campaigning. Do whatever you can on your own basis."

"The meeting was attended by Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Santosh Hegde, Manish Sisodia, Kumar Vishwas and a few other prominent social activists, Aswathi Muralidharan, India Against Corruption media coordinator, told IANS.

Anna said: "My best wishes are with them (activist thinking to form political party). There is no harm in it. If they think that they can get majority in parliament, it is good. The paths have been separated. Both of us have chosen our separate paths."

Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that "country is on sale and passing through very difficult phase. "I will do everything possible for me to save my country," he added.

Kiran Bedi supported Anna's decision and tweeted: "Anna finally distances himself from political option. Moves to strengthen the movement. May bring together anti-corruption movements."

Hazare refused to accept the survey done by IAC for forming political party and said he does not agree with the exercise done through social networking sites.