The 22 personalities who include former Army Chief Gen V K Singh, retired Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde, former Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh and journalist Kuldip Nayar accused the government of stonewalling the demands of the civil society and even alleged that the Opposition also did not fare well on this score.
"We call upon Shri Anna Hazare and all his associates who have been on an indefinite fast to give up on their expectations from this establishment.
"Instead we call upon them to focus their energies on creating an alternative political force that is democratic, accountable, ethical and non-violent and capable of leading an electoral revolution to democratise and decentralise power and make the power structures of the country more accountable to the people," the eminent persons said.
"The government has turned its back to the agitation and has also not shown political will to punish corrupt people. The opposition also does not fare well on the issue," the letter said.
"Do not expect anything from this political class. We request Anna Hazare and other fasting activists to channelise their efforts in setting up a political alternative, to give a responsive, democratic and non-violent system," they said.
"Indian democracy needs a new direction. We request the people who are fasting to request this historical challenge and call off their fast," the letter said.