Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has announced that he will launch an indefinite hunger strike, or ‘fast unto death’, in his native village of Ralegan Siddhi, Maharashtra, starting on January 30.
This extreme measure is a protest against the Maharashtra government, which Hazare accuses of failing to implement the state’s Lokayukta Act.
Calling it the “final agitation,” the 88-year-old crusader emphasised that the anti-corruption law is fundamentally essential for the welfare of the public but has been neglected by the state administration for years, despite substantial progress made toward its enactment. This renewed call for protest brings the issue of institutional accountability back to the forefront of state politics.
The Lingering Legislative Roadblock
Hazare’s current ultimatum is rooted in a previous hunger strike he undertook in Ralegan Siddhi in 2022, demanding the Lokayukta law. That protest was withdrawn after high-level mediation by then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a Union Minister.
Following this, a dedicated committee successfully drafted the Lokayukta Act. The legislation was subsequently passed by both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council of Maharashtra and sent to the President of India for final assent, seemingly completing the state-level process.
However, the activist points out that the Act has not yet been notified or brought into force, leading to the prolonged delay that has sparked his renewed protest.
Anna Hazare Hunger Strike
Despite the Bill’s passage, Hazare expressed profound disappointment over the government’s continued inaction and administrative silence. The activist revealed that he had sent as many as seven letters to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, specifically seeking clarity and demanding the immediate enforcement of the Act, but claims he did not receive any response.
Hazare publicly stated, “This law is very important for the welfare of the people. I wrote seven letters, yet no response came. I don’t understand why the government is not implementing it. A government is meant for public welfare, not for mere display.” This statement underscores his core accusation: that the government is failing to deliver on its commitment to public welfare and accountability.
Lokayukta Act and Anna Hazare’s Legacy
The core of Hazare’s demand lies in establishing an independent and empowered Lokayukta institution, which is designed to investigate corruption allegations against public servants. Such a law is critical for providing ordinary citizens with an accessible platform to report corruption and ensure greater transparency within the administration.
The veteran activist is historically known for leading the monumental India Against Corruption movement in 2011, which successfully pushed the national government to pass the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act. His decision to launch a ‘fast unto death’ is a grave step, reflecting his conviction that the persistent delay in implementation is fundamentally undermining democratic accountability in Maharashtra.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Anna Hazare’s decision to launch an indefinite fast underscores the critical chasm that often exists between passing legislation and its actual enforcement.
The Maharashtra Lokayukta Bill, a vital tool for accountability, has been stalled for too long, raising serious questions about political will. While procedural requirements may have caused some delay, the lack of timely communication with a key civil society stakeholder is regrettable.
