Anna Hazare Announces Indefinite Fast From January 30. Know the Reason
Anna Hazare Announces Indefinite Fast From January 30. Know the Reason
Veteran activist calls it his “final agitation”, accusing the Maharashtra government of ignoring an anti-corruption law already passed and cleared at the highest levels.
Social activist Anna Hazare has announced that he will begin an indefinite hunger strike from January 30, 2026 at his village, Ralegan Siddhi, accusing the Maharashtra government of failing to implement the Lokayukta Act despite completing all legislative procedures. Calling it his “final agitation”, Hazare said the state has shown no will to enforce a law meant to strengthen the fight against corruption.
Hazare reminded that he had earlier staged a hunger strike in 2022 at the same location demanding the Lokayukta law. That protest was withdrawn after mediation by then chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Union agriculture minister. Following the intervention, a committee drafted the Lokayukta Act, which was subsequently passed by both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature. The Bill was then sent to the President, who granted assent along with recommendations for three amendments.
According to Hazare, despite receiving Presidential approval last year, the law has not been implemented on the ground. He said he has written seven letters to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde seeking action, but received no response. The continued delay, he argued, shows a lack of political intent to put a strong anti-corruption watchdog in place.
The veteran activist described the situation as a “matter of public welfare” and warned that the repeated neglect has left him with no choice but to launch the fast-unto-death. He emphasised that the state cannot indefinitely postpone a law that was debated, approved by the legislature, cleared by the President and publicly promised during earlier negotiations.
Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly reached out to Hazare, assuring him that steps will be taken to implement the Lokayukta Act soon. However, Hazare noted that similar assurances in the past did not result in action, prompting his renewed protest.
At the age of 88, Hazare’s announcement has once again placed the spotlight on Maharashtra’s long-pending Lokayukta system and raised questions about why a cleared law remains in limbo. The indefinite fast is set to begin on January 30 in Ralegan Siddhi unless the state government initiates concrete steps before then.
