Anna Hazare’s silence on vote theft sparks criticism of selective activism

Anna Hazare, who once galvanised the nation with his anti-corruption campaign that culminated in the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, now faces sharp criticism for his silence over allegations of vote theft, with political leaders questioning whether his selective interventions have created an impression that he is sympathetic to the BJP government.

The activist, who had led massive protests and hunger strikes during the UPA era, has refrained from addressing the recent claims of bogus voting raised by the opposition, and his refusal to speak out has triggered accusations that he had indirectly assisted the ruling party by weakening its predecessor.

Congress leaders in Maharashtra argued that Hazare cannot dismiss the issue as a matter for younger generations, since he had once positioned himself as a crusader against corruption and state malpractices, and they accused him of having played a role in discrediting the UPA while remaining silent on the conduct of the present government. They questioned whether he regretted his past agitation or whether he continued to stand by positions that, in their view, contributed to the current political climate, The Indian Express reported.

The Aam Aadmi Party’s state unit voiced concerns about Hazare’s inconsistent stands, noting that his reactions were often based on selective information that generated confusion, although the party acknowledged that his call for youth to take over activism was valid.

The controversy intensified after banners appeared in Pune mocking Hazare’s silence and urging him to awaken, drawing comparisons with mythical slumber, and the veteran activist reacted angrily by insisting that he had already contributed significantly to the legal framework against corruption and that it was unreasonable to expect him to shoulder the burden indefinitely.