Mumbai, Maharashtra: Social activist Anna Hazare has announced that he will begin an indefinite hunger strike from January 30, 2026, at his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra, protesting the state government’s delay in implementing the new Lokayukta Act. Hazare said the government has failed to act despite repeated reminders and approval of the Bill by President Droupadi Murmu.
In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Hazare reiterated his demand to enforce the law, stressing that he is prepared to sacrifice his life if needed for the country’s welfare. He accused the state government of lacking the will to implement the anti-corruption legislation.
The Lokayukta Bill was passed by the Maharashtra Assembly on December 28, 2022, and by the Legislative Council on December 15, 2023. President Murmu later gave her assent but sought the inclusion of three key amendments before full enforcement. Hazare alleged that even after these developments, the government has taken no concrete action.
Following Hazare’s renewed protest call, Fadnavis reportedly reached out to the veteran activist. According to Hazare’s office, the Chief Minister informed him that the Lokayukta Bill has received presidential assent and would be implemented within the next three months.
This is not Hazare’s first protest on the issue. In 2022, he launched a hunger strike at Ralegan Siddhi demanding the enactment of the Lokayukta law. The agitation was withdrawn after mediation by Fadnavis, and a committee was later formed to draft the Act, which was subsequently passed by both Houses of the state legislature before being sent to the President.
Hazare said the state’s inaction now signals a lack of political commitment to fight corruption, leaving him with no choice but to resume his protest.
