Anna Hazare kept mum on 'irregularities' under BJP rule: Sanjay Raut

MP Sanjay Raut accused Anna Hazare of not addressing 'irregularities' under BJP governments since 2014. Raut praised Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia for aiding Hazare in gaining prominence. Hazare retorted that perceptions are influenced by one's mindset, criticizing Kejriwal's focus on liquor over public service in the recent Delhi assembly polls.

February 12, 2025

In a sharp critique, MP Sanjay Raut accused veteran social activist Anna Hazare of maintaining silence on alleged irregularities under BJP rule since 2014. According to Raut, Hazare, who was once a strong voice against corruption, has failed to address governance issues under the Modi-led government. He highlighted how Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, once prominent faces of the India Against Corruption movement, had actively supported Hazare’s protests against the Congress-led UPA government. However, he claimed that Hazare’s activism has become selective, raising questions about his stance on political accountability. This statement comes amid increasing political clashes between the BJP and opposition parties, particularly the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.

In response, Anna Hazare dismissed the allegations, stating that people interpret situations based on their own biases. He further took a swipe at Kejriwal, accusing him of deviating from his original mission of honest governance. Hazare criticized the Delhi Chief Minister’s emphasis on liquor policies, suggesting that his government has prioritized economic gains over public welfare. He reiterated his commitment to raising his voice against corruption but maintained that his silence on specific matters does not imply endorsement. The exchange highlights the growing divide between former allies and the shifting nature of political allegiances in India.