The Congress party has come down heavily on veteran activist Anna Hazare, criticizing his silence on alleged vote manipulation in recent elections. The controversy was sparked by banners in Pune urging Hazare to rise against “vote theft,” comparing him to a sleeping Kumbhakarna who must awaken to defend democracy.
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe expressed disappointment at Hazare’s inaction, questioning whether his silence indicated tacit support for the ruling government. Londhe accused Hazare of selectively speaking out and demanded he clarify his current political stance.
He also challenged Hazare to accept any past mistakes, drawing comparisons to Mahatma Gandhi’s moral courage in acknowledging errors. According to Londhe, a true leader must walk the path of honesty and confront uncomfortable truths, not stay silent in moments of national importance.
Meanwhile, AAP’s Maharashtra Vice President Vijay Kumbhar backed Hazare’s earlier statement that it’s time for the youth to take the lead. However, he also emphasized that age should not be an excuse to avoid raising one’s voice when democracy is at risk.
The debate gained momentum after posters in Pune’s Pashan area called upon Hazare to return to activism, encouraging him to lead protests at iconic locations like Jantar Mantar. In response, Hazare said he has done his part, and now it is up to younger generations to carry the torch.
He also stressed that true patriotism should go beyond symbolic gestures, calling for active and consistent civic participation.