Anna Hazare’s declares Maha fast ‘until his last breath’ for implementation of Lokayukta law

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has announced an indefinite hunger strike from January 30, 2026, at Ralegan Siddhi, accusing the Maharashtra government of delaying the implementation of the state’s Lokayukta law. Hazare warned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a letter that he would rather “sacrifice his life for the country” than withdraw from the agitation.

His announcement reignited political debate across Maharashtra and Delhi. Remarkably, within 24 hours of his warning, the Maharashtra Assembly approved a major amendment to the Lokayukta Act, 2023, bringing IAS officers appointed by the state under the purview of the Lokayukta. The amendment was tabled by Chief Minister Fadnavis, who said it would enhance transparency and clarify which officials fall under Lokayukta jurisdiction.

Hazare has accused the state of failing to enforce the Lokayukta law despite the Bill being passed in the Assembly in 2022, clearing the Legislative Council in 2023, and receiving the Governor’s approval in 2024. The Bill was later sent to the Centre for Presidential assent, but Hazare says no progress has been made even after more than a year.

Hazare maintains this is not a personal issue but a fight against corruption. He alleges the government lacks the intent to implement a strong Lokayukta and says he is left with no choice but to launch a hunger strike “until his last breath”.

While the government has clarified the scope of the Lokayukta through the new amendment, it has not yet announced when the law will be enforced, leaving Hazare’s central question unanswered.