Pune, 18 August 2025: A fresh political storm erupted in Pune after banners targeting veteran social activist Anna Hazare appeared on roads in Pashan. The banners directly appealed to Hazare to break his silence on alleged vote theft, an issue that has been fueling nationwide political debate.
The controversy comes days after Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cited Election Commission data to claim that votes were stolen during the recent elections. His remarks have triggered sharp exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition, and the Pune banners have now dragged Hazare’s name into the spotlight.
Reacting strongly, Hazare said he has spent his entire life fighting for public causes, bringing in several landmark laws, but it is unfair to expect him to continue leading every struggle at the age of 90. “I have fought for the people all my life. Now the responsibility lies with the younger generation. They are also citizens of this country, and they must decide if they have any duty toward it,” he told reporters.
Hazare added that true patriotism goes beyond holding the national flag on Independence Day. “Pointing fingers at others will achieve nothing. I look to the youth with great hope, because youth power is national power. If the young rise, the country’s future is secure,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment at hearing calls for him to “wake up” despite decades of activism. Referring to a recent video of former Agriculture Minister Kokate allegedly playing cards, Hazare said merely reshuffling ministries is not enough, both individuals and the system itself must change.
