View source for Anna Hazare

{{short description|Indian activist}}

{{EngvarB|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Anna Hazare
| image              = Anna_Hazare_Jantar_Mantar_(cropped).jpg
| birth_name         = Kisan Baburao Hazare
| caption            = Hazare in 2011
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1937|6|15}}
| birth_place        = [[Bhingar]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| nationality        = Indian
| citizenship        = [[India]]n
| known_for          = [[2012 Indian anti-corruption movement|Indian anti-corruption movement – 2012]], <br> [[2011 Indian anti-corruption movement|Indian anti-corruption movement – 2011]], <br>[[#Watershed development programme|Watershed development programmes]], <br> [[Freedom of information|Right to Information]]
| movement           = [[2011 Indian anti-corruption movement|Indian anti-corruption movement]], <br> [[Peace movement]]
| other_names        = Kisan Baburao Hazare
| mother             = Laxmibai Hazare
| father             = Baburao Hazare
| awards             = {{nowrap|[[Padma Shri]] (1990)<br />[[Padma Bhushan]] (1992)}}
| website            = 
}}

'''Kisan Baburao "Anna" Hazare''' ({{audio|Anna Hazare.ogg|pronunciation}}; born 15 June 1937) is an Indian social activist who led movements to promote rural development, increase government transparency, and investigate and punish corruption in public life. In addition to organising and encouraging grassroots movements, Hazare frequently conducted hunger strikes to further his causes—a tactic reminiscent, to many, of the work of [[Mohandas K. Gandhi|Mahatma Gandhi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14540696|first=Alizeh|last=Kohari|title=Hunger strikes: What can they achieve?|work=BBC News|date=16 August 2011|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=25 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125070330/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14540696|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/19/world/asia/19hazare.html|title=Unlikely Echo of Gandhi Inspires Indians to Act|work=The New York Times|date=18 August 2011|first=Jim|last=Yardley|access-date=19 August 2011|archive-date=7 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807192631/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/19/world/asia/19hazare.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Hazare also contributed to the development and structuring of [[Ralegan Siddhi]], a village in [[Parner taluka]] of [[Ahmednagar district]], Maharashtra, India. He was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]]—the third-highest civilian award—by the [[Government of India]] in 1992 for his efforts in establishing this village as a model for others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://india.gov.in/myindia/padmabhushan_awards_list1.php?start=410|title=Padma Bhushan Awardees|access-date=10 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423094740/http://india.gov.in/myindia/padmabhushan_awards_list1.php?start=410|archive-date=23 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hazare started a [[hunger strike]] on 5 April 2011 to exert pressure on the Indian government to enact a stringent anti-corruption law, [[The Lokpal Bill, 2011]] as envisaged in the [[Jan Lokpal Bill]], for the institution of an [[ombudsman]] with the power to deal with corruption in public places. The fast led to nationwide protests in support. The fast ended on 9 April 2011, a day after the government accepted Hazare's demands. The government issued a gazette notification on the formation of a joint committee, consisting of government and civil society representatives, to draft the legislation.<ref name="India activist Anna Hazare ends hunger strike">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13022337|title=India activist Anna Hazare ends hunger strike|date=9 April 2011|work=BBC News|access-date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409035009/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13022337|archive-date=9 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Govt issues notification on committee to draft Lokpal Bill">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1637935.ece|title=Govt issues notification on committee to draft Lokpal Bill|agency=Press Trust of India|date=9 April 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 April 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429213950/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1637935.ece|archive-date=29 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Foreign Policy magazine|Foreign Policy]]'' named him among top 100 global thinkers in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/11/28/the_fp_top_100_global_thinkers?page=0,30|title=Foreign Policy top 100 global thinkers|work=Foreign Policy|date=30 November 2011|access-date=30 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130230008/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/11/28/the_fp_top_100_global_thinkers?page=0,30|archive-date=30 November 2011}}</ref> Also in 2011, Hazare was ranked as the most influential person in [[Mumbai]] by a national daily newspaper.<ref name="The DNA power list: Top 50 influentials">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/slideshow_the-dna-power-list-top-50-influentials_1570626#top|title=The DNA power list: Top 50 influentials|date=29 July 2011|publisher=DNA|access-date=30 July 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=12 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312111805/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/slideshow_the-dna-power-list-top-50-influentials_1570626#top|url-status=live}}</ref> He has faced criticism for his authoritarian views on justice, including death as punishment for corrupt public officials and his alleged support for forced [[vasectomy|vasectomies]] as a method of family planning.<ref name="The Open Magazine">{{cite news|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/voices/spare-us-the-gandhian-halo|title=Spare Us the Gandhian Halo|author=Hartosh Singh Bal|work=[[Open (Indian magazine)|The Open Magazine]]|date=14 April 2011|access-date=18 August 2011|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425060800/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/voices/spare-us-the-gandhian-halo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Yahoo! News">{{cite news|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/blogs/opinions/rorschach-effect-indian-politics-053923332.html|title=The Rorschach Effect in Indian Politics|author=Amit Varma|work=[[Yahoo! News]]|date=21 April 2011|access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025115218/http://in.news.yahoo.com/blogs/opinions/rorschach-effect-indian-politics-053923332.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Early life==
Kisan Baburao Hazare was born on 15 June 1937<ref>{{cite news|title=Happy birthday Anna Hazar|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/slideshow-happy-birthday-anna-hazare-1555329|access-date=12 December 2013|newspaper=DNA News India|date=15 June 2011|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925014957/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/slideshow-happy-birthday-anna-hazare-1555329|url-status=live}}</ref> (some sources say 15 January 1940<ref>* {{cite book|title=Making a difference |last=Alphons |first=K. J. |lccn=96902754 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bd3sAAAAMAAJ |year=1996 |publisher=Penguin Books |page=181|isbn=9780670870875 }}</ref>) in [[Bhingar]], near [[Ahmednagar]]. He was the eldest son of Baburao Hazare and Laxmi Bai. He has two sisters and four brothers. He later adopted the name ''Anna'', which in [[Marathi language|Marathi]] means "elder person" or "father".{{clarify|date=September 2021}}

His father worked as an unskilled labourer in Ayurveda Ashram Pharmacy<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kumar|first=Arvind|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y2lwBgAAQBAJ&q=Anna+hazare+father+Ayurveda&pg=PP3|title=Anna Hazare|date=January 0101|publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|isbn=978-93-5186-112-6|language=en|access-date=5 November 2020|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135421/https://books.google.com/books?id=Y2lwBgAAQBAJ&q=Anna+hazare+father+Ayurveda&pg=PP3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-08-20|title=Anna Hazare: In the footsteps of Gandhi|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/anna-hazare-in-the-footsteps-of-gandhi-2340759.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/anna-hazare-in-the-footsteps-of-gandhi-2340759.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2020-06-30|website=The Independent|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and struggled to support the family financially. In time, the family moved to their ancestral village of [[Ralegan Siddhi]], where they owned a small amount of agricultural land. A relative took on the burden of providing Kisan with an education, taking him to Mumbai because the village had no primary school. The relative became unable financially to continue the support and Kisan's schooling ended in the Standard Seventh grade; his siblings never attended school.<ref name=Satpathy2008p12/> He started selling flowers at the [[Dadar]] railway station in Mumbai and eventually managed to own two flower shops in the city.<ref name="times">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/anna-hazare-the-guest-editor/top-headlines/I-was-re-born-in-the-battlefield-of-Khem-Karan/articleshow/8002771.cms|title=I was re-born in the battlefield of Khem Karan|newspaper=The Times of India|date=17 April 2011|access-date=17 April 2011|last=Ghosh|first=Avijit|archive-date=23 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423200416/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/anna-hazare-the-guest-editor/top-headlines/I-was-re-born-in-the-battlefield-of-Khem-Karan/articleshow/8002771.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> He also became involved in vigilantism, joining groups who acted to prevent landlords' thugs from intimidating the poor out of their shelter.<ref name=Seabrook1993p110/>

==Military service==
Hazare was drafted into the [[Indian Army]] in April 1960, where he initially worked as an army truck driver and was later attested as a soldier.<ref name="govindubiography">{{cite web|last=Govindu|first=Venu Madhav|title=Anna Hazare – a biography|url=http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~venu/ANNA/anna.html|access-date=12 December 2013|archive-date=25 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225051121/http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~venu/ANNA/anna.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He undertook army training at [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]].<ref name=Satpathy2008p12>{{cite book|first1=Trishna|last1=Satpathy|first2=Aasha Kapur|last2=Mehta|date=September 2008|title=Escaping poverty: the Ralegan Siddhi case|publisher=Chronic Poverty Research Centre of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)|location=Hyderabad|issue=119|page=12|isbn=978-1-906433-20-8|url=http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009052749/http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 October 2011|access-date=14 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/>

During the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], Hazare was posted at the border in the [[Khem Karan]] sector. He was the sole survivor of an enemy attack—variously claimed to have been a bomb, an aerial assault and an exchange of fire at the border—while he was driving a truck.<ref name=Satpathy2008p12/><ref name="times"/><ref name="gosling">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/religionecologyi0000gosl|url-access=registration|pages=[https://archive.org/details/religionecologyi0000gosl/page/64 64]–6|title=Religion and ecology in India and Southeast Asia|last=Gosling|first=David L.|publisher=Routledge|location=London|year=2001|isbn=0-415-24031-X|access-date=20 August 2011}}</ref> The experiences of wartime, coupled with the poverty from which he had come, affected him. He considered suicide at one point but instead turned to pondering the meaning of life and death.<ref name=Satpathy2008p12/> He said of the truck attack, "[It] sent me thinking. I felt that God wanted me to stay alive for some reason. I was reborn in the battlefield of Khem Karan. And I decided to dedicate my new life to serving people."<ref name="times"/> At a book stand in New Delhi railway station, he came across [[Swami Vivekananda]]'s booklet "Call to the youth for nation building" which inspired him to think deeper. He spent his spare time reading the works of [[Swami Vivekananda]], [[Gandhi]], and [[Vinoba Bhave]].<ref name="toi1">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-07/india/29392266_1_indefinite-hunger-delays-in-government-offices-anna-hazare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412200659/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-07/india/29392266_1_indefinite-hunger-delays-in-government-offices-anna-hazare|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|title=Anna Hazare: The man who can't be ignored|date=7 April 2011}}</ref> In a blog post, Hazare expressed his views on [[Kashmir]] by saying that it was his "active conviction that Kashmir is an integral part of India" and that if required once again for service, he would remain "ready to take part in war against Pakistan."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/277240/ready-to-take-part-in-war-against-pakistan-if-needed-hazare/|title=Ready to take part in war against Pakistan if needed: Hazare|work=[[The Express Tribune]]|date=19 October 2011|access-date=19 October 2011|archive-date=20 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020012404/http://tribune.com.pk/story/277240/ready-to-take-part-in-war-against-pakistan-if-needed-hazare/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During his fifteen-year career in the army (1960–75),<ref name="govindubiography" /> Anna Hazare was posted at several locations, including [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] ([[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|Indo Pak war 1965]]), [[Nagaland]], [[Bombay]] (1971) and [[Jammu]] (1974)<ref>{{cite book|last=Gopal Kadekodi|first=N.Antia|title=Dynamics of Rural Development: Lessons from Ralegan Siddhi|year=2002|publisher=Foundation for Research in Community Health|location=Bombay}}</ref>

During the Indo pak war, Hazare survived a road crash while driving for the army. He interpreted his survival as a further sign that his life was intended to be dedicated to service.<ref name=Seabrook1993p110>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gb804ulCzSMC&pg=PA109|page=110|title=Victims of Development: Resistance and Alternatives|last=Seabrook|first=Jeremy|publisher=Verso|location=London|year=1993|isbn=0-86091-385-6|access-date=20 August 2011}}</ref> He had another escape in Nagaland, where one night, underground Naga rebels attacked his post and killed all the inmates. He had a miraculous escape as he had gone out to return nature's call and hence turned out to be the lone survivor.<ref>{{cite book|last=Dashrath Panmand|first=Ramesh Awasthi|title=Dynamics of Rural Development: Lessons from Ralegan Siddhi|year=1994|publisher=Foundation for Research in Community Health|location=Mumbai|url=http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~venu/ANNA/anna.html|access-date=12 December 2013|archive-date=25 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225051121/http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~venu/ANNA/anna.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Official records show that he was honourably discharged in 1975 after completing 12 years of service.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">[https://web.archive.org/web/20121106045414/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-21/india/29911427_1_anna-hazare-rti-activist-indian-army Anna didn't desert Army: RTI] ''The Times of India''. Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref>

==Transformation of Ralegan Siddhi==
Hazare returned to [[Ralegan Siddhi]], a village then described by Satpathy and Mehta as "one of the many villages of India plagued by acute poverty, deprivation, a fragile ecosystem, neglect and hopelessness."<ref name=Satpathy2008p9>{{cite book|first1=Trishna|last1=Satpathy|first2=Aasha Kapur|last2=Mehta|date=September 2008|title=Escaping poverty: the Ralegan Siddhi case|publisher=Chronic Poverty Research Centre of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)|location=Hyderabad|issue=119|page=9|isbn=978-1-906433-20-8|url=http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009052749/http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 October 2011|access-date=14 June 2011}}</ref>

Although most of the villagers owned some land, cultivation was extremely difficult due to the rocky ground preventing retention of the [[monsoon]] rains, this situation was worsened by gradual environmental deterioration as trees were cut down, [[erosion]] spread and droughts were also experienced. The shortage of water also led to disease from unsanitary conditions and water reuse for multiple purposes. The economy of the village had become reliant on the illegal manufacture and sale of alcohol, a product on which many of the villagers had become dependent. Many inhabitants borrowed from [[moneylender]]s to survive, paying monthly interest rates of as much as 10%. Crime and violence (including domestic violence) had become commonplace, while education and employment opportunities were poor.<ref name=Seabrook1993p110/><ref name=Satpathy2008pp10-11>{{cite book|first1=Trishna|last1=Satpathy|first2=Aasha Kapur|last2=Mehta|date=September 2008|title=Escaping poverty: the Ralegan Siddhi case|publisher=Chronic Poverty Research Centre of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)|location=Hyderabad|issue=119|pages=10–11|isbn=978-1-906433-20-8|url=http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009052749/http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 October 2011|access-date=14 June 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Anna with gandhi.JPG|thumb|Anna with [[Mahatma Gandhi]] statue in [[Ralegan Siddhi]]]]

Hazare was relatively wealthy because of the [[gratuity]] from his army service. He set about using that money to restore a run-down, vandalised village temple as a focal point for the community. Some were able to respond with small financial donations but many other villagers, particularly among the elderly, donated their labour in a process that became known as ''shramdaan''. Some youths also became involved in the work and these he organised into a ''Tarun Mandal'' (Youth Association). One of the works of Vivekananda which he had read was ''Call to the youth for nation building''.<ref name=Satpathy2008pp12-13>{{cite book|first1=Trishna|last1=Satpathy|first2=Aasha Kapur|last2=Mehta|date=September 2008|title=Escaping poverty: the Ralegan Siddhi case|publisher=Chronic Poverty Research Centre of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)|location=Hyderabad|issue=119|pages=12–13|isbn=978-1-906433-20-8|url=http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009052749/http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/127255/ipublicationdocument_singledocument/f0bdd4a1-2df8-498c-9515-66d6e87fe5c4%2Fen/WP119_KapurMehta-Satpathy.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 October 2011|access-date=14 June 2011}}</ref>

===Prohibition of alcohol===
Hazare and the youth group decided to take up the issue of alcoholism to drive a process of reform. At a meeting conducted in the temple, the villagers resolved to close down liquor dens and ban alcohol in the village. Since these resolutions were made in the temple, they became, in a sense, religious commitments. Over thirty liquor brewing units voluntarily closed their establishments. Those who did not succumb to social pressure were forced to close their businesses when the youth group smashed their premises. The owners could not complain as their businesses were illegal.<ref name=Seabrook1993p250>{{cite book|last=Seabrook|first=Jeremy|title=Victims of Development: Resistance and Alternatives|publisher=Verso|year=1993|page=250|isbn=0-86091-385-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gb804ulCzSMC&pg=PA260}}</ref>

Once 3 drunken villagers were tied to pillars and then [[Flagellation|flogged]], personally by Hazare with his army belt. He justified this punishment by stating that "rural India was a harsh society",<ref name="Why God Saved Anna Hazare">{{cite journal|url=http://www.readersdigest.co.in/anna-hazare?page=2 |title=Why God Saved Anna Hazare |publisher=The Reader's Digest Association |last=Sivanand |first=Mohan |year=1986 |access-date=1 August 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019184312/http://readersdigest.co.in/anna-hazare?page=2 |archive-date=19 October 2011 }}</ref> and that

{{blockquote|Doesn't a mother administer bitter medicines to a sick child when she knows that the medicine can cure her child? The child may not like the medicine, but the mother does it only because she cares for the child. The alcoholics were punished so that their families would not be destroyed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110416/jsp/opinion/story_13857544.jsp|title=Unreal Remedies – The best solution is to let existing systems start functioning again| work=The Telegraph|last=Datta-Ray|first=Sunanda|location=Calcutta|date=16 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926122659/https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/unreal-remedies-the-best-solution-is-to-let-existing-systems-start-functioning-again/cid/409420|archive-date=26 September 2018}}</ref>}}

Hazare appealed to the government of [[Maharashtra]] to pass a law whereby prohibition would come into force in a village if 25% of the women in the village demanded it. In 2009 the state government amended the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949 to reflect this.<ref name="Anna Hazare, our one, big hope, and why he can do it"/>

It was decided to ban the sale of tobacco, cigarettes, and [[beedi]]es (an unfiltered cigarette where the tobacco is rolled in [[Diospyros melanoxylon|tendu]], also known as [[Diospyros melanoxylon|Coromandel ebony]], leaves instead of paper) in the village. To implement this resolution, the youth group performed a unique "[[Holi]]" ceremony twenty two years ago.{{when|date=April 2011}} The festival of Holi is celebrated as a symbolic burning of evil. The youth group brought all the tobacco, cigarettes, and beedies from the shops in the village and burnt them in a Holi fire. Tobacco, cigarettes, or beedies are no longer sold.<ref name="Anna Hazare: India's pioneering social activist">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13017897|title=Anna Hazare: India's pioneering social activist|last=Sharma|first=Kalpana|date=8 April 2011|publisher=BBC|access-date=9 April 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=11 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411014509/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13017897|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hazare hails govt move to ban gutkha">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970709/19050843.html|title=Hazare hails govt move to ban gutkha|author=United News of India|date=9 July 1997|work=The Indian Express|access-date=9 April 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=14 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514134510/http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970709/19050843.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Grain Bank ===
In 1980, Hazare started the Grain Bank at the temple, with the objective of providing food security to needy farmers during times of drought or crop failure. Rich farmers, or those with surplus grain production, could donate a [[quintal]] to the bank. In times of need, farmers could borrow the grain, but they had to return the amount of grain they borrowed, plus an additional quintal as an interest. This ensured that nobody in the village ever went hungry or had to borrow money to buy grain. This also prevented distress sales of grain at lower prices at harvest time.<ref name=Satpathy2008p12/>

===Watershed development programme===
Ralegan Siddhi is located in the foothills, so Hazare persuaded villagers to construct a [[Catchment basin|watershed]] embankment and associated works to stop water and allow it to percolate and increase the ground water level and improve [[irrigation]] in the area. These efforts solved the problem of water scarcity in the village and made irrigation possible.<ref name=Seabrook1993p110/><ref name="toi1"/>

Cultivation of water-intensive crops like [[sugarcane]] was banned. Crops such as [[pulse (legume)|pulses]], [[oilseed]]s, and certain cash crops with low water requirements replaced them. The farmers started growing high-yield varieties and changed cropping pattern. Hazare has helped farmers of more than 70 villages in drought-prone regions in the state of Maharashtra since 1975.<ref name="Activist fights Indian Corruption">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bQ4pAAAAIBAJ&pg=6114,4477966|title=Activist fights Indian Corruption|agency=Associated Press|date=1 December 1996|newspaper=Southeast Missourian|access-date=7 April 2011|location=Ralegan Siddhi|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135423/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bQ4pAAAAIBAJ&pg=6114,4477966|url-status=live}}</ref> When Hazare came to Ralegan Siddhi in 1975 only {{convert|70|acres}} of land was irrigated, Hazare converted it into about {{convert|2500|acres}}.<ref name=Seabrook1993p250 />

===Education===
In 1932, [[Ralegan Siddhi]] got its first formal school, a single classroom primary school.{{clarify|reason=this seems to contradict other sources cited earlier, which explain why AH had to be schooled in Mumbai|date=September 2011}} In 1962, the villagers added more classrooms through community volunteer efforts. By 1971, out of an estimated population of 1,209, only 30.43% were literate (72 women and 290 men). Boys moved to the nearby towns of [[Shirur, Maharashtra|Shirur]] and [[Parner]] to pursue higher education, but girls were limited to primary education. Hazare, along with the youth of Ralegan Siddhi, worked to increase literacy rates and education levels. In 1976 they started a pre-school and a high school in 1979. The villagers formed a [[charitable trust]], the ''Sant Yadavbaba Shikshan Prasarak Mandal'', which was registered in 1979.{{citation needed|date=September 2011}}

===Removal of untouchability===
The social barriers and discrimination that existed due to the [[caste system in India]] have been largely eliminated by Ralegan Siddhi villagers. It was Hazare's moral leadership that motivated and inspired the villagers to shun [[Dalit|untouchability]] and caste discrimination. Marriages of [[Dalit]]s are held as part of community marriage program together with those of other castes. The Dalits have become integrated into the social and economic life of the village. The upper caste villagers built houses for the lower caste Dalits by ''shramdaan'' and helped to repay their loans.<ref name="DEVELOPMENT WITH EQUITY">{{cite web|url=http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/~venu/ANNA/withequity.html|title=Development with Equity|author1=Ramesh Awasthi|author2=Dashrath K. Panmand|publisher=University of Maryland|access-date=20 August 2011|archive-date=30 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830131450/http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/~venu/ANNA/withequity.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Moving the masses Anna's way">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/newmanager/article2040275.ece|title=Moving the masses Anna's way|work=Business Line|access-date=19 July 2011|archive-date=19 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819153455/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/newmanager/article2040275.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Globalization, liberalisation, and environmentalism">{{cite book|last=Poddar|first=Ganeshdatta|title=Globalization, liberalization, and environmentalism|publisher=Rawat Publications|year=2009|pages=262 pages|isbn=978-81-316-0109-9|url=http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&tbm=bks&q=Dalits+in+Ralegan+Siddhi&oq=Dalits+in+Ralegan+Siddhi&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=91589l94266l0l95035l5l5l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0|access-date=19 July 2011|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924040755/http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&tbm=bks&q=Dalits+in+Ralegan+Siddhi&oq=Dalits+in+Ralegan+Siddhi&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=91589l94266l0l95035l5l5l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Gram Sabha===
The [[Gandhian philosophy]] on rural development considers the [[Gram panchayat|Gram Sabha]] as an important democratic institution for collective decision-making in the villages of India.<ref name="marothia">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X_z4vcGrGmwC&pg=PA122|title=Institutionalizing Common Pool Resources|last=Marothia|first=Dinesh K.|pages=122=8|year=2002|publisher=Concept Publishing|location=New Delhi|isbn=81-7022-981-2|access-date=20 August 2011}}</ref> Hazare campaigned between 1998 and 2006 for amending the Gram Sabha Act, so that villagers have a say in the village's development. The state government initially refused, but eventually gave in to public pressure. It became mandatory to seek the sanction of the Gram Sabha (an assembly of all village adults, and not just the few elected representatives in the gram panchayat) for expenditures on development works in the village.<ref name="Anna Hazare, our one, big hope, and why he can do it">{{cite news|url=http://www.moneylife.in/article/anna-hazare-our-one-big-hope-and-why-he-can-do-it/15399.html|title=Anna Hazare, our one, big hope, and why he can do it|last=Deshmukh|first=Vinita|date=7 April 2011|publisher=Moneylife|access-date=8 April 2011|archive-date=10 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410114114/http://www.moneylife.in/article/anna-hazare-our-one-big-hope-and-why-he-can-do-it/15399.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Activism==
===Anti-corruption protests in Maharashtra===
[[File:Anna-Cap1.JPG|right|thumb|Anna Hazare's supporter's cap which reads "I am Anna Hazare"]]

In 1991 Hazare launched the Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan (BVJA, People's Movement against Corruption), a popular movement to fight against corruption<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/134525/people-against-corruption/the-story-of-social-activist-anna-hazare.html|title=The rise and rise of Anna Hazare|date=6 April 2011|newspaper=[[India Today]]|access-date=9 April 2011|archive-date=10 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410231336/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/134525/people-against-corruption/the-story-of-social-activist-anna-hazare.html|url-status=live}}</ref> in Ralegaon Siddhi. In the same year he protested against the collusion between 40 forest officials and timber merchants. This protest resulted in the transfer and suspension of these officials.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?271254|title=Wielding The Broom|author=Raman, Anuradha|author2=Smruti Koppikar|newspaper=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=18 April 2011|access-date=9 April 2011|archive-date=11 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411163937/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?271254|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 1997 Hazare protested alleged malpractice in the purchase of powerlooms by the Vasantrao Naik Bhathya Vimukt Jhtra Governor [[P. C. Alexander]].<ref name="ia2">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19970521/14150313.html |title=Hazare trains guns on Gholap |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=21 May 1997|access-date=8 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411003148/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19970521/14150313.html |archive-date=11 April 2011 }}</ref> On 4 November 1997 Gholap filed a defamation suit against Hazare for accusing him of corruption. He was arrested in April 1998 and was released on a personal bond of {{INRConvert|5000||−1}}.<ref name="ia4">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/Storyold/27926/ |title=Hazare released on bond in Gholap case |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=14 April 1998|access-date=8 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514134450/http://www.indianexpress.com/Storyold/27926/ |archive-date=14 May 2011}}</ref> On 9 September 1998 Hazare was imprisoned in the Yerawada Jail to serve a three-month sentence mandated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Court.<ref name="gosling"/><ref name="ia1">{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19980910/25350544.html |title=Anna Hazare sentenced to three months imprisonment |date=10 September 1998|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=8 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121101353/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19980910/25350544.html |archive-date=21 January 2012 }}</ref> The sentencing caused leaders of all political parties except the BJP and the Shiv Sena to support him.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hazare sentenced|url=http://downtoearth.org.in/node/22490|work=Anna Hazare sentenced|access-date=20 August 2011|archive-date=11 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411140504/http://downtoearth.org.in/node/22490|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, due to public protests, the Government of Maharashtra ordered his release. Hazare wrote a letter to then chief minister [[Manohar Joshi]] demanding Gholap's removal for his role in alleged malpractices in the Awami Merchant Bank.<ref name="ia3">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19981212/34650614.html |title=Hazare wants Gholap sacked |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=12 December 1998|access-date=8 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514134438/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19981212/34650614.html |archive-date=14 May 2011 }}</ref> Gholap resigned from the cabinet on 27 April 1999.<ref name="ia5">{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19990428/ipo28060.html |title=Snap polls woke Rane up to sack Gholap |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=28 April 1999|last=Marpakwar |first=Prafulla |access-date=10 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121101400/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19990428/ipo28060.html |archive-date=21 January 2012 }}</ref>

In 2003 corruption charges were raised by Hazare against four NCP ministers of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]]-[[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]] government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=365095&catid=36 |title=Pawar-Hazare rivalry revived |date=6 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |access-date=8 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501061834/http://thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=365095&catid=36 |archive-date=1 May 2011|url-status=dead }}</ref> He started his [[fast unto death]] on 9 August 2003. He ended his fast on 17 August 2003 after then chief minister [[Sushil Kumar Shinde]] formed a one-man commission headed by the retired justice [[P. B. Sawant]] to probe his charges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/17anna.htm|title=Anna Hazare ends protest fast|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=17 August 2003|access-date=8 April 2011|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025230601/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/17anna.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The P. B. Sawant commission report, submitted on 23 February 2005, indicted [[Sureshdada Jain]], Nawab Malik, and [[Padamsinha Bajirao Patil|Padmasinh Patil]]. The report exonerated Vijaykumar Gavit. Jain and Malik resigned from the cabinet in March 2005.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-03-11/mumbai/27840291_1_minister-nawab-malik-anna-hazare|title=Nawab Malik is second NCP minister to quit|date=11 March 2005|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=8 April 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Three trusts headed by Anna Hazare were also indicted in the P. B. Sawant commission report. {{INRConvert|220000||−1}} spent by the ''Hind Swaraj Trust'' for Anna Hazare's birthday celebrations was concluded by the commission as illegal and amounting to a corrupt practice,<ref name="india today">{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/modi-remark-congress-slams-anna-hazare/1/135497.html|title=Congress continues to target Anna Hazare on Narendra Modi remark|work=India Today|date=17 April 2011|author=Joshi, Poornima|author2=Kavita Chowdhury|author3=Sangeeth Sebastian Kurien|access-date=11 June 2011|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629223312/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/modi-remark-congress-slams-anna-hazare/1/135497.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Justice Sawant Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/pdf/savantCommission.pdf?q=sawant |title=Report: Justice P. B. Sawant Commission of Inquiry |publisher=Government of Maharashtra website |pages=256–372 |access-date=8 June 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125080539/http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/pdf/savantCommission.pdf?q=sawant |archive-date=25 January 2012 }}</ref> though Abhay Firodia, an industrialist subsequently donated {{INRConvert|248000||−1}} to the trust for that purpose.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-06-29/pune/27151490_1_hind-swaraj-trust-anna-hazare-p-b-sawant-commission|title=Trust funds used for Hazare's birthday: Jain|date=29 June 2004|last=Damle|first=Manjiri Madhav|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=17 April 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The setting apart of 11 acres of its land by the trust in favour of the [[District Councils of India|Zilla Parishad]] without obtaining permission from the charity commissioner was concluded as a case of maladministration. The commission also concluded that the maintenance of accounts of the ''Bhrashtachar Virodhi Janandolan Trust'' after 10 November 2001 had not been according to the rules and {{INRConvert|46374||−1}} spent by the ''Sant Yadavbaba Shikshan Prasarak Mandal Trust'' for renovating a temple thwarted its object of imparting secular education.<ref name="india today"/><ref name="Justice Sawant Report"/>

===Right to Information movement===
In the early 2000s Hazare led a movement in Maharashtra state which forced the state government to enact a revised Maharashtra Right to Information Act. This Act was later considered as the base document for the [[Right to Information Act]] 2005 (RTI), enacted by the Union Government. It also ensured that the President of India assented to this new Act.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hSaXTqOv6rAC&q=Anna+Hazare+RTI+movement&pg=PA24|title=The Right to Know: Transparency for an Open World|page=24|last=Florini|first=Ann|publisher=Columbia University Press|location=New York|isbn=978-0-231-14158-1|access-date=20 August 2011|year=2007|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135424/https://books.google.com/books?id=hSaXTqOv6rAC&q=Anna+Hazare+RTI+movement&pg=PA24|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 July 2006 the Union Cabinet amended the Right to Information Act 2005 to exclude the file noting by the government officials from its purview. Hazare began his [[fast unto death]] on 9 August 2006 in [[Alandi]] against the proposed amendment. He ended his fast on 19 August 2006, after the government agreed to change its earlier decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-08-19/india/27813455_1_rti-amendment-anna-hazare-anti-corruption-crusader|title=Anna Hazare calls off fast on RTI amendment|date=19 August 2006|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=11 April 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Regulation of Transfers and Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Act===
Before 2006 in the state of Maharashtra, honest government officers were transferred to other places according to ministerial wish, while some corrupt and favoured officials stayed put for decades. Hazare fought for a law whereby a government servant must clear files within a specified time, and transfers must take place only after three years. After many years of Hazare's efforts, on 25 May 2006 Maharashtra announced the Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Act 2006. This act provided for disciplinary action against officials who clear files slowly, and enabled monitoring of officials who overstay a post, and for involvement in a corrupt nexus.

This act mandated the government to effect transfers of all government officers and employees, except Class IV workers, no sooner and no later than three years, except in emergency or exceptional circumstances. Maharashtra was the first state to introduce such an act.<ref name="Anna Hazare, our one, big hope, and why he can do it"/> However, this law was not fully followed.<ref name="Practise existing laws first: Anna Hazare">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid-news/mumbai/Practise-existing-laws-first-Anna-Hazare/Article1-662898.aspx |title=Practise existing laws first: Anna Hazare |last=Chavan |first=Prajakta |date=16 February 2011|work=Hindustan Times |access-date=9 June 2011|location=Mumbai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022002819/http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid-news/mumbai/Practise-existing-laws-first-Anna-Hazare/Article1-662898.aspx |archive-date=22 October 2012 }}</ref><ref name="State all set to scrap MAT">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-29/mumbai/28314355_1_transfer-orders-tribunals-official-duties-act|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826002942/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-29/mumbai/28314355_1_transfer-orders-tribunals-official-duties-act|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2012|title=State all set to scrap MAT|last=Marpakwar|first=Prafulla|date=29 July 2010|access-date=9 June 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|location=Mumbai}}</ref>

=== Campaign against liquor from food grains ===
Article 47 of India's Constitution commits the State to raise the standard of living, improve public health and prohibit the consumption of [[intoxicant|intoxicating]] drinks and drugs injurious to health.<ref>{{Harvnb|Basu|2003|p=459}}</ref><ref>
{{cite book|title=Shorter Constitution of India|last=Basu|first=Durga Das|year=2003|edition=13th|place=Nagpur|publisher=Wadhwa & Co|isbn=978-81-8038-206-2|page=1972}}</ref><ref name="मद्यनिर्मितीला प्रोत्साहन देणारे धोरण घटनाबाह्य">{{cite news|url=http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5687728.cms|title=मद्यनिर्मितीला प्रोत्साहन देणारे धोरण घटनाबाह्य|date=16 March 2010|work=Maharashtra Times|language=mr|access-date=12 June 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929174104/http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5687728.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007 Maharashtra rolled out a policy aimed to encourage production of alcohol from food grain to fill the rising demand for industrial alcohol and liquor. It issued 36 licences for distilleries for making alcohol from food grain.<ref name="मद्यनिर्मितीला प्रोत्साहन देणारे धोरण घटनाबाह्य"/>

Anna Hazare opposed the government's policy to promote making liquor from food grain. He argued that Maharashtra had to import food, so producing liquor from food grain was inappropriate.<ref name="Maharashtra urged to scrap permits for grain-based distilleries, There is no law to scrap the licences, says Principal Secretary">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article445165.ece|title=Maharashtra urged to scrap permits for grain-based distilleries, There is no law to scrap the licences, says Principal Secretary|date=3 June 2010|work=The Hindu|access-date=11 June 2011|location=Chennai, India|first=Rahi|last=Gaikwad|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025115117/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article445165.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> One State minister, Laxman Dhoble said that those opposing the use of food grain for the production of liquor were anti-farmer, and that opponents should be beaten with sugarcane sticks.<ref>[http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5409624.cms ढोंबळेंनी मागितली माफी] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929174037/http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5409624.cms |date=29 September 2011 }} Maharashtra Times(Marathi)4 January 2010,</ref><ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD1wpQg0jEA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/nD1wpQg0jEA |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=Laxman Dhoble- "people should be beaten up with sugarcane sticks"|via=YouTube|date=4 January 2010|access-date=17 August 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Hazare began fasting at [[Shirdi]], but on 21 March 2010 the government promised to review the policy and Anna ended his 5-day fast.<ref name="धान्यापासून दारू नाही!">{{cite news|url=http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5707395.cms|title=धान्यापासून दारू नाही!|date=21 March 2010|work=Maharashtra Times|language=mr|access-date=11 June 2011|location=shirdi|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929174003/http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5707395.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> But the government later granted 36 licences and grants of {{INRConvert|10|}} (per litre of alcohol) to politicians or their sons who were engaged in making alcohol from foodgrains. Recipients included Amit and Dheeraj Deshmukh, sons of Union Heavy Industries Minister [[Vilasrao Deshmukh]], [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] leader [[Gopinath Munde]]'s daughter Pankaja Palwe and her husband Charudatta Palwe, sons-in-law of [[P.V. Narasimha Rao]] and Rajya Sabha MP Govindrao Adik.<ref name="Maharashtra urged to scrap permits for grain-based distilleries, There is no law to scrap the licences, says Principal Secretary"/><ref name="Liquor from food grains, leaves farmers in lurch">{{cite news|url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/sakaaltimesbeta/20100628/5136859575247291505.htm|title=Liquor from food grains, leaves farmers in lurch|date=28 June 2010|publisher=e Sakal|access-date=11 June 2011|location=PUNE|archive-date=4 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004070414/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/sakaaltimesbeta/20100628/5136859575247291505.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Alcohol from grains uncorks deficit issue">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_alcohol-from-grains-uncorks-deficit-issue_1323413|title=Alcohol from grains uncorks deficit issue|date=14 December 2009|publisher=DNA|access-date=11 June 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=21 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121025356/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_alcohol-from-grains-uncorks-deficit-issue_1323413|url-status=live}}</ref> The government approved the licences despite stiff opposition from the planning and finance departments, saying there was a huge demand in other countries for distilled spirits compared to that of [[molasses]].<ref name="HC says no to Anna's PIL on liquor production from foodgrains">{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/159170/hc-says-no-annas-pil.html|title=HC says no to Anna's PIL on liquor production from foodgrains|date=5 May 2011|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=11 June 2011|location=Nagpur|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021112255/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/159170/hc-says-no-annas-pil.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Hazare [[Public Interest Litigation|sued]] Maharashtra over the policy in the Nagpur bench of the [[Bombay High Court]]. On 20 August 2009 Maharashtra stopped the policy. However, distilleries sanctioned before that date and those who started production within two years of sanction were entitled for subsidies.

On 5 May 2011 the court refused to hear the suit, saying, "not before me, this is a court of law, not a court of justice".<ref name="Liquor to ooze from chikoo, jambhul">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_liquor-to-ooze-from-chikoo-jambhul_1365071|title=Liquor to ooze from chikoo, jambhul|last=Tare|first=Kiran|date=30 March 2010|publisher=DNA|access-date=11 June 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=24 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824091230/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_liquor-to-ooze-from-chikoo-jambhul_1365071|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HC bench says no to hear Anna plea on liquor production">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8164528.cms?prtpage=1|title=HC bench says no to hear Anna plea on liquor production|date=5 May 2011|work=The Economic Times|access-date=11 June 2011|location=Mumbai|first1=Manka|last1=Behl|archive-date=19 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019105706/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8164528.cms?prtpage=1|url-status=live}}</ref> A Maharashtra Principal Secretary, C.S. Sangeet Rao, stated that no law existed to scrap these licences.<ref name="Maharashtra urged to scrap permits for grain-based distilleries, There is no law to scrap the licences, says Principal Secretary"/>

===Lokpal Bill movement===
[[File:Anna Hazare on 2nd day.jpg|thumb|right|Anna Hazare's hunger strike at [[Jantar Mantar (Delhi)|Jantar Mantar]] in New Delhi.]]
{{Main|2011 Indian anti-corruption movement}}

In 2011, Hazare participated in the [[satyagraha]] movement campaigning for a stronger anti-corruption ''Lokpal'' ([[ombudsman]]) bill in the Indian parliament. Known as the [[Jan Lokpal Bill]] (People's Ombudsman Bill), it was drafted by [[N. Santosh Hegde]], a former justice of the [[Supreme Court of India]] and [[Lokayukta]] of [[Karnataka]], [[Prashant Bhushan]], and social activist [[Arvind Kejriwal]]. The draft incorporated more stringent provisions and gave wider power to the ''Lokpal'' than the government's 2010 draft.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/29/stories/2011032963791300.htm|title=Anna Hazare faults Lokpal Bill|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=29 March 2011|last=Deshpande|first=Vinaya|access-date=5 April 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426200654/http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/29/stories/2011032963791300.htm|archive-date=26 April 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> These included placing "the Prime Minister within the ambit of the proposed lokpal's powers".<ref name="pace">{{cite news|title=Anna sets pace for faltering govt |date=20 August 2011|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/NewDelhi/Anna-sets-pace-for-faltering-govt/Article1-735238.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103033601/http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/NewDelhi/Anna-sets-pace-for-faltering-govt/Article1-735238.aspx |archive-date=3 January 2013|work=Hindustan Times |location=India |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

====Hunger strike====
Hazare began an "[[Hunger strike|indefinite fast]]"<ref>[http://in.news.yahoo.com/indefinite-fast-only-option-anna-hazare-144205887.html Indefinite fast the only option : Anna Hazare – Yahoo!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122133841/http://in.news.yahoo.com/indefinite-fast-only-option-anna-hazare-144205887.html |date=22 November 2011 }}. Yahoo! News.com (29 July 2011). Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref> on 5 April 2011 at [[Jantar Mantar (Delhi)|Jantar Mantar]] in Delhi as part of the campaign to form a joint committee of government and civil society representatives. He wanted this committee to draft a bill with more stringent penal provisions and gave more independence to the ''Lokpal'' and ''Lokayukta''s (ombudsmen in the states). The fast came after his demand was rejected by the prime minister, [[Manmohan Singh]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anna-Hazare-to-start-fast-unto-death-for-strong-Lokpal-Bill/Article1-681415.aspx |title=Anna Hazare to start fast unto death for strong Lokpal Bill |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=5 April 2011|access-date=5 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410042738/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anna-Hazare-to-start-fast-unto-death-for-strong-Lokpal-Bill/Article1-681415.aspx |archive-date=10 April 2011 }}</ref> Hazare said, "I will fast until Jan Lokpal Bill is passed".<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12994855|title=India activist Anna Hazare anti-graft fast stokes anger|publisher=BBC|date=7 April 2011|access-date=7 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408055959/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12994855|archive-date=8 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

The movement attracted attention in the media and thousands of supporters. Almost 150 people reportedly joined Hazare in his fast.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-hazares-antigraft-campaign-gathers-steam/148396-3.html|title=Thousands join Anna Hazare's anti-graft fight|publisher=[[IBN Live]]|date=6 April 2011|access-date=6 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511101056/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-hazares-antigraft-campaign-gathers-steam/148396-3.html|archive-date=11 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Social activists, including [[Medha Patkar]], [[Arvind Kejriwal]], former [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] officer [[Kiran Bedi]], and [[Jayaprakash Narayan (Lok Satta)|Jayaprakash Narayan]] lent their support. People showed support in social media. In addition to spiritual leaders [[Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]], [[Swami Ramdev]], [[Swami Agnivesh]], the former Indian cricketer [[Kapil Dev]] and many other celebrities supported him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1606249.ece|title=Support pours in for Hazare's movement|location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu|first=Sandeep|last=Joshi|date=7 April 2011|access-date=6 April 2011|archive-date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409165835/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1606249.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Hazare decided that he would not allow any politician to sit with him. The protesters rejected [[Uma Bharti]], [[Om Prakash Chautala]] and others when they visited the protest.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/uma-bharti-chautala-heckled-at-hazare-protest-96854|title=Uma Bharti, Chautala heckled at Hazare protest|date=6 April 2011|access-date=9 April 2011|archive-date=3 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103065405/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/uma-bharti-chautala-heckled-at-hazare-protest-96854|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 April 2011 [[Sharad Pawar]] resigned from the group of ministers formed for reviewing the 2010 draft.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-07/india/29391933_1_anna-hazare-corruption-panel-sharad-pawar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105155732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-07/india/29391933_1_anna-hazare-corruption-panel-sharad-pawar|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Sharad Pawar quits corruption panel as support for Anna Hazare grows|date=7 April 2011}}</ref>

Protests spread to [[Bangalore]], [[Mumbai]], [[Chennai]], [[Ahmedabad]], [[Guwahati]], [[Shillong]], [[Aizawl]] and other cities.<ref name="Northeast support to Hazare's">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-09/guwahati/29400372_1_anna-hazare-lokpal-bill-corruption|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105155756/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-09/guwahati/29400372_1_anna-hazare-lokpal-bill-corruption|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|title=Northeast support to Hazare's|date=9 April 2011|access-date=9 April 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|location=GUWAHATI/ SHILLONG/ AIZAWL}}</ref>

On 8 April 2011 the Government accepted the movement's demands. On 9 April it issued a notification in the ''[[The Gazette of India|Gazette of India]]'' on formation of a joint committee. It accepted the formula that it should be co-chaired by a politician and social activist. The notification stated, "The Joint Drafting Committee shall consist of five nominee ministers of the Government of India and five nominees of the civil society. The five nominee Ministers of the Government of India are [[Pranab Mukherjee]], Union Minister of Finance, [[P. Chidambaram]], Union Minister of Home Affairs, [[M. Veerappa Moily]], Union Minister of Law and Justice, [[Kapil Sibal]], Union Minister of Human Resource and Development and Minister of Communication and Information Technology and [[Salman Khursheed]], Union Minister of Water Resources and Minister of Minority Affairs. The five non-politician nominees were Anna Hazare, [[N. Santosh Hegde]], [[Shanti Bhushan]] Senior Advocate, [[Prashant Bhushan]], Advocate and [[Arvind Kejriwal]].<ref name="GOVERNMENT ISSUES NOTIFICATION TO CONSTITUTE A JOINT DRAFTING COMMITTEE TO PREPARE DRAFT LOK PAL BILL- (Release ID :71560)">{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=71560|title=Government issues notification to constitute a joint drafting committee to prepare draft Lok Pal Bill|author=Press Information Bureau|date=8 April 2011|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|page=1|access-date=9 April 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501011847/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=71560|archive-date=1 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Lokpal Bill: Text of Gazette notification">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1645254.ece|title=Lokpal Bill: Text of Gazette notification|agency=Press Trust of India|date=9 April 2011|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 April 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429213859/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1645254.ece|archive-date=29 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the morning of 9 April 2011 Hazare ended his 98-hour hunger strike. He addressed the people and set a deadline of 15 August 2011 to pass the bill. He said that {{blockquote|Real fight begins now. We have a lot of struggle ahead of us in drafting the new legislation. We have shown the world in just five days that we are united for the cause of the nation. The youth power in this movement is a sign of hope.<ref>{{cite news|first=Rama|last=Lakshmi|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/india_agrees_to_protesters_demand_on_graft_panel/2011/04/09/AFFyy05C_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage|title=India agrees to protesters' demand on graft panel|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=9 April 2011|access-date=17 August 2011|archive-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112145653/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/india_agrees_to_protesters_demand_on_graft_panel/2011/04/09/AFFyy05C_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Hazare said that if the bill did not pass he would call for a mass nation-wide agitation.<ref name="India agrees to protesters' demand on graft panel">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/india_agrees_to_protesters_demand_on_graft_panel/2011/04/09/AFFyy05C_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage|title=India agrees to protesters' demand on graft panel|last=Lakshmi|first=Rama|date=9 April 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=9 April 2011|location=Bangalore|archive-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112145653/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/india_agrees_to_protesters_demand_on_graft_panel/2011/04/09/AFFyy05C_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Anna Hazare ends fast, says his fight against corruption to continue">{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/134778/india/lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-ends-fast-says-fight-against-corruption-will-continue.html |title=Anna Hazare ends fast, says his fight against corruption to continue |author=Headlines Today Bureau |date=9 April 2011|work=India Today |access-date=9 April 2011|location=New Delhi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412014955/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/134778/india/lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-ends-fast-says-fight-against-corruption-will-continue.html |archive-date=12 April 2011}}</ref> He called his movement a "second struggle for [[Indian independence movement|independence]]" and he will continue the fight.<ref name="India wins again, Anna Hazare calls off fast">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-09/india/29400310_1_anna-hazare-revolutions-on-other-issues-law-minister|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105155816/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-09/india/29400310_1_anna-hazare-revolutions-on-other-issues-law-minister|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|title=India wins again, Anna Hazare calls off fast|date=9 April 2011|access-date=9 April 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|location=New Delhi}}</ref>

Hazare threatened on 28 July 2012 to proceed with his fast-unto-death on the Jan Lokpal Bill issue. He also stated that country's future is not safe in the hands of Congress and BJP and he would campaign in the coming elections for those with clean background.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-28/india/32906346_1_anna-hazare-team-anna-fast-unto-death|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103042022/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-28/india/32906346_1_anna-hazare-team-anna-fast-unto-death|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Anna Hazare threatens fast-unto-death from tomorrow on Lokpal issue|date=28 July 2012}}</ref> On the third day of his indefinite fast, Anna stated that he will not talk even to the Prime Minister till his demands are met.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3708020.ece|title=Hazare says no talks even with Manmohan until demands are met|date=1 August 2012|location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802211417/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3708020.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 August 2012 Hazare said that there was nothing wrong with forming a new political party but, he would neither join the party nor contest elections.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-02/india/33000218_1_protest-venue-gopal-rai-jantar-mantar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103042029/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-02/india/33000218_1_protest-venue-gopal-rai-jantar-mantar|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=I won't join a party or contest polls: Anna Hazare|date=2 August 2012}}</ref> Team and Anna have decided to end their indefinite fast on 3 August 2012 at 5&nbsp;pm after which the team will announce their decision to enter politics.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/team-anna-to-join-politics/liveblog/15326702.cms|title=Anna Hazare talks about giving political alternative to people|date=2 August 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=2 August 2012|archive-date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802175436/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/team-anna-to-join-politics/liveblog/15326702.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Draft bill====
[[File:People on road for anna.jpg|thumb|right|People on road in support of Anna Hazare near Ramlila maidan.]]
During the meeting of the joint drafting committee on 30 May 2011, the Union government members opposed the inclusion of the prime minister, higher judiciary and the acts of the [[Member of Parliament|MPs]] under the purview of the JanLokpal in the draft bill.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/article2062166.ece/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111092251/http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/article2062166.ece/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |title=Contentious issues bog down Lokpal Bill panel |date=30 May 2011|last=Balchand |first=K. |access-date=6 June 2011}}</ref> On 31 May, Mukherjee sent a letter to the chief ministers of all [[States and union territories of India|states]] and party leaders seeking their opinion on six contentious issues, including whether to bring the prime minister and judges of India's Supreme Court and High Courts under the law's purview.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/india/29608301_1_lokpal-bill-lokpal-and-lokayukta-chief-ministers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826002946/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/india/29608301_1_lokpal-bill-lokpal-and-lokayukta-chief-ministers|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2012|title=Centre ropes in states, parties on PM question|date=1 June 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 June 2011}}</ref> But the civil society members of the drafting committee considered that keeping them out would be a violation of the [[United Nations Convention against Corruption]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Keeping-PM-out-of-Lokpal-breach-of-UN-law-Team-Anna/Article1-705442.aspx |title=Keeping PM out of Lokpal breach of UN law: Team Anna |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=4 June 2011|last=Sharma |first=Nagendar |access-date=6 June 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607040248/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Keeping-PM-out-of-Lokpal-breach-of-UN-law-Team-Anna/Article1-705442.aspx |archive-date= 7 June 2011 }}</ref>

Hazare and other civil society members decided to boycott the 6 June 2011 drafting committee meeting to protest the forcible eviction of [[Swami Ramdev]] and his followers by the [[Department of Police, Delhi|Delhi Police]] from [[Ramlila Maidan]] on 5 June 2011, while they were on a hunger strike against black money and corruption.<ref>
{{cite news|title=Fallout of midnight crackdown: Anna to fast again on June 8|date=5 June 2011|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-05/india/29623068_1_anna-hazare-lokpal-bill-hunger-strike|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105155830/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-05/india/29623068_1_anna-hazare-lokpal-bill-hunger-strike|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 June 2011}}</ref>

On 6 June 2011, the civil society members wrote to Mukherjee, explaining reasons for their absence and also asking government to go public on the major issues. They also decided to attend only future meetings that were telecast live.<ref name="Action against Ramdev: Anna Hazare supporters to observe countrywide hunger strike">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_team-anna-terms-police-action-on-ramdev-barbaric-to-boycott-lokpal-meet_1551517|title=Action against Ramdev: Anna Hazare supporters to observe countrywide hunger strike|date=6 November 2004|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis|access-date=6 June 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-date=9 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609205740/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_team-anna-terms-police-action-on-ramdev-barbaric-to-boycott-lokpal-meet_1551517|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 June at Rajghat, describing his movement as the second freedom struggle, Hazare criticised the Government for trying to discredit the drafting committee and threatened to go on indefinite fast again starting 16 August 2011 if the Lokpal Bill had not passed. He also criticised the Government for putting hurdles in front of the Bill and for maligning the civil society members.<ref name="toixx">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-09/india/29634453_1_anna-hazare-sets-ramdev-camp-death-sets|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922083549/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-09/india/29634453_1_anna-hazare-sets-ramdev-camp-death-sets|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|title=Anna Hazare holds fast, gives govt Aug 15 deadline for Lokpal Bill|date=8 June 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=8 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Govt trying to discredit Lokpal panel: Hazare">{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/govt-trying-to-discredit-lokpal-panel-hazare/157689-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610053859/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/govt-trying-to-discredit-lokpal-panel-hazare/157689-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 June 2011|title=Govt trying to discredit Lokpal panel: Hazare|date=8 June 2011|publisher=CNN-IBN|access-date=8 June 2011|location=New Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/newdelhi/Second-freedom-movement-on-long-way-to-go-Anna/Article1-707077.aspx |title=Second freedom movement on, long way to go: Anna |newspaper=Hindustan Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021231217/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/newdelhi/Second-freedom-movement-on-long-way-to-go-Anna/Article1-707077.aspx |archive-date=21 October 2012 }}</ref>

==== Indefinite fast ====
[[File:IAC campaign in Whitefield, Bangalore on 19th August.jpg|thumb|[[India Against Corruption]] campaign in Whitefield, [[Bangalore]].]]
On 28 July 2011 the union cabinet approved a draft of the Lokpal Bill, which kept the Prime Minister, judiciary and lower bureaucracy out of the ombudsman's scope. Hazare rejected the government version by describing it as "cruel joke".  He wrote a letter to Singh announcing his decision to begin an indefinite fast from 16 August 2011 at Jantar Mantar, if the government introduced its own version of the bill without taking suggestions from civil society members.<ref name="Anna Hazare warns of fast unto death from 16 Aug 2011">{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/anna-hazare-warnsfast-unto-deathaug-16/443215/|title=Anna Hazare warns of fast unto death from Aug 16|date=19 July 2011|work=Business Standard|access-date=30 July 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013220733/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/anna-hazare-warnsfast-unto-deathaug-16/443215/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hazare to go on fast from 16 August demanding revised Bill">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2302166.ece|title=Hazare to go on fast from August 16, 2011 demanding revised Bill|last=Parsai|first=Gargi|date=28 July 2011|work=The Hindu|access-date=30 July 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-date=10 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910204001/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2302166.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Hazare wrote:

{{blockquote|Why are you (government) sending the wrong draft? We have faith in Parliament. But first send the right draft, our agitation is against government, not Parliament. The government has overlooked many points. How will it fight corruption by excluding government employees, CBI and prime minister from the Lokpal's purview? We were told that both the drafts would be sent to the Cabinet. But only the government's draft was sent. This is a deceitful government. They are lying. How will they run the country? Now I have no trust in this government. If it is really serious about fighting corruption, why is it not bringing government employees and CBI under Lokpal?<ref>[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/lokpal-anna-slams-government-for-presenting-wrong-draft/1/146483.html Lokpal Bill: I have no trust in this government, it deceives, says Anna Hazare] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110730234113/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/lokpal-anna-slams-government-for-presenting-wrong-draft/1/146483.html |date=30 July 2011 }} India Today 29 July 2011</ref>}}

Within twenty four hours of cabinet's endorsement of a weak Lokpal Bill, over ten thousand people from across the country sent [[fax]]es directly to the government demanding a stronger bill.<ref name="Avaaz decries cabinet's endorsement of a weak Lokpal Bill">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-28/india/29829792_1_lokpal-bill-corruption-strong-bill|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916205207/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-28/india/29829792_1_lokpal-bill-corruption-strong-bill|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 September 2012|title=Avaaz decries cabinet's endorsement of a weak Lokpal Bill|date=28 July 2011|access-date=30 July 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|location=New Delhi}}</ref> The Mumbai Taxi Men's Union, comprising over 30,000 taxi drivers supported Hazare's fast by keeping all taxis off the roads on 16 August.<ref name="Taxi union to join Hazare's fight for lokpal">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Taxi-union-to-join-Hazare-s-fight-for-lokpal/H1-Article1-726436.aspx |archive-url=http://web.archive.bibalex.org/web/20111208110818/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Taxi-union-to-join-Hazare-s-fight-for-lokpal/Article1-726436.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 December 2011|title=Taxi union to join Hazare's fight for lokpal |last=Rao |first=Shashank |date=28 July 2011|work=Hindustan Times |access-date=30 July 2011|location=Mumbai, India  }}</ref> Lawyers of [[Allahabad High Court]] described the government proposal as against the national interest and pledged their support to Hazare by hunger striking at Allahabad on 16 August.<ref name="Lawyers hold protest in Allahabad in support of Anna Hazare">{{cite news|url=http://www.lawetalnews.com/NewsDetail.asp?newsid=4452 |title=Lawyers hold protest in Allahabad in support of Anna Hazare |last=Malviya |first=Alok |date=30 July 2011|publisher=Lawetal news |access-date=30 July 2011|location=Allahabad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107183647/http://www.lawetalnews.com/NewsDetail.asp?newsid=4452 |archive-date=7 November 2011}}</ref> On 30 July [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] supported his fast by saying movement for an effective anti-corruption ombudsman needed the people's backing.<ref name="Lokpal: VHP calls for support to Hazare">{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-30/news/29833277_1_lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-vhp-president|title=Lokpal: VHP calls for support to Hazare|date=30 July 2011|work=The Economic Times|access-date=30 July 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=21 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121100417/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-30/news/29833277_1_lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-vhp-president|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 August 2011, [[Public interest litigation]] was filed in the [[Supreme Court of India]] by Hemant Patil, a Maharashtra-based social worker and businessman, to restrain Hazare, alleging that Hazare's demands were unconstitutional and amounted to interference in the legislative process.<ref name=" Hazare's demands are unconstitutional: PIL">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hazares-demands-are-unconstitutional-pil/825549/|title=Hazare's demands are unconstitutional: PIL|date=1 August 2011|work=The Indian Express|access-date=1 August 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135437/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/hazares-demands-are-unconstitutional-pil/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Arrest and aftermath====
On 16 August 2011, Hazare was arrested, four hours before the planned indefinite hunger strike.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-16/india/29891738_1_jai-prakash-narain-park-anna-hazare-delhi-police|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922083557/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-16/india/29891738_1_jai-prakash-narain-park-anna-hazare-delhi-police|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|title=India Against Corruption: Anna Hazare arrested by Delhi Police ahead of fast|date=16 August 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=16 August 2011}}</ref> Rajan Bhagat, spokesman for Delhi Police, said police arrested Hazare for illegally gathering in a Delhi park to begin his hunger strike, claiming that Hazare refused to meet police conditions for allowing the protest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/team-anna-detained-for-defying-orders-govt/175962-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017025118/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/team-anna-detained-for-defying-orders-govt/175962-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2012|title=Team Anna detained for defying orders: Govt|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]|date=16 August 2011|access-date=16 August 2011}}</ref> The conditions included restricting the fast to three days and the number of protesters to 5,000. Later in the afternoon, Hazare refused bail. The magistrate dispatched him to [[Tihar Prisons|Tihar jail]] for seven days.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-16/india/29891820_1_prohibitory-orders-anna-hazare-shanti-bhushan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922083605/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-16/india/29891820_1_prohibitory-orders-anna-hazare-shanti-bhushan|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|title=Anna Hazare sent to judicial custody|date=16 August 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=16 August 2011}}</ref> After announcements by Prashant Bhushan, local television, and social media sites (including Facebook), thousands marched in support from the [[India Gate]] to [[Jantar Mantar]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hazare supporters proceed to Jantar Mantar|date=17 August 2011|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2365802.ece|work=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India|access-date=19 August 2011|archive-date=10 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910204048/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2365802.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Media reported that about 1,300 supporters were detained by police in Delhi, including [[Arvind Kejriwal]], [[Shanti Bhushan]], [[Kiran Bedi]] and [[Manish Sisodia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/17/world/asia/17india.html?_r=1&ref=world|title=New Delhi Police Arrest Leader of Anti-Corruption Protest and Hundreds of Others|work=The New York Times|date=16 August 2011|access-date=16 August 2011|first=Jim|last=Yardley|archive-date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217060554/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/17/world/asia/17india.html?_r=1&ref=world|url-status=live}}</ref> Protesters reportedly courted arrest in different parts of the country. Opposition parties came out against the arrest, likening the government action to the [[The Emergency (India)|emergency imposed in the country in 1975]]. Both houses of Parliament adjourned over the issue.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2361785.ece?homepage=true|title=Anna Hazare's arrest sparks angry protests, both Houses adjourned|work=The Hindu|date=16 August 2011|access-date=16 August 2011|location=Chennai, India|first=Gargi|last=Parsai|archive-date=20 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020153124/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2361785.ece?homepage=true|url-status=live}}</ref>

After four hours in detention Hazare was released unconditionally by the police, but
refused to leave [[Tihar Jail]].<ref>{{cite web|first1=Aurangzeb |last1=Naqshbandi |first2=Saubhadra |last2=Chatterji |first3=Nagendar |last3=Sharma |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Refusing-to-leave-jail-Anna-holds-government-hostage/Article1-733990.aspx |title=Refusing to leave jail, Anna holds government hostage |work=Hindustan Times |location=India |date=16 August 2011|access-date=17 August 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817175214/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Refusing-to-leave-jail-Anna-holds-government-hostage/Article1-733990.aspx |archive-date=17 August 2011 }}</ref> Hazare demanded unconditional permission to fast at Ramlila Maidan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/anna-refuses-to-come-outjail/446072/|title=Anna refuses to come out of jail|work=Business Standard|date=17 August 2011|access-date=17 August 2011|archive-date=14 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014080733/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/anna-refuses-to-come-outjail/446072/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hazare continued his fast inside the jail.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-17/india/29896134_1_anna-hazare-prohibitory-orders-tihar-jail|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922083612/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-17/india/29896134_1_anna-hazare-prohibitory-orders-tihar-jail|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|title=Anna Hazare to spend night in Tihar jail|date=17 August 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=17 August 2011}}</ref>

After his arrest, Hazare received support from people across the country. There were reports of "nearly 570 demonstrations and protests by Anna supporters across the country".<ref name="pace"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-17/india/29896030_1_anna-hazare-corruption-hatao-datta-awari|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922083617/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-17/india/29896030_1_anna-hazare-corruption-hatao-datta-awari|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|title=Anna Hazare arrest: A million mutinies erupt across India|date=17 August 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=17 August 2011}}</ref> Due to the millions of protesters nationwide,<ref>{{cite news|title=Anna Hazare's fight for change has inspired millions of Indians|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/17/anna-hazare-arrest-inspired-indians?intcmp=239|author=Chetan Bhagat|work=The Guardian|location=UK|date=17 August 2011|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310082712/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/17/anna-hazare-arrest-inspired-indians?intcmp=239|url-status=live}}</ref> the government allowed him to begin a public hunger strike of fifteen days.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/19/anna-hazare-leaves-jail-india|location=London|work=The Guardian|title=Anna Hazare leaves jail to begin public hunger strike|first=Pankaj|last=Nangia|date=19 August 2011|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312011849/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/19/anna-hazare-leaves-jail-india|url-status=live}}</ref> After talks with public authorities, Hazare decided to hold his protest at [[Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ramlila Maidan likely to be Anna Hazare's fast venue|date=17 August 2011|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-17/india/29895684_1_hazare-team-anna-hazare-tihar-jail|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207082543/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-17/india/29895684_1_hazare-team-anna-hazare-tihar-jail|url-status=dead|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=7 December 2011}}</ref> On 20 August Hazare "left the Tihar Jail for the Ramlila Grounds".<ref>{{cite news|title=Anna's village jubilant but family is anxious|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2373944.ece|work=Hindustan Times|location=India|date=20 August 2011|first=Amruta|last=Byatnal|access-date=19 August 2011|archive-date=10 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910212230/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2373944.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Hazare promised reporters "he would fight to the 'last breath' until the government gets his team's Jan Lokpal Bill passed in this session of Parliament, which ends on 8 September."<ref name="pace"/>

====Fast at Ramlila Maidan====
[[File:Anna Hazare on Fast unto Death.jpg|thumb|right|Anna Hazare on fast unto death protest.]]
On 20 August 2011 thousands came to show their support for Hazare,<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2396206.ece Team Anna calls for 'Dilli chalo' march from Saturday] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909073558/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2396206.ece |date=9 September 2011 }}. ''The Hindu'' (25 August 2011). Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref> while "his advisers made television appearances to rally public support and defend themselves against criticism that their protest campaign and refusal to compromise is undermining India's parliamentary process."<ref>{{cite news|title=Antigraft Activists in India Intensify Drive for Reform|author=Jim Yardley|date=20 August 2011|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/world/asia/21india.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214132213/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/world/asia/21india.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI) condemned Hazare's deadline for passing the bill as undermining democracy, which operates by

{{blockquote|text="holding wide-ranging consultations and discussions, allowing for dissent and evolving a consensus.... He [Hazare] has the right to protest and dissent. But nobody can claim it as an absolute right and deny the right of dissent to others."<ref>{{cite news|title=Hazare runs into civil society protest|author=Radhika RAmaseshan|date=20 August 2011|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110821/jsp/nation/story_14404408.jsp|work=The Telegraph|location=Calcutta, India|access-date=20 August 2011|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102155426/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110821/jsp/nation/story_14404408.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

The Congress party confirmed that Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Umesh Chandra Sarangi, who had a history of mediating between Hazare and officials, was meeting "to find points of consensus and defuse the situation".<ref>{{cite news|title=Sarangi meets Hazare to find points of consensus and defuse crisis|date=21 August 2011|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2379757.ece|location=Chennai, India|access-date=21 August 2011|archive-date=10 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910095245/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2379757.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 August "tens of thousands" watched Hazare as he sat on an elevated platform.<ref name="Yardly">{{cite news|author=Jim Yardly|work=The New York Times|date=21 August 2011|title=Thousands Back Antigraft Hunger Strike in New Delhi|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/22/world/asia/22india.html|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214125036/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/22/world/asia/22india.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported that Hazare at that point had "lost more than seven pounds since beginning his fast". Despite this he stated, "I will not withdraw my hunger strike until the Jan Lokpal bill is passed in the Parliament. I can die but I will not bend."<ref name="Yardly"/> Hazare ended his fast on 28 August, after the Lokpal Bill passed unanimously.

He was admitted to Medanta Medicity, [[Gurgaon]] for post-fast care.<ref name="ibnlive.in.com">[https://web.archive.org/web/20121017084838/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-dehydrated-and-exhausted-say-doctors/179349-3.html Anna dehydrated and exhausted, say doctors – India News – IBNLive]. CNN-IBN.in.com (10 May 2011). Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref> He had lost {{convert|7.5|kg}}<ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/> and was very dehydrated after the 288-hour fast.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121017084905/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-hazare-breaks-fast-after-288-hours/179228-3.html Anna Hazare breaks fast after 288 hours]. IBNlive (10 May 2011). Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref>

====I Am Anna Campaign====
[[File:People Gathered at Ramlila maidan on Anna Hazare's Fast.jpg|thumb|right|People wear ''I AM ANNA topi'' Gathered at Ramlila maidan on Anna Hazare's Fast]]
Within a few days of Anna Hazare's first fast demanding a strong Lokpal (on 5 April 2011), supporters started a campaign known as "I Am Anna Hazare", which was similar to the "We Are All Khaled Said" campaign from the Egyptian uprising.<ref>[http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-58938520110824 Anna Hazare's campaign awakens middle class | Reuters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813154805/https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-58938520110824 |date=13 August 2020 }}. In.reuters.com. Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref> During Anna Hazare's second fast, his ''topi'', the cap which became synonymous with Anna Hazare, became almost a fashion statement.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/editorial/anna-hazare-topi-becomes-fashion-statement/articleshow/9753979.cms Anna Hazare 'topi' becomes fashion statement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019200543/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/editorial/anna-hazare-topi-becomes-fashion-statement/articleshow/9753979.cms |date=19 October 2017 }}. ''The Economic Times'' (India). Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref> Sales of the topis hit an all-time high.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121106053444/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-19/delhi/29904418_1_anna-hazare-t-shirts-tshirts Brand Anna is a rage: Youth wear him on T-shirts] ''The Times of India''. (19 August 2011). Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref> [[Kiran Bedi]] recommended that the "I am Anna" topi be displayed whenever someone asked for a bribe.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Wear-the-Anna-cap-to-fight-corruption-says-Kiran-Bedi/articleshow/9760024.cms Wear the Anna cap to fight corruption, says Kiran Bedi] ''The Times of India''. Retrieved 29 August 2011.</ref>

==== Fast on MMRDA ground ====
On 27 December 2011, Hazare began a 3-day hunger strike at [[MMRDA]] grounds, [[Bandra Kurla Complex]], to demand a stronger Lokpal bill than was in debate.<ref name="toi27">[https://web.archive.org/web/20131103041336/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-27/india/30561360_1_lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-team-anna Anna begins fast in Mumbai as LS debates Lokpal bill in Delhi], 27 December 2011. ''The Times of India''. Retrieved 27 December 2011</ref> Hazare ended the fast on 28 December, after his doctors said that his kidneys might fail if he continued.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/world/asia/activist-anna-hazare-ends-fast-for-health-reasons.html Indian Activist Calls Off Fast but Vows to Keep Fighting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110125850/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/world/asia/activist-anna-hazare-ends-fast-for-health-reasons.html |date=10 November 2015 }}. ''[[The New York Times]]''. 28 December 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2011.</ref>

Before reaching the venue, Anna paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at [[Juhu Beach]]. On his way to a rally with several thousand people,<ref name="toi27"/> he took two-and-half hours to reach the ground, passing through [[Santacruz, Mumbai|Santacruz]], Tulip Star Hotel, [[Mithibai College]], SV Road, [[Vile Parle]], [[Khar, Mumbai|Khar]] and Bandra Highway.<ref name="ht27">[http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Anna-fasts-for-strong-Lokpal-as-Lok-Sabha-debates-bill/Article1-787711.aspx Anna fasts for strong Lokpal as Lok Sabha debates bill] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227104957/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Anna-fasts-for-strong-Lokpal-as-Lok-Sabha-debates-bill/Article1-787711.aspx |date=27 December 2011}}, 27 December 2011. Hindustan Times. Retrieved 27 December 2011</ref>

A PIL petition filed against the fast was turned down by the Karnataka High Court. A judge noted that there was no public interest in the petition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-27/india/30560851_1_anna-hazare-pil-jail-bharo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103041446/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-27/india/30560851_1_anna-hazare-pil-jail-bharo|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=PIL against Anna Hazare's fast dismissed, high court says citizens have right to protest|date=27 December 2011}}</ref>

===Electoral reform movement===
In 2011, Hazare demanded an amendment to the electoral law to incorporate the option of [[None of the above]] in the [[electronic voting machine]]s during the Indian elections.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Govt-notifies-joint-panel-Anna-breaks-fast/774133/ |title=Govt notifies joint panel, Anna breaks fast |date=10 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=24 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121101557/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Govt-notifies-joint-panel-Anna-breaks-fast/774133/ |archive-date=21 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/annas-next-target-is-electoral-reform|title=Anna's next target is electoral reform|date=17 April 2011|access-date=24 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|last=Singh|first=Abhimanyu|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325020943/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/annas-next-target-is-electoral-reform|url-status=dead}}</ref> The "None of the above (NOTA)" is a ballot option that allows an electorate to indicate disapproval of all of the candidates in an electoral system, in case of non-availability of any candidate of his choice, as his [[Right to Reject]]. Soon, the Chief Election Commissioner of India [[Shahabuddin Yaqoob Quraishi]] supported Hazare's demand for the electoral reforms.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anna-Hazare-has-CEC-Quraishi-s-vote-for-electoral-reforms/Article1-684553.aspx |title=Anna Hazare has CEC Quraishi's vote for electoral reforms |date=13 April 2011|access-date=24 April 2011|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |last=Chauhan |first=Chetan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416100834/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anna-Hazare-has-CEC-Quraishi-s-vote-for-electoral-reforms/Article1-684553.aspx |archive-date=16 April 2011 }}</ref>

On 31 March 2013 Hazare started ''Jantantra Yatra'' from the city of [[Amritsar]]. He is expecting to address various issues, including electoral reforms such as the right to reject a candidate.<ref name="Anna on national tour to push poll reforms">{{cite news|title=Anna on national tour to push poll reforms|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-31/india/38162158_1_jantantra-morcha-anna-hazare-former-army-chief-general|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224122245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-31/india/38162158_1_jantantra-morcha-anna-hazare-former-army-chief-general|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2013|access-date=31 March 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=31 March 2013}}</ref>

=== Protest against atrocities against Swami Ramdev and his supporters ===
On 8 June 2011 Anna Hazare and thousands of his supporters fasted from 10&nbsp;am to 6&nbsp;pm at [[Raj Ghat and associated memorials|Rajghat]] to protest against the midnight crackdown of 5 June by the [[Department of Police, Delhi|Delhi Police]] on Swami Ramdev's fast at Ramlila ground protests.<ref name="toixx"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anna-Hazare-and-team-shift-fast-venue-to-Rajghat/articleshow/8758809.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716094227/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anna-Hazare-and-team-shift-fast-venue-to-Rajghat/articleshow/8758809.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012|access-date=7 June 2011|newspaper=The Times of India |date=7 June 2011|title=Anna Hazare and team shift fast venue to Rajghat }}</ref> Anna Hazare held the Prime Minister of India responsible for the atrocities<ref name="Anna and team to protest against Govt on 8 June">{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-and-team-to-protest-against-govt-on-june-8/156922-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608171052/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-and-team-to-protest-against-govt-on-june-8/156922-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 June 2011|title=Anna and team to protest against Govt on June 8|date=5 June 2011|publisher=CNN-IBN|access-date=6 June 2011|location=New Delhi}}</ref> and termed the police action as an attempt to stifle democracy.<ref name="toixx"/> According to one of Hazare's young supporters, the large presence of youths at the protest was due to his use of nonviolent protest, similar to [[Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi|Gandhi]].<ref name="8 JUN 2011, 05.45&nbsp;pm IST, IANS Anna Hazare fasts again, government faces anti-corruption heat">{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-08/news/29633886_1_lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-hunger-strike |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103181258/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-08/news/29633886_1_lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-hunger-strike |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013|title=Anna Hazare fasts again, government faces anti-corruption heat |date=8 June 2011 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=8 June 2011|location=New Delhi }}</ref>

On 9 August 2013, Anna's office announced his anti-corruption organisation Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan (BVJA) is no longer tackling corruption issues at a personal or social level. In an email circulated to [[India Against Corruption]]'s membership, the veteran Gandhian's office has clarified that Anna "is now focused on Janlokpal, Right to Reject, Right to Recall, Farmers problems, Change in Education in System".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indianewsco.com/anna-retires-from-anti-corruption-war |title=Anna retires from anti-corruption war &#124; India News Co |access-date=14 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927215058/http://www.indianewsco.com/news/anna-retires-anti-corruption-war-9170425 |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://humjanege.blogspot.in/2013/08/iacrg-who-anna-retires-from-anti.html |title=Who : Anna retires from anti-corruption war |date=August 10, 2013 |website=humjanege.blogspot.in |access-date=31 December 2015 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306022647/http://humjanege.blogspot.in/2013/08/iacrg-who-anna-retires-from-anti.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2015 Land acquisition ordinance protest===
In February 2015, he protested for two days at [[Jantar Mantar, New Delhi|Jantar Mantar]] in Delhi against ordinance on the [[Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013]].<ref name="The Hinduv2015">{{cite web|title=Hazare urges Modi to refrain from new ordinance on Land Bill |website=The Hindu |date=1 April 2015 |url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/hazare-urges-modi-to-refrain-from-new-ordinance-on-land-bill/article7057529.ece/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150406193120/http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/hazare-urges-modi-to-refrain-from-new-ordinance-on-land-bill/article7057529.ece/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 April 2015 |access-date=6 April 2015 }}</ref><ref name="The Hinduvb2015">{{cite web|title=Land Bill: Hazare challenges Modi to an open debate |website=The Hindu |date=26 March 2015 |url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/land-bill-hazare-challenges-modi-to-an-open-debate/article7036159.ece/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150406193600/http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/land-bill-hazare-challenges-modi-to-an-open-debate/article7036159.ece/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 April 2015 |access-date=6 April 2015 }}</ref>

==Other activities and controversies==

Hazare has been accused of being an agent of [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) a right-wing [[Hindu]] body.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-an-rss-agent-army-deserter-congress/214939-37-64.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107212643/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/anna-an-rss-agent-army-deserter-congress/214939-37-64.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 January 2012|title=Anna an RSS agent, Army deserter: Congress|publisher=Ibnlive.in.com|date=25 December 2011|access-date=30 January 2012}}</ref> According to [[Digvijay Singh (politician)|Digvijay Singh]] a senior leader of the [[Indian National Congress]], the entire crusade of [[2011 Indian anti-corruption movement]] was planned by RSS in which Plan-A was [[Ramdev|Baba Ramdev]] while Plan-B was Anna Hazare. Their basic job was to disturb national security.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/anna-hazare-ungrateful-to-rss-digvijay/867761/|title=Anna Hazare ungrateful to RSS: Digvijay|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=30 October 2011|access-date=30 January 2012|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135439/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/anna-hazare-ungrateful-to-rss-digvijay/|url-status=live}}</ref> Singh also charged Hazare with having links with late RSS leader [[Nanaji Deshmukh]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Maharashtra/Anna-ridicules-Digvijaya-s-allegation-on-RSS-links/Article1-787078.aspx |title=Anna ridicules Digvijaya's allegation on RSS links |work=Hindustan Times |date=25 December 2011|access-date=30 January 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214104320/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Maharashtra/Anna-ridicules-Digvijaya-s-allegation-on-RSS-links/Article1-787078.aspx |archive-date=14 February 2012 }}</ref> with whom he worked as a secretary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Never-worked-with-Nanaji-Deshmukh-tweets-Digvijaya/Article1-787208.aspx |title=Never worked for Nanaji Deshmukh, tweets Digvijaya |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=26 December 2011|access-date=30 January 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110065623/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Never-worked-with-Nanaji-Deshmukh-tweets-Digvijaya/Article1-787208.aspx |archive-date=10 January 2012 }}</ref> Hazare denied any such associations.

India's ''[[OPEN (Indian magazine)|OPEN Magazine]]'' editorialised that it was "nonsense" to say Hazare's anti-corruption movement of 2011–12 was apolitical.<ref name="Nonsense">{{cite web | url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/nonsense | title=Nonsense | work=OPEN Magazine | date=12 October 2011 | access-date=11 June 2016 | author=[[Hartosh Singh Bal]] | archive-date=28 April 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428115149/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/nonsense | url-status=live }}</ref> The op-ed went on to say that the purpose of the movement was that, so long as the Congress Party was kept out of power, corrupt politicians of any other party could be elected to Parliament. The example of [[Ajay Chautala]] (now convicted for corruption) was cited. "''In effect, Anna and his team are campaigning for Ajay Chautala effectively the first candidate put up for election by the [[India Against Corruption]] movement''".

In a press conference in April 2011, Hazare praised [[Narendra Modi]], the chief minister of [[Gujarat]] and [[Nitish Kumar]], chief minister of [[Bihar]] for their efforts on rural development, saying that other chief ministers should emulate them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Anna Hazare praises Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar; asks CMs to emulate them|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_anna-hazare-praises-narendra-modi-nitish-kumar-asks-cms-to-emulate-them_1530483|date=10 April 2011|access-date=27 May 2011|newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis|DNA]]|archive-date=19 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419044015/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_anna-hazare-praises-narendra-modi-nitish-kumar-asks-cms-to-emulate-them_1530483|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, Modi wrote an open letter to him, hailing him as a [[Gandhian]] anti-corruption activist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/narendra-modis-open-letter-to-anna-hazare/148924-53.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412165511/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/narendra-modis-open-letter-to-anna-hazare/148924-53.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 April 2011|title=Narendra Modi writes an open letter to Anna|date=12 April 2011|access-date=27 May 2011}}</ref> while Digvijay Singh criticised Hazare for his comment.<ref>{{cite news|title=Digvijay singh slams Anna for modi's praise|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/modi-remark-congress-slams-anna-hazare/1/135497.html|access-date=27 May 2011|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629223312/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/modi-remark-congress-slams-anna-hazare/1/135497.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2011, during his visit to Gujarat, Hazare changed his view and criticised Modi for rampant corruption. He urged Modi to appoint a [[Lokayukta]]. He also commented that the media had projected an incorrect image of [[Vibrant Gujarat]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hazare now sees 'ghotala' in Gandhi's Gujarat|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-27/ahmedabad/29591246_1_anna-hazare-agnivesh-and-arvind-kejriwal-gujarat-visit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922083623/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-27/ahmedabad/29591246_1_anna-hazare-agnivesh-and-arvind-kejriwal-gujarat-visit|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|date=27 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=27 May 2011}}</ref> Subsequently, Hazare declared that Modi is not a suitable candidate for the position of Prime Minister. He criticised Modi for not doing enough to curb corruption and his unwillingness to set up a Lokayukta in Gujarat.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131103041556/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-31/india/36657912_1_anna-hazare-strong-lokayukta-bill-prime-ministerial-candidate Anna Hazare raises question on Narendra Modi as PM]</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul, Modi not fit for PM's post: Hazare|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-modi-not-fit-pms-post-hazare/article4955917.ece?homepage=true|date=27 May 2011|access-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=31 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731174053/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-modi-not-fit-pms-post-hazare/article4955917.ece?homepage=true|url-status=live}}</ref> Hazare questioned Modi's secular credentials.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/narendra-modi-is-not-secular-anna-hazare-394455 |title=Narendra Modi is not secular- Anna Hazare |access-date=24 August 2013 |archive-date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723125029/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/narendra-modi-is-not-secular-anna-hazare-394455 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The government of the state of Maharashtra instituted a Commission of Inquiry under Justice PB Sawant in September 2003 to enquire into allegations of corruption against several people, including four ministers in the state as well as the "Hind Swaraj Trust" headed by Hazare. The Commission submitted its report on 22 February 2005, indicting the Trust for corruptly spending Rs. 220,000 on Hazare's birthday celebrations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Had held Hazare guilty of corruption: PB Sawant|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/had-held-hazare-guilty-of-corruption-pb-sawant/175659-37-64.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017053647/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/had-held-hazare-guilty-of-corruption-pb-sawant/175659-37-64.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2012|date=14 August 2011|access-date=17 August 2011|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]}}</ref>

Hazare's lawyer Milind Pawar responded that the commission had remarked about "irregularities" in the accounts, but had not held him guilty of any "corrupt" practices. Pawar said that on 16 June 1998, a celebration was organised to congratulate Hazare on winning an award from a US–based NGO and it coincided with his 61st birthday. The trust spent Rs 218,000 for the function. Abhay Phirodia, a Pune-based industrialist, who took the initiative to organise this function donated an amount of Rs {{formatnum:248950}} to the trust by cheque soon afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sawant Commission didn't term Hazare corrupt: Lawyer|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sawant-commission-didnt-term-hazare-corrupt-lawyer/832118/|date=15 August 2011|access-date=17 August 2011|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> Hazare dared the government to file a [[First Information Report]] (FIR) against him to prove the charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Angry Anna dares govt to file FIR and prove he is corrupt|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_anna-hazare-dares-congress-to-prove-corruption-charges-against-him_1575981|date=14 August 2011|access-date=17 August 2011|newspaper=[[Daily News & Analysis]]|archive-date=21 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121025340/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_anna-hazare-dares-congress-to-prove-corruption-charges-against-him_1575981|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Conspiracy to murder Hazare ==
Hazare exposed corruption in cooperative sugar factories in Maharashtra, including one controlled by [[Padamsinh Bajirao Patil|Dr.Padamsinh Bajirao Patil]], a member of Parliament of 15th [[Lok Sabha]] and higher-ranking Leader of [[Nationalist Congress Party]] from [[Osmanabad]]. Patil was accused in the 2006 murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimabalkar.<ref name="NCP MP Padamsinh Patil Held for Murder">{{cite news|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?660914 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104073016/http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?660914 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013|title=NCP MP Padamsinh Patil Held for Murder |date=7 June 2009|work=Outlook |access-date=4 June 2011|location=Mumbai }}</ref><ref name="Lok Sabha told of Padmsinh Patil's arrest">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060955991000.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418194920/http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060955991000.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 April 2011|title=Lok Sabha told of Padmsinh Patil's arrest|last=Kumar|first=Vinay|date=9 June 2009|access-date=4 June 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=New Delhi}}</ref>

The conspiracy to kill Hazare was exposed when Parasmal Jain, an accused in the Nimbalkar murder case, in his written confession before a magistrate said that Patil had paid him {{INRConvert|3000000||−1}} to murder Nimbalkar, and also offered him supari (contract killing sum) to kill Anna Hazare.<ref name="Plot to kill Anna Hazare revealed">{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/news/plot-to-kill-anna-hazare-revealed-news-features-jgbuanbdjhb.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021025227/http://www.sify.com/news/plot-to-kill-anna-hazare-revealed-news-features-jgbuanbdjhb.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 October 2012|title=Plot to kill Anna Hazare revealed|date=1 June 2009|publisher=Sifi News|access-date=12 June 2011|location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref name="Plot to kill Magsaysay winner Anna Hazare revealed">{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/plot-to-kill-magsaysay-winner-anna-hazare-revealed/93908-3.html?from=rssfeed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015204635/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/plot-to-kill-magsaysay-winner-anna-hazare-revealed/93908-3.html?from=rssfeed|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2012|title=Plot to kill Magsaysay winner Anna Hazare revealed|date=1 June 2009|publisher=IBM Live|access-date=12 June 2011|location=Mumbai}}</ref> After this written confession, Hazare appealed to the state government of Maharashtra to lodge a separate [[First Information Report]] ( FIR ) against Patil but the government declined. On 26 September 2009 Hazare lodged his own complaint at [[Parner]] police station of [[Ahmednagar]] District in Maharashtra against Patil.<ref name="Anna Hazare files police complaint against Padamsingh">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article25477.ece|title=Anna Hazare files police complaint against Padamsingh|date=26 September 2009|work=The Hindu|access-date=10 June 2011|location=Mumbai|archive-date=2 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402063607/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article25477.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Patil approached the High Court seeking [[anticipatory bail]] but on 14 October 2009, the Aurangabad bench of [[Bombay High Court]] rejected his application, observing that there was prima facie case against him.<ref name="HC rejects Padamsinh Patil's bail plea in Hazare's complaint">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/HC-rejects-Padamsinh-Patil-s-bail-plea-in-Hazare-s-complaint/Article1-465210.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125084719/http://www.hindustantimes.com/HC-rejects-Padamsinh-Patil-s-bail-plea-in-Hazare-s-complaint/Article1-465210.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2013|title=HC rejects Padamsinh Patil's bail plea in Hazare's complaint |date=14 October 2009|work=Hindustan Times |access-date=10 June 2011|location=Mumbai  }}</ref><ref name="Hazare plaint: Court rejects Padamsinh's bail plea">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-15/mumbai/28080698_1_ncp-leader-padamsinh-patil-pawanraje-nimbalkar-anna-hazare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826003043/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-15/mumbai/28080698_1_ncp-leader-padamsinh-patil-pawanraje-nimbalkar-anna-hazare|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2012|title=Hazare plaint: Court rejects Padamsinh's bail plea|date=15 October 2009|access-date=12 June 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|location=Mumbai}}</ref> Padmasinh Patil appealed to the [[Supreme Court of India]] losing again, on 6 November 2009.<ref name="SC rejects anticipatory bail of Padamsinh Patil">{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/state-news/sc-rejects-anticipatory-bail-of-padamsinh-patil_576544.html|title=SC rejects anticipatory bail of Padamsinh Patil|date=6 November 2009|publisher=Zee News|access-date=12 June 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927061822/http://zeenews.india.com/news/state-news/sc-rejects-anticipatory-bail-of-padamsinh-patil_576544.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 November 2009 Patil surrendered before the sessions court in [[Latur]] and was sent to judicial remand for 14 days.<ref name="NCP leader Padamsinh Patil surrenders, sent to 14-day judicial remand">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-11/india/28060164_1_parasmal-jain-judicial-remand-ncp-leader-padamsinh-patil|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826214927/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-11/india/28060164_1_parasmal-jain-judicial-remand-ncp-leader-padamsinh-patil|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2011|title=NCP leader Padamsinh Patil surrenders, sent to 14-day judicial remand|date=11 November 2009|access-date=12 June 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|location=LATUR (MAHARASHTRA)}}</ref> On 16 December 2009 the Aurangabad bench granted bail.<ref name="Padamsinh gets bail in Anna Hazare murder plot case">{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/state-news/padamsinh-gets-bail-in-anna-hazare-murder-plot-case_588105.html|title=Padamsinh gets bail in Anna Hazare murder plot case|date=16 December 2009|publisher=Zee News|access-date=12 June 2011|location=Aurangabad|archive-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927061846/http://zeenews.india.com/news/state-news/padamsinh-gets-bail-in-anna-hazare-murder-plot-case_588105.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of December 2011, Hazare received [[Security categories in India|Z+ security]].<ref name="Anna's fast: Cops take stock of security situation at MMRDA">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Anna-s-fast-Cops-take-stock-of-security-situation-at-MMRDA/Article1-786857.aspx |title=Anna's fast: Cops take stock of security situation at MMRDA |date=25 December 2011|work=Hindustan Times |access-date=25 December 2011|location=MUMBAI (MAHARASHTRA) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105013403/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Anna-s-fast-Cops-take-stock-of-security-situation-at-MMRDA/Article1-786857.aspx |archive-date=5 November 2013 }}</ref>

==Honours, awards and international recognition==
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Awarding organisation
|-
| 2013
| [[Allard Prize for International Integrity]]<!--<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/26/ubclawallardprize-idUSnPNTO501+78+PRN20130926 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131005043323/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/26/ubclawallardprize-idUSnPNTO501+78+PRN20130926 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 5 October 2013 |title=UBC Law awards first-ever Allard Prize for International Integrity to Indian corruption fighter Anna Hazare|agency=[[Reuters]]|date= 26 September 2013|access-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> -->
| [[University of British Columbia Faculty of Law]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/anna-hazare-awarded-inaugural-allard-prize-for-international-integrity-in-canada-113093000600_1.html|title=Anna Hazare awarded inaugural Allard Prize for International Integrity in Canada|author=ANI|work=Business Standard|location=Vancouver|date=30 September 2013|access-date=5 October 2013|archive-date=6 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006050648/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/anna-hazare-awarded-inaugural-allard-prize-for-international-integrity-in-canada-113093000600_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2011
| [[NDTV Indian of the Year]] with [[Arvind Kejriwal]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/ndtv-indian-of-the-year-2011-142183|title=NDTV Indian of the Year 2011|work=ndtv.com|access-date=19 October 2011|archive-date=20 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020124223/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/ndtv-indian-of-the-year-2011-142183|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[NDTV]]
|-
| 2008
| Jit Gill Memorial Award<ref>{{cite web|url=http://srimca.edu.in/srijan/SrijanOCt2011/Biography/AnnaHAzare.html|title=Anna Hazare|work=srimca.edu.in|access-date=28 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235830/http://srimca.edu.in/srijan/SrijanOCt2011/Biography/AnnaHAzare.html|archive-date=30 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biztechreport.com/story/1650-can-social-activist-anna-hazare-curtail-supremacy-corruption-indial |title=Can a Social Activist like Anna Hazare Curtail the Supremacy of Corruption in India? |work=biztechreport.com |access-date=28 December 2013 |archive-date=25 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725190351/http://www.biztechreport.com/story/1650-can-social-activist-anna-hazare-curtail-supremacy-corruption-indial |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/657264/wolfowitz-and-hazare|title=Wolfowitz and Hazare|work=Dawn|date=7 September 2011|location=Pakistan|access-date=28 December 2013|archive-date=30 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232210/http://www.dawn.com/news/657264/wolfowitz-and-hazare|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/node/64309|title=Anna Hazare, Indian green pioneer, wins World Bank award|work=twocircles.net|date=16 April 2008|access-date=28 December 2013|archive-date=30 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235017/http://twocircles.net/node/64309|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[World Bank]]
|-
| 2005
| [[Doctor (title)#Honorary doctorates|Honorary Doctorate]]
| [[Gandhigram Rural University]]
|-
| 2003
| Integrity Award<ref name="annahazare">{{cite web|url= http://www.annahazare.org/awards.html|title= Awards|access-date= 28 December 2013|archive-date= 11 April 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110411051535/http://annahazare.org/awards.html|url-status= dead}}</ref>
| [[Transparency International]]
|-
| 1999
| Leading Social Contributor Award
| [[Government of India]]
|-
| 1998
| [[CARE (relief agency)|CARE International]] Award<ref name="annahazare" />
| [[CARE (relief agency)]]
|-
| 1997
| Mahaveer Award<ref name="annahazare" />
|
|-
| 1996
| Shiromani Award<ref name="annahazare" />
|
|-
| 1992
| [[Padma Bhushan]]<ref name="annahazare" />
| [[President of India]]
|-
| 1990
| [[Padma Shri]]<ref name="annahazare" />
| [[President of India]]
|-
| 1989
| Krushi Bhushana Award<ref name="annahazare" />
| [[Government of Maharashtra]]
|-
| 1986
| [[Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards]]<ref name="annahazare" />
| [[Government of India]]
|}

===Film===
*The [[Marathi language|Marathi]] film ''Mala Anna Vhaychay'' (I want to become Anna) is based on Hazare's work. The role of Hazare has been played by [[Arun Nalawade]].<ref name="DNA-20110903">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/1582718/report-coming-soon-mala-anna-vhaychay-a-marathi-film-on-anna-stir|title=Coming soon: Mala Anna Vhaychay, a Marathi film on Anna stir|date=3 September 2011|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=6 May 2013}}</ref>
*[[Anna (2016 film)|''Anna'']] – a 2016 Indian [[Hindi]]-language biographical film based on the life of Anna Hazare by [[Shashank Udapurkar]] and starring Udapurkar as Hazare.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-shashank-udapurkar-to-make-a-biopic-on-anna-hazare-s-life-1979025|title=Shashank Udapurkar to make a biopic on Anna Hazare' s life|date=16 April 2014|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=8 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008055714/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-shashank-udapurkar-to-make-a-biopic-on-anna-hazare-s-life-1979025|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''Andolan Ek Suruvat Ek Shevat'' is a 2014 Indian Marathi-language film inspired by Hazare who also stars in a lead-role, his first such film work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Anna Hazare to make film debut with 'Andolan Ek Suruvat Ek Shevat'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/marathi/anna-hazare-to-make-film-debut-with-andolan-ek-suruvat-ek-shevat/videoshow/39869965.cms|access-date=2021-06-12|website=[[The Times of India]]|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135434/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/marathi/anna-hazare-to-make-film-debut-with-andolan-ek-suruvat-ek-shevat/videoshow/39869965.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Hazare is unmarried. He has lived in a small room attached to the Sant Yadavbaba temple in [[Ralegan Siddhi]] since 1975. On 16 April 2011, he declared his bank balance of {{INRConvert|67183||−1}} and {{INRConvert|1500||−1}} as money in hand.<ref name="Anna Hazare declares bank balance of Rs 67,183 and Rs 1,500 as money in hand">{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-16/news/29425309_1_immovable-assets-anna-hazare-mutual-funds|title=Anna Hazare declares bank balance of Rs 67,183 and Rs 1,500 as money in hand|date=16 April 2011|work=The Economic Times|access-date=14 June 2011|location=New Delhi|archive-date=21 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121120625/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-16/news/29425309_1_immovable-assets-anna-hazare-mutual-funds|url-status=live}}</ref> He owns 0.07 hectares of family land in Ralegan Siddhi, which is being used by his brothers. He donated for village use two other pieces of land donated to him by the [[Indian Army]] and by a villager.<ref name="Anna Hazare, others declare assets">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/16/stories/2011041662461600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418194721/http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/16/stories/2011041662461600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 April 2011|title=Anna Hazare, others declare assets|date=16 April 2011|access-date=14 June 2011|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=New Delhi}}</ref>

==Writings==
* {{cite book|last=Hazare|first=Anna|author2=Ganesh Pangare, Vasudha Lokur|title=Adarsh Gaon Yojana: Government Participitation in a Peoples Program: Ideal Village Project of the Government of Maharashtra|publisher=Hind Swaraj Trust|year=1996|page=95|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Eh4pHAAACAAJ|access-date=20 August 2011}}
* {{cite book|last=Hazare|first=Anna|title=My Village – My Sacred Land|publisher=CAPART|location=New Delhi}}
* {{cite book|last=Hazare |first=Anna |others=Translated by B.S. Pendse |title=Ralegaon Siddhi: A Veritable Transformation |publisher=Ralegan Siddhi Pariwar Prakashan |year=1997 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCENHAAACAAJ&q=Anna+Hazare |access-date=7 April 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110511063438/http://books.google.com/books?id=mCENHAAACAAJ&dq=Anna+Hazare&hl=en&ei=ZnSdTZGjBsmYhQeK3-26BA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAg |archive-date=11 May 2011|url-status=live }}
* {{cite book|last=Hazare|first=Anna|title=वाट ही संघर्षाची|language=mr|publisher=Signet Publications|year=2007|location=Pune}}

==See also==
* [[Uprising 2011, Indians Against Corruption|Uprising 2011 India against corruption]]
* [[Hartal]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin|colwidth=30em}}
* {{cite book |last=Reilly |first=Carmel |year=2007 |title=Ralegan Siddhi: a special community |publisher=Thomson Nelson |isbn=9780170126908 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LxMhcgAACAAJ&q=Ralegan+Siddhi |access-date=9 April 2011 |id={{subscription}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511063416/https://books.google.com/books?id=LxMhcgAACAAJ&dq=Ralegan%20Siddhi&hl=en&ei=XpSdTbyXKIvQrQf-xZ2zBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAQ |archive-date=11 May 2011 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite journal |last=Sivanand |first=Mohan |year=1986 |title=Why God Saved Anna Hazare |publisher=The Reader's Digest Association, Inc |page=3 |url=http://www.readersdigest.co.in/anna-hazare?page=2 |access-date=4 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019184312/http://readersdigest.co.in/anna-hazare?page=2 |archive-date=19 October 2011 }}
* {{cite book |last=Seabrook |first=Jeremy |year=1986 |title=Victims of development: resistance and alternatives |publisher=Verso |page=250 |isbn=0860913856 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gb804ulCzSMC&q=Anna+Hazare |access-date=10 April 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110511063435/http://books.google.com/books?id=gb804ulCzSMC&dq=Anna+Hazare&source=gbs_navlinks_s |archive-date=11 May 2011 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite book|last=Ismail Serageldin|first=David R. Steeds|year=1998|title=Rural well-being from vision to action|publisher=World Bank Publications|issue=15 of Environmentally and socially sustainable development proceedings series/ESSD proceedings series|page=433|isbn=0821339877|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vP1w77REun8C&q=Anna+Hazare&pg=PA130|access-date=10 April 2011|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135939/https://books.google.com/books?id=vP1w77REun8C&q=Anna+Hazare&pg=PA130|url-status=live}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=YG-875pU3awC&pg=PA151 Periwinkle Environmental Education Part-X] Author-Harendra Chakhaiyar, Publisher- Jeevandeep Prakashan Pvt Ltd, {{ISBN|8177444948}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=E6FIAAAAYAAJ&q=Ralegan+Siddhi+Education From Poverty to Plenty: The Story of Ralegan Siddhi] Volume 5 of Studies in Ecology and Sustainable Development. Authors- Ganesh Pangare, Vasudha Pangare. Publisher: Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, 1992. {{ISBN|8190006142}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=rAvaAAAAMAAJ&q=Ralegan+Siddhi+Education Dynamics of rural development: lessons from Ralegan Siddhi] Publisher- Foundation for Research in Community Health, 2002.
* [http://www.farmedia.org/spectrum/dry_wet.html.'Dry Troubles and Wet Solutions: Success Story of Ralegan Siddhi's Watershed Development Project]{{Dead link|date=January 2012 }} Centre for Alternative Agriculture Media
* {{cite book|author1=Bron Raymond Taylor|author2=Jeffrey Kaplan|author3=Laura Hobgood-Oster|author4=Adrian J. Ivakhiv|author5=Michael York|title=The Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature: K-Z|publisher=Thoemmes Continuum|year=2005|page=1877|isbn=1-84371-138-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9kgUAQAAIAAJ&q=Anna+Hazare|access-date=17 June 2011|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122135940/https://books.google.com/books?id=9kgUAQAAIAAJ&q=Anna+Hazare|url-status=live}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=EPPsAAAAMAAJ&q=Ralegan+Siddhi+Education Ralegan Siddhi] Authors: Ramesh Awasthi, Dashrath K. Panmand, Foundation for Research in Community Health (Bombay, India) Publisher: Foundation for Research in Community Health, 1994. Original from The University of Michigan. Digitized 22 December 2009. Length 92 pages
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=Bo0t6BemLaMC&dq=Anna+Hazare&pg=PA66 Religion and ecology in India and Southeast Asia] Authors- David L. Gosling, Ninian Smart, Contributor- Ninian Smart, Edition-illustrated, Publisher- Routledge, 2001, {{ISBN|0-415-24030-1}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=sWFtJw4V5-8C&dq=Anna+Hazare&pg=PA335 Springs of life: India's water resources] Authors Ganesh Pangare, Vasudha Pangare, Binayak Das, World Water Institute (Pune, India), Bharathi Integrated Rural Development Society, Edition- illustrated, Publisher-Academic Foundation, 2006. {{ISBN|817188489X}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* 
* 
* [http://www.civilsocietyonline.com/ Civil Society] – ''Official website''
* {{Aljazeeratopic|person/anna-hazare}}
* {{NYTtopic|people/h/anna_hazare}}
* {{Guardian topic}}
* {{IMDb name|id=8489479}}

{{Ethics}}
{{Social and political philosophy}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1990–99}}


{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hazare, Anna}}
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