Social activist Anna Hazare has now decided not to go on a hunger strike against farm laws. Anna himself has announced in the presence of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Above that, Anna has supported the steps taken by the government in the interest of farmers.
Also read: Farmers’ Rally Turned Into Chaos; Various Leaders’ Response
Earlier, he was going on hunger strike against agricultural laws from Saturday. Anna had said that he would start a fast in his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra against the new agricultural laws of the central government. He said in a statement, “ It was said that I have been demanding security in the agricultural areas, but it seems that the central government is not sensitive to the issues related to farmers.”Anna also appealed to his supporters that they should not congregate in his fast due to the Corona pandemic.
Anna Hazare has decided not to protest from tomorrow over various demands related to farmers:Anna Hazare's Office
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2021
MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary along with LoP Devendra Fadnavis met Hazare at his hometown Ralegansiddhi today to convince him to not start protest.#Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/jnKemiBbIw
Thousands of farmers have been protesting against the three agricultural laws of the Centre in Delhi. They are demanding the repeal of these laws.
Why U-turn?
On one side, after the farmer movement on the Delhi border, now Anna Hazare’s fast unto death was going to increase the difficulties of the central government. In such a situation, the union swung into action. For the past one week, BJP leaders were travelling around Anna’s village Ralegan. Former CM Devendra Fadnavis remain constantly in touch with Anna’s. The result was that after a meeting held in the presence of Union Minister of State Kailash Chaudhary on Friday, Anna finally postponed the fast before the commencement of the decision.
Agreed on the formation of a committee
In such a situation, it has now been decided to set up a High Powered Committee under the chairmanship of the Union Agriculture Minister on these demands from the Central Government. In which experts will be included that Anna will recommend, including members of NITI Aayog. The government has assured to take concrete steps on Anna’s demands in the next 6 months. Anna Hazare then decided to cancel the hunger strike.
Questions over Anna’s decision
Questions are arising on Anna’s decision on social media. Speaking as an example, director Hansal Mehta, who has been vocal on political issues, writes that “I supported Anna Hazare, everyone makes mistakes.”