States » WestPosted at: Nov 11 2026 6:37PM


Anna Hazare hits back at Sonia Gandhi over remarks in autobiography; Says responsible people must speak responsibly

Ahmednagar, Nov 11 (UNI) Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has strongly reacted to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's remarks about his anti-corruption movement in Delhi, alleging that the agitation had the backing of the RSS and the BJP and contributed to the fall of the Congress-led UPA government.
Responding to Gandhi's claims in her recently released autobiography, Belonging: A Journey of Love, Hazare said that people holding responsible positions should make statements responsibly, warning that otherwise they risk diminishing their own credibility.
"Responsible people should speak responsibly; otherwise, they reduce their own worth," Hazare remarked in an apparent reference to Sonia Gandhi's allegations.
Clarifying his position, Hazare said he had no association with any political party or organisation.
"I have no connection with any political party. Whatever I do is for the welfare of the country and society," he said.
Anna Hazare also took a dig at differing perspectives, saying, “The world appears in the colour of the glasses one wears.”
In her autobiography, Sonia Gandhi has reportedly referred to Hazare's anti-corruption movement and alleged that it received indirect support from the RSS and the BJP.
She also attributed the political downfall of the UPA government to the impact of the agitation, which had triggered a nationwide debate on corruption and governance.
The book also discusses the Emergency imposed in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi has reportedly sought to defend her mother-in-law, claiming that Indira Gandhi was initially hesitant about imposing the Emergency and was not entirely convinced about the decision. She has also referred to differing views within the Gandhi family, stating that Rajiv Gandhi was opposed to the Emergency, while Sanjay Gandhi supported it.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) leader Ambadas Danve also reacted to the controversy and criticised the BJP.
Danve alleged that there had been a conspiracy to create political instability in the country by projecting Anna Hazare as the face of the movement.
He questioned why Hazare had not subsequently spoken out on several important issues and suggested that there were questions about who was speaking on his behalf.
Taking a swipe at BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut, Danve made controversial remarks, alleging that the BJP had kept her as a supporter who praises the party.
He also questioned the relevance of giving prominence to people who, according to him, had not made significant contributions to social work. The exchange has once again brought the political legacy of Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement into focus, reviving debate over its political implications and the role played by various organisations during the agitation against corruption.
UNI SP/BHG RN
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