Anna Hazare's Tribute to Manmohan Singh Sparks Controversy

In a video released by PTI, veteran social activist Anna Hazare paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, acknowledging his significant role in transforming India's economy. Hazare's comments, however, ignited a wave of criticism on social media, given his past vocal opposition to Singh's government on corruption issues.

Hazare stated, "Manmohan Singh always thought about the country. He had a big contribution in changing this country's economy. I was heading an agitation against corruption when he was the PM. I met him a couple of times at his residence in Delhi and he was quick to take decisions. Today, Manmohan Singh has passed away, but his memories will always be alive." This tribute was particularly poignant, coming from Hazare, who was a key figure in the India Against Corruption movement, which directly challenged Singh's administration in the early 2010s.

The backlash began almost immediately after the video was shared by PTI. Critics, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), accused Hazare of hypocrisy, pointing out his aggressive stance against Singh during the Lokpal Bill protests. Hashtags like #AnnaHazareHypocrisy started trending as users recalled Hazare's hunger strikes and public accusations of governmental corruption under Singh's tenure.

Some posts questioned the sincerity of Hazare's recent praise, suggesting it was a political move to realign with the Congress party's narrative or to soften his image post his anti-corruption campaigns. Others argued that while Singh did indeed contribute to India's economic liberalization, his administration's corruption scandals were what led to Hazare's protests in the first place.

The controversy also reignited discussions about the effectiveness and integrity of Hazare's activism, with many recalling his association with figures like Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi, who later ventured into politics, raising questions about the true motivations behind the anti-corruption movement.

Despite the criticism, some defended Hazare, emphasizing that acknowledging someone's contributions at the end of their life does not negate past criticisms but rather shows respect for their life's work. They argued that Hazare's comments reflect a broader perspective on Singh's legacy beyond the corruption allegations.

This incident underscores the complex nature of political narratives in India, where past actions and current statements can lead to significant public discourse, highlighting the intricate balance between political activism and personal tributes.