Anna Hazare writes to CM, warns of indefinite hunger strike over new RTI rules from July 5

Pune: Social activist Anna Hazare has threatened to launch an indefinite hunger strike from July 5 unless the state govt withdraws the newly notified RTI Rules 2026.In a letter addressed to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, Hazare asserted that the rules notified on June 12 would dilute the Right to Information (RTI) Act and create significant hurdles for common citizens seeking information.

Reminding the govt of his 2006 hunger strike in Alandi to defend the same act, the veteran activist warned that he would begin a similar protest at his native village, Ralegan Siddhi, if the rules are not revoked.Hazare’s letter raised objections to 11 specific points in the RTI Rules 2026. He particularly criticised the decision to hike application fees, stating, “The purpose of the RTI is to provide information to the public, not to generate revenue.

The govt has provided no justification for this increase.”Hazare further argued that if the govt felt a fee hike was necessary 20 years after the act’s inception, it should have simultaneously increased the penalties for officials who refuse to share information. “Increasing the fees is an indirect attempt to discourage common citizens from seeking transparency,” he wrote.The activist also strongly opposed the new mandate requiring applicants to submit identity proof.

He warned that such a compulsion could compromise the privacy of applicants and put whistleblowers exposing corruption at risk.Recalling his lifelong commitment to the cause, Hazare noted his statewide tours in 1998, 2001, 2004, and 2006 to build awareness for the act, alongside his previous hunger strikes in 2003, 2004, and 2006. “I am ready to sacrifice my life to safeguard the RTI Act,” Hazare declared.