Anna Hazare admitted to ICU in Mumbai with severe viral infection, dehydration

Anna Hazare, the renowned social activist and former leader of the India Against Corruption movement, has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Bombay Hospital in Mumbai due to acute dehydration and kidney complications. The 89-year-old Gandhian figure was transferred to the city after his condition worsened while receiving treatment at a local hospital near his model village, Ralegan Siddhi, in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district. He was transported to the hospital in a cardiac ambulance, accompanied by caretakers from his village. Dr. Gautam Bhansali, who is overseeing his care, confirmed that medical tests are ongoing and that further treatment plans will be decided once results are available. Hazare’s recent hospitalisation follows a period of heightened political engagement. Last month, he addressed a group of 20 Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers at Hyderabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. During the session, he emphasized the importance of integrity and selfless service for nation-building, stating that the youth of India represent its future. His visit to Ralegan Siddhi, his native village, was part of a broader effort to showcase the success of grassroots development initiatives and rural transformation models. In early August, Hazare publicly supported the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led Jantar Mantar protests, which emerged in response to allegations of police brutality during a parliamentary march rally on July 20. Speaking after the protest was called off, he reiterated his belief in peaceful agitation and democratic dialogue as the only viable means of addressing public grievances. “Any issue gets resolved through dialogue,” he stated. “Dialogue leads to solutions. Creating tension and going down the wrong path will not solve anything.” He highlighted his history of using hunger strikes, specifically 22 instances, to bring about legislative change, noting that none of these efforts ever involved violence. Hazare also expressed concern over the alleged police violence and damage to public property during the protests. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with student activists and address their demands. He described the incidents as “painful” and stressed that violence and excessive force have no place in a functioning democracy. The activist further argued that the concerns raised by the youth, such as paper leaks, delayed recruitment processes, and unemployment, are indicative of deeper societal distress rather than mere law-and-order issues. During the Jantar Mantar protests, Hazare participated in a two-hour-long silent demonstration to show solidarity with the demonstrators. His involvement underscored his continued commitment to non-violent resistance, a core tenet of his activism since the 1990s. Despite his advanced age, Hazare remains active in advocating for transparency, accountability, and civic participation, often drawing upon his legacy of civil disobedience and mass mobilization. Medical officials at Bombay Hospital have not yet released specific details regarding the severity of Hazare’s condition beyond acute dehydration and kidney-related complications. While he is currently under close monitoring, there are no immediate indications of critical instability. His family and caretakers remain present at the hospital, ensuring his comfort and well-being during this period of recovery. As the situation develops, further updates are expected from the medical team.