‘Dialogue Better Than Confrontation’: Anna Hazare Urges PM Modi To Talk To Protesters, Supports Wangchuk, CJP
‘Dialogue Better Than Confrontation’: Anna Hazare Urges PM Modi To Talk To Protesters, Supports Wangchuk, CJP Reported By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 20:00 IST
‘Dialogue Better Than Confrontation’: Anna Hazare Urges PM Modi To Talk To Protesters, Supports Wangchuk, CJP Reported By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 20:00 IST Anna Hazare urged PM Modi not to view protesters as opponents but as citizens whose concerns deserve to be heard with patience and respect Rapid Read Anna Hazare. Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to resolve public protests through dialogue instead of using force. In a letter dated July 22, Hazare expressed concern over the police action and violence during the ongoing protest in New Delhi, led by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and students demanding accountability in the NEET examination controversy. Hazare said that reports of violence and police action during the protest were deeply disturbing and did not reflect the spirit of democracy. He stressed that while violence and damage to public property should be avoided under all circumstances, the government should listen to people’s concerns instead of treating them as a law-and-order problem. Referring to the NEET examination controversy, Hazare said the paper leak and irregularities had created deep frustration among lakhs of students.
He pointed out that nearly 22 lakh students appeared for the examination this year and claimed that reports of student suicides due to disappointment had also emerged. He said that repeated irregularities in recruitment and examination processes have increased public anger and raised serious questions about accountability. Hazare argued that whenever a major scam or irregularity comes to light, responsibility is often shifted to lower-level officials. He said accountability should also rest with those at the highest levels of government. According to him, if a minister is held responsible and asked to resign after such lapses, it would send a strong message across the administration and improve governance. The social activist also referred to Sonam Wangchuk’s protest, saying it was unfortunate that meaningful discussions were not held before he was removed from his protest site. Hazare noted that despite the protest continuing for several days in Delhi, no senior government representative or secretary-level official reached out to the protesters for talks. In his letter, Hazare said dialogue is always a better path than confrontation in a democracy.
He appealed to the Prime Minister not to view protesters as opponents but as citizens whose concerns deserve to be heard with patience and respect. He said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but solutions should come through discussion, sensitivity and mutual respect. Hazare concluded by expressing hope that the government would engage with the protesters in a positive manner, strengthen democratic values and restore public confidence through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What impact could Anna Hazare's letter have on the protests? Anna Hazare's letter to Prime Minister Modi urges dialogue over confrontation with protesters, supporting environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and students demanding NEET accountability. Will the government engage in dialogue with the protesters now? The government has indicated a willingness to engage with protesters, with sources stating that "doors of dialogue remain open". A decision on the next round of engagement is expected soon. How might this affect future public demonstrations in India?
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