India's veteran social activist Kisan Baburao Hazare, popularly known as Anna Hazare, ended his 19-day-long "maun vrat" (vow of silence) at Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, in New Delhi on Friday morning.
Anna Hazare has launched a major non-violent agitation against the government's anti-corruption bill which is billed as Jan Lokpal Bill (People's Ombudsman Bill). The agitation that started on Aug. 5, 2011 has changed the notion of tolerance to corruption in the country. The protest provoked nationwide agitation against corruption.
Launched by the 74-year-old Gandhian follower, it forced the Indian government and even Parliament to acknowledge the sentiment that is visibly catching up across the entire country.
Here is the timeline of Anna Hazare's anti-corruption campaign:
Dec. 1, 2010 - "India Against Corruption" led by Anna Hazare releases its own version of anti-corruption bill called Jan Lokpal.
Feb. 17, 2011 - Anna Hazare sends a memorandum to the Prime Minister and vows to go on a fast.
Feb. 26, 2011 - The group urges the government to set up a Joint drafting committee for the Jan Lokpal Bill.
April 4, 2011 - Anna takes exception to the government's move that has excluded "civil society" from the panel set up to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill.
April 5, 2011 - Anna Hazare starts his indefinite fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
April 6, 2011 - Anna writes to PM countering the allegation that he is being "instigated by people" to go on fast. Many leaders extend support to the fast. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan writes to Anna and PM.
April 7, 2011 - Two rounds of talks between Anna supporters and the government fail. Gujarat state Chief Minister criticizes PM for resisting the passage of a stronger Lokpal Bill.
April 8, 2011 - Anna's fast triggers protests in his support across the country. Government accepts the compromise formula, appoints Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to head the draft committee while Shanti Bhushan from the Anna-Hazare group becomes its co-chairman.
April 9, 2011 - Government accepts team Anna's demand, issues an Official Gazette saying the draft of the Lokpal would be made and presented in the coming monsoon session of Lok Sabha. Anna sets April 15 as the deadline to pass the bill in parliament.
April 16, 2011 - The first meeting takes place on the draft of the Lokpal Bill. The government refuses to Anna's demand to live telecast all the meetings of the panel. Instead it allows for audio-recording of the proceedings.
June 4, 2011 - Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev begins his indefinite hunger strike at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi to bring back the black money stashed in tax havens abroad.
June 5, 2011- Ramdev is arrested and held in a government guesthouse before sending him to Dehra Dun in a BSF aircraft. He is barred from entering Delhi for the next 15 days.
June 6, 2011 - Prime Minister defends action against Baba Ramdev as an operation that had to be conducted, as there was no alternative.
June 9, 2011- Anna describes his fight against corruption as the "Second Freedom Struggle" and threatens to intensify his agitation if the government fails to pass the bill on or before the deadline of June 15.
June 16, 2011- The government and the civilian representatives in the panel seen split over differences in jointly drafting the bill. Team Anna claims that only 15 points, out of a total 71 recommended, have been included in the joint draft.
June 22, 2011 - Congress leader Digvijay Singh warns Anna on his proposed fast saying he might meet the same fate as Baba Ramdev.
August 14, 2011 - Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari and an MP from Ludhiana constituency claim Anna Hazare was also involved "in corruption from top to bottom", "neck-deep in corruption."
August 15, 2011 - Team Anna says they were going ahead with the fast from Aug. 16, 2011 as planned. Section 144 (barring group meetings and assembly of more than 5 persons) was imposed a night before the planned protest in various parts of New Delhi including the proposed venue of the fast -- J. P. Park.
August 16, 2011 - In an early morning swoop, Delhi police detain Anna Hazare from his Mayur Vihar residence in New Delhi. He is sent to Tihar Jail for seven days, after refusing to sign a personal bond to be released on bail. Anna refuses to come out of Tihar Jail, demanding an unconditional permission to hold protests at JP Park.
August 17, 2011 - Despite the government decision to free Anna, he refuses to leave jail and spends the night in Tihar jail.
August 18, 2011- Anna Hazare leaves jail, after Delhi Police grant him permission to fast for 15 days at Ramlila Maidan. However, he would be in jail till the ground is ready for protest.
August 19, 2011- The next day, Anna Hazare leaves Tihar Jail. A huge crowd throng outside the Tihar jail to welcome him. Anna Hazare shouts "Bharat mata ki Jai (Victory to Mother India)" as he steps out of the Jail gate. After paying obeisance to Mahatma Gandhi Anna Hazare reaches Ramlila Maidan and launches a 15-day mass protest against corruption. BJP MP Varun Gandhi comes out in support of Anna's Jan Lokpal Bill, saying that he "would like to make a small contribution in his own way."
August 21, 2011- Team Anna warn the UPA government that its days are numbered if it fails to pass the Bill by August 30.
August 22, 2011- On behalf of Anna Hazare, Sri Sri Ravishankar meets NDA leaders. Anna refuses to negotiate with any other mediators, except with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) or Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan regarding the Jan Lokpal Bill.
August 23, 2011- Prime Minister writes to Anna Hazare, appeals him to end his fast. Manmohan Sigh expresses concern over Anna's health and assures that he will ask Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar if Anna's Jan Lokpal Bill can be sent to the Standing Committee. The government invites team Anna for talk.
August 24, 2011- An all-party meeting chaired by Manmohan Singh is held at his official residence in New Delhi. The meeting appeals Anna Hazare to end his fast.
August 25, 2011- Prime Minister announces that the government is ready to debate all versions of the Lokpal Bill, including Aruna Roy's and of Dr Jayaprakash Narayan's versions. Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh meets Anna Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan and conveys a message from the Prime Minister urging Anna to end his fast. Anna Hazare puts forward his three demands to the Prime Minister- Citizen's Charter, Lokayuktas in all states with Lokpal powers and inclusion of lowest to highest bureaucracy.
August 26, 2011- Government asks Anna Hazare to guarantee of ending his fast once the parliament discussion opens. Extending support to Anna Hazare's agitation veteran Bollywood actor Om Puri visits Ramlila Maidan.
August 27, 2011- Bollywood actor Aamir Khan meets Anna Hazare at Ramlila Maidan. During the debate in Lok Sabha, Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee requests Anna to end his fast. Opposition leader and BJP MP in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj expresses BJP's support for Anna Hazare. Government agrees to voice vote on Lokpal debate in Parliament, both the houses passes Anna's three demands.
Reacting to the development, Anna says, "We have won only half the battle," and he congratulates every MP on what has happened. Prime Minister writes to Anna Hazare after breaking fast.
August 28, 2011- Anna Hazare breaks his 13-day fast and he is driven straight to Medanta Medicity hospital. Thousands of Anna's supporters' celebrate victory.
August 31, 2011-Hazare returns to his native village, Ralegan Siddhi, and stays at Padmavati temple's guesthouse.
Sept. 10, 2011- Team Anna calls for electoral reform by seeking right to reject and the right to recall elected representatives by the voters.
Oct. 12, 2011 - Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena attacks Team Anna core committee member Prashant Bhushan in his chamber on Supreme Court premises over his remarks on conducting plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir.
Oct.16, 2011- Anna starts his weeklong "maun vrat"(Vow of Silence) at his native village Ralegan Siddhi.
Oct. 18, 2011 - A man named Jitendra Pathak throws shoe at Arvind Kejriwal in Lucknow, accusing Kejriwal of misleading people.
Nov.4, 2011- Anna ends his 19-day-long "maun vrat."
Nov.6, 2011 - The Yuva Ghantanad Sanstha targets Arvind Kejriwal in Nagpur.
Nov. 7, 2011- Anna Hazare plans to restructure his core committee, giving representation to religious minorities, tribals, Dalits and youth to strengthen the campaign against corruption.
Nov. 19, 2011- A wax statue of Anna Hazare is unveiled in Varsoli village, around 110 Km from Mumbai.
Nov. 20, 2011- Union Finance Minister (FM) Pranab Mukherjee rejects Anna Hazare's demand for right to recall elected representative. The FM says it will create political instability in the country.
Nov. 20, 2011- In a two days meeting of Anna Hazare's workers at Ralegan Siddhi, Anna directs his activists to file cases against political parties found using his name or photos during election.
Nov. 22, 2011- The Prime Minister's Office writes a letter to Anna Hazare assuring him that the UPA government will bring a strong Lokpal Bill in the winter session.
Nov. 23, 2011- Yoga guru Ramdev writes to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh threatening to launch a nationwide agitation against the UPA if the government did not take decisive steps to bring the Jan Lokpal Bill and repatriate black money stashed abroad in the winter session of Parliament.
Nov. 28. 2011- Anna Hazare announces his decision to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, Dec. 11 to intensify pressure on the Parliamentary standing committee. The Parliamentary panel on Lokpal Bill is likely to submit its report before Dec. 7.
Dec. 1, 2011 - The standing committee examining the Lokpal bill overturns its earlier recommendation to include the Group C Central Government employees and leave them out of its ambit.
Dec. 2, 2011- Anna Hazare says the government might have changed its stand on the Lokpal due to Rahul Gandhi's intervention.
Dec. 4, 2011- Hundreds of Anna Hazare supporters participate in a car and bike rally in the capital Sunday to drum up support for civil society's version of the Lokpal bill.
Dec. 09 - Upset over the draft report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee examining the Lokpal Bill, Anna makes a direct attack on the Congress-led UPA government by saying having a weak Prime Minister is dangerous for the country.
Dec.11, 2011 - Anna starts his day-long hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. '
Dec. 14, 2011 - Congress top brass, led by party president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meets all the constituents of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and hold all party meeting on Lokpal Bill.
Dec. 15, 2011 -Anna Hazare says he will launch a new movement, 'Jail Bharo Andolan' (put in jail), from January 1 in front of the houses of Member of Parliament (MPs) if they attempt to dilute the Lokpal bill.
Dec. 16, 2011 - Kiran Bedi says team Anna will not launch the planned hunger strike campaign for the Lokpal Bill if the ongoing session of the Parliament is extended to discuss it.
Dec. 17, 2011 - Anna Hazare writes a fresh letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying doubts have arisen over whether Lokpal Bill will be passed by December 23 when Parliament session gets over and threatened to go ahead with his proposed fast and 'jail bharo' agitation.
Dec. 18, 2011 - Anna says Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has fooled people of India several times. He addresses a huge rally in Chennai.
Dec. 21, 2011 - UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi says that the government is ready for a fight on Lokpal Bill.
Dec. 22, 2011 -Anna Hazare dares the government for an open debate on the Lokpal Bill.
Dec. 09, 2011 Anna upsets with the draft report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee examining the Lokpal Bill. He made a direct attack on the Congress-led UPA government by saying having a weak Prime Minister is dangerous for the country. He also blamed the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and the Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal for creating confusion on the Lokpal issue.
Dec. 10, 2011 Anna reached New Delhi to start his day-long hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on Sunday.
Dec.11, 2011, Anna starts his day-long hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. He termed it as "second fight for independence."
Dec. 14, Congress top brass, led by party president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, met all the constituents of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and hold all party meeting on Lokpal Bill.
Dec. 15, 2011 Anna said that he would launch a new movement, 'Jail Bharo Andolan' (put in jail), from January 1 in front of the houses of Member of Parliament (MPs) if they attempt to dilute the Lokpal bill.
He also called to extend the ongoing session of the Parliament to get the Lokpal Bill passed.
Dec. 16, 2011- Kiran Bedi, said that team Anna will not launch the planned hunger strike campaign for the Lokpal Bill if the ongoing session of the Parliament is extended to discuss it.
Dec. 17, 2011 Anna wrote a fresh letter to Prime Minister, saying doubts have arisen over whether Lokpal Bill will be passed by Dec. 23 when Parliament session gets over and threatened to go ahead with his proposed fast and 'jail bharo' agitation.
Dec. 18, 2011 Anna said on Sunday that Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has fooled people of India several times. He addressed a huge rally in Chennai.
Dec. 21, 2011-United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the government was ready for a fight on Lokpal Bill.
Dec. 22, 2011 Anna challenges the government for an open debate on the Lokpal Bill.
Dec. 23, 2011- Team Anna starts a mass registration for Anna Hazare's "Jail Bharo Andolan" (Fill the Jail Campaign) to protest against government's lokpal bill.
Dec. 25, 2011- Team Anna urged the Prime Minister and parliamentarians to come out with a real anti-corruption law to tackle corruption.
Dec. 26, 2011- Anna said, Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government does not want to eliminate corruption from India.
Dec. 27, 2011- Anna began a three-day hunger strike in Mumbai to protest a the anti-corruption bill being debated in parliament on Tuesday, seeking to stoke public support for stronger legislation.
Dec. 28, 2011- Anna Hazare ends his fast one day ahead the actual day due to his deteriorating health condition, at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) grounds in Mumbai. He also scrapped his 'Jail Bharo" campaign.
Dec. 29, 2011- after suspending his "Jail Bharo Andolan" Anna returned to his native village Ralegan Siddhi.
Dec. 31, 2011- Anna's aide Suresh Pathre announces that the core committee meeting of Team Anna which was scheduled to be held at Ralegan Siddhi on Jan. 2 and 3, has been postponed due to Anna's ill health.
Jan. 1, 2012- Anna, hospitalizes at Sancheti hospital in Pune, after complaining of chest congestion.
Jan. 6, 2012- Key member of Team Anna, Shanti Bhushan, has been found guilty of evading taxes worth Rs.1.3 crores.
Jan. 8, 2011- Anna, discharged from hospital
