Arvind Kejriwal is an Indian politician, social activist, and the founding leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Delhi, a position he first assumed in 2013. Known for his focus on anti-corruption and governance reforms, Kejriwal has become a significant political figure in India. Here’s an overview of his history:
Early Life and Background:
- Birth: Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, a small town in the Bhiwani district of Haryana, India. He was born into a middle-class family, with his father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, working as an electrical engineer.
- Education: Kejriwal completed his schooling at Campus School in Hisar. He later went on to study mechanical engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, where he graduated in 1989. His academic background and interest in public service would shape much of his later career.
Early Career:
- Civil Services: After completing his education, Kejriwal briefly worked with Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, but he left the job to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. He joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995 as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax. While serving as a bureaucrat, Kejriwal became increasingly involved in social activism, focusing on transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption issues.
Social Activism and RTI Movement:
- Parivartan and RTI Activism: In the early 2000s, Kejriwal became a prominent figure in the Right to Information (RTI) movement, which sought to promote government transparency by enabling citizens to access government records. He founded the NGO “Parivartan” to address grievances related to public services such as electricity and ration distribution. Kejriwal’s work empowered citizens by educating them on how to use the RTI Act to fight corruption.
- Recognition: Kejriwal’s contributions to the RTI movement and his social activism earned him the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006. The award recognized his leadership in fighting corruption and promoting accountability in government services.
Anti-Corruption Movement and Rise in Politics:
- Anna Hazare’s India Against Corruption Movement (2011): Kejriwal became a national figure during the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, led by social activist Anna Hazare in 2011. The movement called for the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill, which aimed to create an independent body to investigate and prosecute corruption cases in India. Kejriwal played a crucial role as one of the movement’s key organizers and spokespersons, advocating for systemic changes to combat corruption.The movement garnered widespread support from citizens, sparking nationwide protests and forcing the issue of corruption to the forefront of Indian politics.
Founding of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):
- Formation of AAP (2012): In November 2012, Arvind Kejriwal made a significant political shift by breaking away from the India Against Corruption movement and forming his own political party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kejriwal believed that real change could only come through political power, while Anna Hazare wanted to remain apolitical. The name “Aam Aadmi” (Common Man) was chosen to reflect the party’s mission of representing the interests of ordinary citizens.
- Political Ideology: AAP’s core principles are centered around anti-corruption, transparency in governance, and decentralization of power. The party’s slogan, “Swaraj” (self-governance), emphasizes empowering local communities and ensuring that government policies are people-centric.
Chief Minister of Delhi:
- Delhi Assembly Elections (2013): In the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP made a stunning debut, winning 28 out of 70 seats. Though short of a majority, Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi with the support of the Congress Party. However, his first tenure lasted only 49 days, as he resigned in February 2014, citing his inability to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill due to lack of support from the opposition parties.
- Delhi Assembly Elections (2015): In the 2015 Delhi elections, Kejriwal made a strong comeback. AAP won a landslide victory, securing 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. This victory gave Kejriwal and AAP a mandate to govern Delhi without relying on external support. His second tenure as Chief Minister focused on key issues like education, healthcare, electricity, and water supply, particularly for underprivileged communities.
- Delhi Assembly Elections (2020): Kejriwal’s government was re-elected in the 2020 Delhi elections with another overwhelming victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats. His third term as Chief Minister has been marked by efforts to improve public services and address environmental issues, as well as handling the COVID-19 pandemic in the national capital.
Key Achievements and Policies:
- Education and Healthcare Reforms: Kejriwal’s government is widely recognized for its focus on improving public education and healthcare in Delhi. His administration invested heavily in upgrading government schools, enhancing teacher training, and introducing initiatives like the “Happiness Curriculum.” Similarly, the Mohalla Clinics (neighborhood health clinics) were introduced to provide accessible healthcare services to low-income communities.
- Electricity and Water Subsidies: The AAP government provided subsidized electricity to Delhi residents and improved access to clean water, making these essential services more affordable for ordinary citizens. Kejriwal’s policies have earned him praise for his focus on welfare and governance reform.
- Public Transport and Women’s Safety: The Kejriwal government also introduced measures to improve public transport, including free bus rides for women in Delhi to promote women’s safety and mobility.
Challenges and Criticisms:
- Conflict with the Central Government: Kejriwal’s tenure as Chief Minister has often been marred by conflicts with the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Due to Delhi’s unique status as a Union Territory, the central government retains control over key areas like law enforcement, leading to frequent power struggles between Kejriwal’s government and the Lieutenant Governor, who represents the central government in Delhi.
- Resignation in 2014: Kejriwal’s decision to resign after 49 days in office during his first term drew criticism, with opponents accusing him of political opportunism and abandoning his responsibilities. However, his supporters argued that it was a principled stand to demand the passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill.
- Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic: While Kejriwal’s government was praised for some aspects of its COVID-19 response, such as setting up oxygen plants and free vaccination centers, there were also criticisms related to the handling of the second wave of the pandemic, particularly concerning hospital capacity and oxygen shortages.
Personal Life:
- Family: Arvind Kejriwal is married to Sunita Kejriwal, a former IRS officer, and they have two children. Sunita has played a supportive role in Kejriwal’s political and social activism journey.
- Lifestyle: Known for his simple and humble lifestyle, Kejriwal has often been seen avoiding the traditional perks of political power, such as living in luxurious government bungalows or using a large security convoy.
Legacy:
Arvind Kejriwal’s rise from a civil servant and social activist to a prominent political leader is unique in Indian politics. His efforts to fight corruption, promote governance reforms, and prioritize public welfare have earned him a significant following, particularly among the urban middle class and lower-income groups. He has positioned AAP as a party focused on governance and delivery of essential services, rather than traditional caste- or religion-based politics.
Future Prospects:
Kejriwal continues to have national political ambitions, and AAP has expanded its presence beyond Delhi, contesting elections in states like Punjab and Gujarat. His ability to influence Indian politics at a national level remains to be seen, but his model of governance and focus on transparency have resonated with many citizens.
