Arvind Kejriwal: The Evolution of a Political Leader in India
Arvind Kejriwal, the current Chief Minister of Delhi, has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in Indian politics over the last decade. Known for his role in founding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and his strong stand on anti-corruption, Kejriwal's political journey has been marked by his unconventional approach to governance, his advocacy for transparency, and his focus on clean and efficient administration. Read More
Born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana, Arvind Kejriwal comes from a middle-class family. His father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, was an engineer, and his mother, Gita Kejriwal, was a homemaker. Arvind Kejriwal was an academically gifted student, excelling in his studies. He completed his schooling from the prestigious St. Xavier’s School in Delhi and later graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of India’s most esteemed engineering institutions.
After completing his degree, Kejriwal worked for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995. He joined the Indian government’s tax department, where he served as a Joint Commissioner in the Income Tax Department, a position that gave him firsthand experience of India’s bureaucracy and its many inefficiencies.
The Anti-Corruption Movement Read More
Kejriwal’s foray into activism began in the mid-2000s, during the peak of the anti-corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare. Hazare’s fast-unto-death to demand the enactment of a strong Lokpal Bill (an anti-corruption bill) in India struck a chord with Kejriwal, who had already been disillusioned by the rampant corruption he witnessed in his own government job.
Kejriwal became one of the central figures in the 2011 India Against Corruption movement. Alongside Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, and others, Kejriwal spearheaded efforts to bring attention to corruption in India’s political system. The movement, which garnered widespread public support, eventually led to the drafting of the Lokpal Bill in the Indian Parliament, although it faced numerous roadblocks and was never fully passed in its original form.
The movement also gave rise to a new wave of political awareness, with Kejriwal emerging as one of its leaders. His sharp critique of the political establishment and his demand for systemic reforms positioned him as a potential leader for those disillusioned with the status quo.
Founding the Aam Aadmi Party
After the failure of the Lokpal Bill and his disagreements with Anna Hazare on the future course of action, Kejriwal took a bold step and decided to enter formal politics. In November 2012, he founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with the vision of offering an alternative to the traditional political parties, which, according to him, had failed the people of India.
AAP's philosophy was built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and direct participation of the common man in governance. The name “Aam Aadmi” (Common Man) symbolized the party’s focus on addressing the everyday concerns of the ordinary citizens, especially those related to corruption, education, healthcare, and public services.
Kejriwal's entry into politics was marked by his first major electoral battle in the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. Despite being a newcomer with no prior political experience, Kejriwal’s AAP made a stunning debut, winning 28 out of 70 seats, and he became the Chief Minister of Delhi in December 2013, with the support of the Indian National Congress (INC).
First Term as Chief Minister
Kejriwal's tenure as Chief Minister from December 2013 to February 2014 was short but eventful. His government focused on issues such as improving public education, enhancing healthcare services, and providing cheaper electricity and water to residents of Delhi. However, his tenure was marked by a confrontation with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor and the central government, which limited his ability to implement certain policies. In February 2014, Kejriwal resigned from office, citing the inability to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly. Read More
The Resounding Victory in 2015
Despite the setback in 2014, Kejriwal and AAP came back stronger in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. In one of the most remarkable comebacks in Indian political history, AAP won 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, securing an overwhelming mandate for Kejriwal. The victory was seen as a validation of Kejriwal’s populist policies and his commitment to fighting corruption.
During his second term, Kejriwal’s government implemented a series of reforms that focused on education, healthcare, electricity, and water supply. Some of the key initiatives included the introduction of Mohalla Clinics for providing affordable healthcare, improving the quality of government schools, and reducing electricity tariffs. Kejriwal's governance style was seen as pragmatic, with a focus on tangible improvements in the lives of the residents of Delhi.
AAP’s Growth and Challenges
Kejriwal's AAP has had mixed fortunes since its establishment. The party has seen growth in Delhi, but its expansion into other states has faced challenges. In states like Punjab, Goa, and Gujarat, AAP has struggled to replicate its success. However, in the 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly elections, AAP registered a massive victory, securing 92 out of 117 seats in the state legislature and forming its first government outside Delhi.
Despite his successes, Kejriwal’s tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly his frequent conflicts with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress. His critics accuse him of relying too heavily on populist measures, while his supporters commend his efforts to challenge entrenched political forces and promote transparency in governance.
Kejriwal’s Political Vision
Arvind Kejriwal has envisioned a more decentralized form of governance, where local governments play a significant role in policymaking. He has advocated for the devolution of power from the central government to state governments, especially in areas related to health, education, and police reform. Kejriwal has also been a vocal critic of the centralization of power under the Narendra Modi-led government, arguing that it undermines federalism in India.
Moreover, Kejriwal has often used Delhi as a model of good governance, where improvements in basic services like healthcare and education can lead to broader societal change. His administration’s focus on "delivering results" has earned him a reputation as a leader who prioritizes practical outcomes over ideological rhetoric.
Kejriwal has faced significant criticism from his political opponents, particularly the BJP and Congress. His handling of the Delhi riots in 2020, his aggressive stance against the central government, and his often combative style have led to a polarized view of his leadership. Critics accuse him of being opportunistic and using populist rhetoric to further his political agenda.
Furthermore, Kejriwal's government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the second wave, was scrutinized for its preparedness and response. Despite this, Kejriwal’s leadership was widely recognized in Delhi for effective vaccination campaigns and other pandemic-related measures.