Arvind Kejriwal: The Rise of a Political Leader
Arvind Kejriwal, the current Chief Minister of Delhi, has emerged as one of India's most prominent political figures in recent years. Known for his unconventional political style and his focus on transparency and anti-corruption measures, Kejriwal's journey from an activist to a politician has been nothing short of remarkable. His leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has reshaped the political landscape of Delhi and offered a new model of governance focused on accountability and citizen welfare. Read More
Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in the small town of Siwani, Haryana. He grew up in a middle-class family, with his father being an electrical engineer and his mother a homemaker. Kejriwal was an intelligent student, excelling academically, and eventually graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of the premier engineering colleges in India.
After completing his education, Kejriwal worked in the private sector for a brief period before realizing his passion for public service. His decision to quit his job and focus on social issues marked the beginning of his transformation into a political leader. Read More
The Anti-Corruption Movement
Kejriwal’s entry into the political sphere began with his involvement in the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare. The movement aimed to put pressure on the government to enact a strong Lokpal (anti-corruption) bill, which would ensure accountability of government officials. Kejriwal, who was already an active member of the social sector, became one of the most vocal leaders of the movement, using his position to mobilize the masses against corruption.
Kejriwal's work during the movement earned him widespread recognition. He, along with Anna Hazare, became the face of the anti-corruption crusade. The movement attracted millions of supporters across the country, creating a national dialogue about corruption and governance. However, the eventual breakdown of the movement, due to disagreements over the direction it should take, led Kejriwal to contemplate a career in politics.
Founding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
In November 2012, Arvind Kejriwal founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with the idea of creating a political platform that would represent the common man. The AAP was born out of frustration with the existing political system, which many saw as corrupt and disconnected from the needs of the ordinary citizens. Kejriwal’s mission was clear: to rid the system of corruption, provide better services to the people, and make the government more accountable.
The formation of AAP was a unique moment in Indian politics. It was the first time that an anti-corruption movement transitioned into a political party. The party’s slogan "Aam Aadmi ki Sarkar" (Government of the Common Man) resonated with millions of Indians who were disillusioned by the existing political elite. Read More
Political Career and Delhi Elections
In December 2013, AAP contested the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. To everyone’s surprise, the party emerged as the second-largest party, winning 28 out of 70 seats, only behind the Indian National Congress. Kejriwal, who had been active in the election campaign, became the Chief Minister of Delhi with the support of the Congress Party. However, his tenure was short-lived. In February 2014, after just 49 days in office, Kejriwal resigned, citing his inability to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill as his primary reason.
Despite the resignation, Kejriwal and AAP continued to gain momentum. In the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections of 2015, the party created history by winning 67 out of 70 seats, securing a landslide victory. Kejriwal’s focus on issues like clean governance, education, healthcare, and electricity reforms endeared him to the people of Delhi.
Governance and Achievements
Under Kejriwal's leadership, the Delhi government implemented several initiatives that had a significant impact on the lives of the people. One of his key achievements has been the focus on education. Kejriwal's government made substantial investments in Delhi’s public schools, improving infrastructure, adding classrooms, and hiring qualified teachers. This emphasis on education has earned Kejriwal praise for transforming the capital’s education system. Read More
Another area where Kejriwal's government has excelled is in healthcare. The Delhi government has provided free healthcare services in government hospitals and launched Mohalla Clinics, which offer primary healthcare services at the doorstep of people. These measures have greatly improved access to healthcare for the underprivileged sections of society.
Additionally, Kejriwal’s government has focused on reducing the cost of essential services like electricity and water. Subsidies for electricity, and free water supply for households using less than a certain amount, have become significant selling points of AAP’s policies.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite his popularity, Kejriwal has faced criticism on several fronts. His confrontational style of politics, especially with the central government, has often led to accusations of authoritarianism. Furthermore, his critics argue that while AAP has made significant strides in improving governance in Delhi, the party has failed to address some of the systemic issues of national importance.
Moreover, Kejriwal's position on key national issues, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and his stance on the relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, have sparked debates and divided public opinion. His party’s success in Delhi has not necessarily translated into national success, as seen in the 2019 general elections, where AAP struggled to make significant inroads outside of Delhi.