Arvind Kejriwal is a prominent Indian politician and activist who has played a significant role in Delhi’s political landscape. He founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which emerged in 2012 with a focus on combating corruption and promoting transparency in governance. Kejriwal’s journey from a civil servant to a political leader is fascinating and illustrative of the evolving nature of Indian politics.
Early Life and Education
Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in a middle-class family in Siwani, Haryana. His father was an engineer and his mother was a homemaker. Kejriwal excelled academically and went on to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. After completing his degree, he joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995, where he worked as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax.
Turning Point: Activism
Kejriwal’s foray into activism began with his exposure to the rampant corruption within the system. His experiences in the IRS led him to question the bureaucratic norms and inspired him to work towards systemic change. In 2000, he resigned from his government job to pursue social work more vigorously. He joined the Parivartan movement, which aimed to address issues related to the Right to Information (RTI).
His work in this area was pivotal, as he helped ordinary citizens access government information and hold officials accountable. This activism laid the groundwork for his future political career. In 2005, he was a key figure in the India Against Corruption movement, which sought to pass the Lokpal Bill and combat corruption at all levels of government.
Formation of Aam Aadmi Party
The India Against Corruption movement garnered widespread attention and support, leading to the idea of creating a political party that would represent the common man—hence, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was formed in November 2012. The party’s primary objective was to fight corruption and improve governance.
Kejriwal quickly became the face of AAP, promoting policies that resonated with the urban middle class, youth, and those disillusioned with traditional political parties. In the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, AAP made a spectacular debut, winning 28 of the 70 seats and forming a government with Kejriwal as the Chief Minister.
First Term as Chief Minister
Kejriwal’s first term as Chief Minister lasted only 49 days. His government implemented several initiatives, such as providing free water and subsidized electricity to residents. However, it faced challenges, including a lack of cooperation from the Lieutenant Governor and the opposition parties, which led to a crisis over the Jan Lokpal Bill. In February 2014, Kejriwal resigned, stating that he could not work effectively without a majority.
Despite the short-lived tenure, Kejriwal’s popularity soared, as he was seen as a leader who took a stand against the entrenched political establishment. His resignation was a calculated move that set the stage for the 2015 elections.
Resurgence in 2015
In the 2015 Delhi elections, AAP won an astonishing 67 out of 70 seats, marking a historic victory. Kejriwal’s campaign focused on development, education, and healthcare, appealing to voters’ aspirations for better governance. His administration prioritized improvements in public services, particularly in education and healthcare.
Under his leadership, AAP initiated reforms in government schools, introduced the Mohalla Clinics (community health centers), and worked towards reducing pollution levels in Delhi. The government also focused on women’s safety, launching initiatives to ensure safer public spaces.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his successes, Kejriwal’s tenure has not been without challenges. His administration faced accusations of authoritarianism, and he often found himself at odds with the central government, particularly during the tenure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The tussle for power between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the complex relationship between state and central authorities.
Kejriwal’s confrontational style and sharp criticisms of the BJP and Congress drew both praise and criticism. He has faced various controversies, including allegations of nepotism, internal party dissent, and the handling of dissent within his government.
2020 Delhi Elections and Beyond
In the 2020 Delhi elections, AAP secured a second consecutive victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats. Kejriwal’s campaign again focused on development and governance, promising to continue the work initiated in his first term. The victory reaffirmed his status as a significant player in Delhi politics, and his party’s performance challenged the narrative that regional parties cannot sustain electoral success.
Kejriwal has also expanded his political ambitions beyond Delhi, advocating for issues like education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability on a national platform. His party’s model of governance has been cited as an example for other states, and he has expressed aspirations to play a larger role in national politics.
Leadership Style and Vision
Kejriwal’s leadership style is characterized by a blend of grassroots activism and pragmatic governance. He has shown an ability to connect with ordinary citizens, often sharing his government’s achievements and plans through social media and public engagements. His focus on education and healthcare has positioned him as a proponent of social welfare.
Kejriwal’s vision for India includes an emphasis on clean politics, transparency, and accountability. He advocates for participatory governance, where citizens have a direct role in decision-making processes. His approach to politics seeks to challenge the traditional power dynamics and promote a more inclusive model of governance.
Conclusion
Arvind Kejriwal’s journey from a civil servant to a key political leader in India embodies the shifting dynamics of Indian politics. His commitment to fighting corruption, improving public services, and engaging with citizens has reshaped the political landscape in Delhi and inspired many across the country. As he continues to navigate the complexities of governance and political rivalry, his impact on Indian democracy and public policy remains profound and ongoing. Whether he will extend his influence beyond Delhi or maintain it in the face of new challenges is a narrative that will unfold in the coming years.
