Introduction
Arvind Kejriwal is a prominent Indian politician, activist, and the founding leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He has been a central figure in Indian politics since the early 2010s, known for his anti-corruption stance and efforts to bring transparency to governance. This article provides a detailed overview of his life, career, family, and achievements.
Early Life and Education
Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, a small town in the Bhiwani district of Haryana, India. His father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Gita Devi, was a homemaker. Kejriwal's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and values, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Kejriwal completed his schooling at Campus School in Hisar and then at Christian Missionary Holy Child School in Sonipat. He went on to study Mechanical Engineering at theIndian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of India's most prestigiousengineering institutions, graduated in 1989.
Family and Personal life
Arvind Kejriwal's married Sunita, who is also an IRS officer. Two children,s Son name Pulkit and daughter name Harshita Sunita Kejriwal has been a significant support system in Arvind's life, especially during his
transition from a civil servant to a political leader. Kejriwal is known
for his simple lifestyle. Despite his high-profile career, he continues to live
in a modest government flat in Delhi. His commitment to simplicity and
austerity is often highlighted as a testament to his dedication to his
principles.
Career Beginnings
After Graduating from IIT Kharagpur, Kejriwal joined Tata Steel in 1989 but soon realised his
true calling lay elsewhere. In 1992, he joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
as an Assistant Commissioner of Income-Tax. During his tenure in the IRS,
Kejriwal became increasingly aware of the systemic corruption within the Indian
bureaucracy, which fueled his desire to bring about change.
Activism and the Fight Against Corruption
Kejriwal's activism It began to take shape during his IRS tenure. In 2000, he took a sabbatical to
focus on social work and founded the NGO Parivartan, which aimed to assist
citizens in navigating the complexities of the Indian tax system and to promote
Transparency in government dealings.
His real rise to The prominence, however, came with his association with the Right to Information
(RTI) Act. Along with activist Aruna Roy, Kejriwal played a crucial role in the
enactment of the RTI Act in 2005, which empowered Indian citizens to request
information from the government, thus promoting transparency and accountability.
Kejriwal's most Notable activism phase was his involvement in the India Against Corruption
(IAC) movement. The movement, led by veteran social activist Anna Hazare in
2011, sought the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, which aimed to create
an independent body to investigate corruption cases. Kejriwal's strategy
planning and organising skills were instrumental in mobilising public support
for the movement, making it a nationwide phenomenon.
Political Career
Frustrated with the lack of progress in anti-corruption efforts despite widespread public support,
Kejriwal decided to enter politics. In November 2012, he founded the Aam Aadmi
Party (AAP), translating to the "Common Man's Party." the party aimed
to bring a clean and accountable governance model, directly addressing the
issues of corruption and inefficiency.
Delhi Chief Minister
AAP's debut in the The 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections was a significant success. the party
won 28 out of 70 seats, and with external support from the Indian National
Congress, Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi on December 28, 2013.
However, his first term was short-lived. He resigned after 49 days, citing his
The government's inability to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill due to lack of support.
Kejriwal's The resignation was seen by some as a political miscalculation, but he made a
strong comeback in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections. AAP won 67 out of 70
seats, a historic victory that underscored Kejriwal's enduring appeal and the
The public's desire for change. He was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi
again on February 14, 2015, and has since been re-elected in 2020, securing a
third term.
Policies and Governance
As Chief Minister, Kejriwal has focused on a range of policies aimed at improving the lives of
Delhi's citizens. His governance model emphasizes education, healthcare, and
infrastructure. Under his leadership, the Delhi government has increased significantly.
investment in public schools, resulting in notable improvements in educational
results. Mohalla Clinics The initiative is another hallmark of Kejriwal's tenure. These neighborhood clinics
provide free primary healthcare services, greatly enhancing accessibility for
Delhi's residents. Additionally, his government has worked on providing free
water, subsidized electricity, and improving public transportation.
Challenges and Kejriwal's criticism
The political journey has not been without challenges and controversies. His
confrontational style and direct accusations against political opponents have
often draws criticism. There have been allegations of authoritarianism and
Centralization of power within AAP. His relationship with the central government,
especially with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been contentious, often
leading to administrative standoffs.
Net Worth and Public Perception
As of 2024, Arvind Kejriwal's net worth is estimated to be modest compared to many other
politicians. His income primarily comes from his salary as the Chief Minister
of Delhi and previous earnings as an IRS officer. His personal assets are
modest, reflecting his commitment to a life of public service rather than
personal enrichment.
Kejriwal's public The image is that of a dedicated reformer. He is often seen as a crusader against
corruption, a reputation bolstered by his straightforward demeanor and focus on
grassroots-level issues. His ability to connect with the common man and address
their grievances has cemented his place as a significant force in Indian
politics.
Conclusion
Arvind Kejriwal’s The journey from a civil servant to the Chief Minister of Delhi is a testament to
his unwavering commitment to public service and anti-corruption. His career
reflects a blend of activism and political acumen, driving significant changes
in Delhi's governance model. Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms,
Kejriwal remains a pivotal figure in Indian politics, symbolizing the potential
for clean and accountable governance. His story continues to inspire many who
aspire to bring about positive change through dedication and perseverance.
