Arvind Kejriwal is an Indian politician, social activist, and former bureaucrat. He is the current Chief Minister of Delhi and the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Here’s a detailed look at his life, career, and achievements:
Personal Information
- Full Name: Arvind Kejriwal
- Date of Birth: August 16, 1968
- Place of Birth: Siwani, Haryana, India
- Education:
- Graduated in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur.
- Briefly worked with Tata Steel before joining public service.
Early Career
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS):
- Kejriwal joined the IRS in 1995 after clearing the Civil Services Examination.
- Worked as a Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi.
- Resigned from the IRS in 2006 to dedicate himself to social activism.
- Social Activism:
- Founded an NGO, Parivartan, focusing on transparency in governance and public service delivery.
- Actively campaigned for the implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI) in India.
- Won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for his efforts in public service.
Political Career
Founding of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):
- In 2012, Kejriwal launched the Aam Aadmi Party, advocating for transparency, anti-corruption, and citizen empowerment.
- The party emerged from the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, which demanded the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill.
Electoral Achievements:
- Delhi Elections 2013:
- AAP made a strong debut, winning 28 out of 70 seats.
- Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi but resigned after 49 days due to conflicts over the Jan Lokpal Bill.
- Delhi Elections 2015:
- AAP won a landslide victory, securing 67 out of 70 seats.
- Kejriwal served a full term as Chief Minister.
- Delhi Elections 2020:
- AAP again won with a thumping majority, bagging 62 out of 70 seats.
- Focused on education, healthcare, and public welfare.
Major Achievements as Chief Minister
- Education:
- Revamped government schools, introducing modern infrastructure and better teaching facilities.
- Introduced the concept of Happiness Curriculum for students.
- Healthcare:
- Set up Mohalla Clinics, providing free basic healthcare to residents.
- Improved public hospitals and health infrastructure in Delhi.
- Electricity and Water:
- Subsidized electricity bills for consumers.
- Provided free water up to a certain limit for households.
- Public Transport:
- Made bus travel free for women in Delhi.
- Expanded the fleet of buses and improved public transport services.
- Environment:
- Launched the Odd-Even Scheme to control vehicular pollution.
- Focused on renewable energy projects and green initiatives.
Controversies
- Resignation in 2014: Criticized for resigning as CM within 49 days, leading to accusations of being politically unstable.
- Frequent Clashes: Regular conflicts with the Lieutenant Governor and the Central Government.
- Protest Politics: Often criticized for using unconventional methods like dharnas while in power.
Personal Life
- Spouse: Sunita Kejriwal, a former IRS officer.
- Children: Two kids—one son and one daughter.
- Known for his simple lifestyle and transparency in governance.
Early Life and Influences
- Family Background:
Arvind Kejriwal was born into a middle-class family in Haryana. His father was an electrical engineer, which influenced Kejriwal to pursue engineering. - Early Values:
Kejriwal grew up with a strong sense of discipline, instilled by his simple upbringing. He was deeply influenced by social reformers like Mahatma Gandhi.
2. Career in Public Service
After graduating from IIT Kharagpur, Kejriwal joined Tata Steel but soon left the corporate world to prepare for the Civil Services Examination.
- IRS Role:
As an IRS officer, Kejriwal focused on exposing corruption within the system. However, he felt constrained by bureaucracy, which motivated him to resign in 2006. - Parivartan NGO:
Through this initiative, he tackled issues like inflated electricity bills and ration card fraud, empowering citizens to demand their rights.
3. Political Journey with AAP
Founding of AAP
- Kejriwal’s transition to politics stemmed from his frustration with systemic corruption. He parted ways with the Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption Movement, feeling that legislative action was essential for meaningful change.
- Ideology:
AAP champions transparency, accountability, and the idea of participatory democracy.
AAP’s Core Agenda
- Jan Lokpal Bill: A watchdog bill for tackling corruption in government offices.
- Swaraj: Advocates decentralized governance, empowering local communities.
- Public Welfare: Focuses on delivering essential services like education, healthcare, water, and electricity to all citizens.
4. Landmark Achievements as Chief Minister
Education
- Government Schools:
Transformed government schools in Delhi into model institutions, competing with private schools in quality. - Teacher Training:
Sent teachers abroad for advanced training to improve the quality of education. - Mega PTMs:
Introduced regular Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) to bridge the gap between schools and parents.
Healthcare
- Mohalla Clinics:
Established over 500 neighborhood clinics offering free primary healthcare and medicines. - Healthcare Budget:
Allocated a significant portion of Delhi’s budget to upgrade public hospitals.
Electricity and Water
- Subsidized Bills:
- Free electricity for households using up to 200 units monthly.
- Free water supply of up to 20,000 liters per month.
- Regularized Colonies:
Improved infrastructure and access to basic amenities in unauthorized colonies.
Transport
- Free Bus Rides for Women:
Empowered women by making bus travel free, boosting their mobility and safety. - Last-Mile Connectivity:
Expanded e-rickshaw services and feeder buses.
Environment
- Odd-Even Scheme:
Reduced pollution by implementing alternate-day vehicle usage based on license plate numbers. - Green Initiatives:
Planted millions of trees and focused on solar energy projects.
5. Style of Governance
- Direct Engagement:
Kejriwal frequently interacts with the public through town hall meetings. - Transparency:
AAP introduced online platforms for tracking government projects and public spending. - Frugality:
Lives a simple life, often refusing VIP privileges like security convoys or luxury cars.
6. Controversies
- Frequent Resignation (2014):
His 49-day tenure as Delhi’s CM drew criticism, with opponents calling him “anarchist.” - Confrontation with the Center:
Constant power struggles with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the Central Government. - Defamation Cases:
Faced multiple lawsuits for making bold accusations against political rivals. - Protest Politics:
Known for dharnas and sit-ins, which opponents claim disrupt governance.
7. Awards and Recognition
- Ramon Magsaysay Award (2006):
For his exemplary leadership in enacting the RTI Act and promoting transparency. - Listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People (2014).
8. AAP Beyond Delhi
While primarily focused on Delhi, AAP has expanded to other states, including:
- Punjab: Won the 2022 state elections with a decisive mandate, with Bhagwant Mann as CM.
- Goa and Gujarat: Made significant inroads in these states, emerging as a key alternative to traditional parties.
9. Personal Life
- Kejriwal is married to Sunita Kejriwal, his batchmate from the IRS, and they have two children.
- Despite his high-profile political career, he maintains a modest lifestyle, often avoiding luxury or extravagance.
10. Legacy and Impact
Arvind Kejriwal has redefined Indian politics by prioritizing governance and public welfare over traditional vote-bank politics. While polarizing, his contributions to transforming Delhi’s infrastructure, especially in education and healthcare, are undeniable.
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Legacy and Vision
Arvind Kejriwal is widely regarded as a leader who brought governance closer to the common people. His focus on education, healthcare, and corruption-free governance has made him a prominent political figure in India. However, he remains polarizing due to his direct and activist-style approach to politics.
Would you like to know more about his policies, controversies, or AAP’s initiatives?