Diljit Dosanjh

Arvind Kejriwal, the current Chief Minister of Delhi, is a significant figure in Indian politics. His rise from a bureaucrat to a prominent political leader showcases his tenacity, vision, and commitment to public service. Known for his anti-corruption stance and advocacy for transparent governance, Kejriwal's journey has been eventful and filled with challenges. His political career has often sparked debates and controversies, yet his influence on Delhi's political landscape is undeniable.This article delves into Kejriwal's early life, career, transition to politics, formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and his impact on Delhi's governance.

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 family had a modest background, with his father being an electrical engineer. From an early age, Kejriwal showed a strong academic inclination. He completed his schooling at Campus School in Hisar and later attended the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1989.

Kejriwal joined Tata Steel in Jamshedpur after his graduation. However, he soon realized that his calling lay elsewhere. His interest in social work and public service grew, prompting him to leave his corporate job and prepare for the Civil Services Examination. His desire to make a difference in society led him to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995, where he was posted in the Income Tax department.

The Journey from IRS to Activism

Kejriwal’s career as an IRS officer gave him a deeper insight into the workings of the Indian bureaucracy. However, his dissatisfaction with the widespread corruption in the system became evident. In 2000, Kejriwal took a sabbatical to pursue his interest in social causes. During this time, he worked with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and even founded Parivartan, an NGO aimed at addressing grievances related to public service delivery and exposing corruption in government agencies.

Through Parivartan, Kejriwal gained public attention for his fight against corrupt practices. His activism included promoting the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which later became a powerful tool for citizens to demand transparency from government institutions. Kejriwal and his team conducted grassroots campaigns, empowering people to use the RTI Act to hold government officials accountable.

Anna Hazare and the India Against Corruption Movement

While Kejriwal’s activism through Parivartan was impactful, it was his association with the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement that catapulted him to national prominence. In 2011, Kejriwal, along with social activist Anna Hazare, led a massive anti-corruption movement demanding the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, an anti-corruption ombudsman law. The movement resonated deeply with the Indian public, which was increasingly frustrated with the rampant corruption in the country.

The IAC movement captured the imagination of millions across India, and protests were organized in several cities. Kejriwal played a key role in the movement's organizational aspects and was often seen alongside Hazare during public demonstrations. The movement was widely covered by the media, and Kejriwal's advocacy for clean governance and his combative stance against corrupt politicians and bureaucrats garnered significant support.

However, differences began to emerge within the movement. Anna Hazare and some of his colleagues were against politicizing the movement, believing that political power could corrupt the cause. Kejriwal, on the other hand, felt that systemic change was only possible by entering the political arena. This ideological difference led to the eventual split between Kejriwal and Hazare.

The Formation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

In 2012, Kejriwal took the plunge into electoral politics by forming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The name of the party, which translates to the "Common Man's Party," signified its commitment to addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens, particularly those disillusioned with the existing political system. The party’s agenda was clear: fight corruption, promote transparency, and bring governance closer to the people.

AAP’s debut in the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections was a watershed moment in Indian politics. The party positioned itself as a political alternative to both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had long dominated the Indian political scene. AAP’s success in the elections surprised many political pundits. While it did not secure an outright majority, it emerged as the second-largest party in Delhi, winning 28 out of 70 seats. Kejriwal himself defeated three-time Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in her constituency, a symbolic victory that highlighted the public’s desire for change.

First Term as Delhi Chief Minister

In December 2013, Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi with the support of the Congress Party, which had suffered a heavy defeat in the elections. However, his first stint as Chief Minister was short-lived. After just 49 days in office, Kejriwal resigned, citing the failure to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill due to lack of support from other parties. This abrupt resignation led to both criticism and admiration—while some praised his principled stance, others viewed it as a hasty and immature decision.

Despite this setback, Kejriwal’s political journey was far from over. AAP’s decision to step down from power gave the BJP an opportunity to increase its influence in Delhi, leading to a brief period of political uncertainty in the state.

The 2015 Delhi Elections: A Landslide Victory

In the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, Kejriwal and AAP staged a stunning political comeback. The party won 67 out of 70 seats, leaving the BJP with only three and the Congress with none. This landslide victory cemented Kejriwal's position as a political force to be reckoned with.

Kejriwal’s second term as Chief Minister was marked by his focus on delivering on the promises that AAP had made to the people of Delhi. His government emphasized improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Under his leadership, the Delhi government launched several welfare programs aimed at addressing the needs of the poor and middle class, including providing subsidized electricity, free water, and the expansion of Mohalla Clinics, which offered free healthcare services at the neighborhood level.

Education and Healthcare Reforms

One of the key achievements of the Kejriwal government has been the transformation of Delhi’s public education system. Under his administration, significant investments were made in building new schools, upgrading infrastructure, and training teachers. Government schools in Delhi began to outperform private schools in several areas, and Kejriwal’s education model became a point of reference for other Indian states.

Similarly, Kejriwal's government made healthcare more accessible and affordable for Delhi residents. The introduction of Mohalla Clinics, a unique healthcare initiative, provided primary health services at the community level. These clinics became widely popular and were instrumental in improving the overall health indicators in the state.

Challenges and Criticism

Kejriwal’s political journey has not been without controversies and challenges. His confrontational style of governance has often led to conflicts with the central government, particularly under the BJP-led administration at the national level. The tussle over the control of Delhi’s police, bureaucracy, and key policy areas has frequently made headlines, with Kejriwal accusing the central government of undermining the elected state government.

Critics have also accused Kejriwal of authoritarianism, pointing to his tight control over party affairs and decision-making processes. Several prominent leaders who were part of AAP during its formative years, such as Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, left the party after disagreements with Kejriwal’s leadership style.

Additionally, Kejriwal's government has faced criticism over handling issues such as pollution, traffic management, and law and order in Delhi. His political opponents have often accused him of playing the victim card and blaming the central government for problems in the city-state.

The 2020 Delhi Elections: Consolidating Power

In the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, Kejriwal once again led AAP to a convincing victory, securing 62 out of 70 seats. This third consecutive win solidified his hold on Delhi’s politics. The election was largely seen as a referendum on Kejriwal’s governance model, with voters appreciating his focus on local issues like education, healthcare, water, and electricity. The BJP, despite its aggressive campaigning, failed to make significant inroads in Delhi.

Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal’s political journey reflects the aspirations and frustrations of a large section of Indian society. From his early days as a bureaucrat and anti-corruption activist to becoming a three-time Chief Minister of Delhi, Kejriwal has been a symbol of both hope and controversy. His impact on Delhi's governance, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and public services, is undeniable.

However, Kejriwal's political career is also a testament to the complexities of governance and the challenges faced by reformist leaders in navigating the Indian political system. As Kejriwal continues to lead Delhi, his influence on Indian politics is likely to endure, making him one of the most intriguing political figures in contemporary India.