Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal, born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana, is a prominent Indian politician and the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). His journey from a civil servant to becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi has been marked by activism, anti-corruption movements, and a commitment to political change.

Kejriwal's early years were spent in service as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. His work in the Indian Revenue Service and his efforts to address corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies led him to co-found the Parivartan NGO, focusing on public welfare initiatives and social causes.

His entry into active politics was marked by his participation in the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare in 2011. Kejriwal played a significant role in mobilizing public support for the Jan Lokpal Bill, advocating for a stronger anti-corruption law in India.

In 2012, Arvind Kejriwal and other activists formed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a political party with the goal of ushering in clean governance, transparency, and accountability in Indian politics. The party's symbol, the broom, symbolized their intent to sweep away corruption and malpractices.

The Aam Aadmi Party emerged as a new force in Indian politics, focusing on issues affecting the common people, particularly those related to corruption, price rise, and basic amenities. Kejriwal's leadership and the party's anti-corruption stance gained traction among citizens, especially in urban areas.

The AAP made its electoral debut in the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, with a focus on anti-corruption measures, better governance, and public welfare schemes. The party secured a surprising victory, winning 28 out of 70 seats and forming a minority government with outside support.

Arvind Kejriwal took office as the Chief Minister of Delhi in December 2013. His government initiated several measures aimed at improving governance, reducing corruption, and enhancing public services, including the provision of free water and subsidized electricity.

However, Kejriwal's first stint as Chief Minister was short-lived, lasting only 49 days, as the AAP government resigned over the failure to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill due to opposition from other political parties in the Delhi Assembly.

In the subsequent 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, the AAP secured a resounding victory, winning 67 out of 70 seats, establishing a strong mandate for the party. Arvind Kejriwal returned as the Chief Minister of Delhi with a decisive majority.

During his second tenure, the Delhi government under Kejriwal's leadership focused on several key initiatives, including improving education and healthcare facilities, enhancing public transport, and launching welfare schemes targeted at various sections of society.

The government's initiatives such as the improvement of government schools, the Mohalla Clinics for accessible healthcare, and the implementation of doorstep delivery of public services gained attention and received positive feedback from citizens.

Arvind Kejriwal's government in Delhi also emphasized environmental initiatives, including measures to curb pollution, promote electric vehicles, and enhance green spaces in the city. His administration's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as setting up temporary hospitals and providing relief measures, were appreciated.

Kejriwal's governance style, characterized by populist measures, welfare schemes, and a focus on improving basic services, garnered support from a significant section of Delhi's electorate.

However, the AAP government faced challenges and criticism on various fronts, including issues related to the central government's interference, conflicts with the Lieutenant Governor, and debates on governance models.

In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, the AAP secured another decisive victory, winning a majority of seats and reaffirming Arvind Kejriwal's position as the Chief Minister of Delhi for a third consecutive term.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Arvind Kejriwal continues to serve as the Chief Minister of Delhi, leading the AAP government and focusing on various initiatives aimed at enhancing governance, welfare, and developmental measures in the capital city.

Kejriwal's journey from an activist to a prominent political figure reflects his commitment to anti-corruption movements and a vision for a more transparent and accountable political system. His leadership style, welfare-oriented policies, and efforts to address citizen-centric issues continue to shape Delhi's political landscape and influence discussions on governance and accountability in Indian politics.