Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has been a household name in Indian politics for over a decade. As the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), he has been instrumental in shaping the country’s political landscape. But who is Arvind Kejriwal, and what drives him to be the leader he is today?
Early Life and Education
Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, a small town in Haryana, India. His father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, was an engineer, and his mother, Gita Devi, was a homemaker. Kejriwal grew up in a middle-class family and was the youngest of three siblings. He completed his early education in Siwani and later moved to Hisar, where he pursued his higher education.
Kejriwal graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, in 1989. After completing his engineering degree, he worked with the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) for several years before quitting his job to pursue a career in social activism.
Personal Life
Arvind Kejriwal is married to Sunita Kejriwal, a former IRS officer. The couple has two children, Harshita and Pulkit. Kejriwal is known for his simple and austere lifestyle, often preferring to travel by public transport and wearing simple clothes.
The Journey to Social Activism
Arvind Kejriwal’s journey into social activism began in the early 2000s. He was inspired by the works of Anna Hazare, a renowned social activist, and joined the Parivartan movement, which aimed to bring about transparency and accountability in governance. During this period, Kejriwal worked closely with Hazare and other social activists to expose corruption and promote good governance.
In 2006, Kejriwal founded the Public Cause Research Foundation (PCRF), a non-profit organization that focused on promoting transparency and accountability in governance. The PCRF worked on various projects, including the Right to Information (RTI) movement, which aimed to empower citizens to seek information from the government.
The Birth of Aam Aadmi Party
In 2012, Arvind Kejriwal, along with other social activists, including Manish Sisodia and Yogendra Yadav, founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party’s primary objective was to provide a corruption-free and people-centric government.
The AAP’s manifesto focused on issues such as corruption, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.
The Delhi Elections and the Rise to Power
In 2013, the AAP contested the Delhi Assembly elections and won 28 seats out of 70. Arvind Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking a historic moment in Indian politics. However, he resigned from the post in 2014, citing differences with the Congress party, which was supporting the AAP government.
In 2015, the AAP contested the Delhi Assembly elections again and won a landslide victory, securing 67 seats out of 70. Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi for the second time, and this time, he has been serving the post continuously since 2015.
Reforms and Initiatives
As the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal has introduced several reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens. Some of his notable initiatives include:
- Free Education and Healthcare: The AAP government has made education and healthcare free for all citizens in Delhi. This has led to a significant improvement in the quality of life for many citizens.
- Mohalla Clinics: The AAP government has set up Mohalla Clinics, which provide free healthcare services to citizens at their doorstep.
- Odd-Even Scheme: The AAP government has introduced the odd-even scheme to reduce air pollution in Delhi. The scheme has been successful in reducing pollution levels in the city.
- Free Water and Electricity: The AAP government has made water and electricity free for citizens who consume a certain amount of units per month.
Controversies and Criticisms
Arvind Kejriwal has faced several controversies and criticisms throughout his political career. Some of the notable controversies include:
- AAP’s Internal Conflicts: The AAP has faced internal conflicts, with some members criticizing Kejriwal’s leadership style.
- Allegations of Corruption: Kejriwal has faced allegations of corruption, including the Delhi government’s liquor policy for 2021-2022 .
- Confrontation with the Centre: Kejriwal has been involved in a confrontation with the Central government over issues such as the Delhi government’s powers and the appointment of bureaucrats.
FAQs
What is Arvind Kejriwal’s educational background?
Arvind Kejriwal graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, in 1989.
What is the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)?
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is a political party founded by Arvind Kejriwal and other social activists in 2012. The party’s primary objective is to provide a corruption-free and people-centric government.
What are some of Arvind Kejriwal’s notable initiatives as the Chief Minister of Delhi?
Some of Arvind Kejriwal’s notable initiatives as the Chief Minister of Delhi include free education and healthcare, Mohalla Clinics, the odd-even scheme, and free water and electricity.
