This is the story of Arvind Kejriwal, a man who dared to question the system and work toward a more just and equitable society.
Early Life and Career in the Indian Revenue Service
Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, a small town in Haryana, India. From a young age, Kejriwal displayed a sharp intellect and a keen sense of justice. He went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of the most reputed institutions in India. After completing his studies, Kejriwal joined Tata Steel, but his career took a sharp turn when he decided to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995 as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax.
While working as a tax officer, Kejriwal became deeply troubled by the corruption he witnessed within the system. His experiences in the IRS only strengthened his resolve to combat corruption and bring transparency to the functioning of public offices. Eventually, he resigned from his position in the IRS to dedicate himself entirely to social activism, a decision that would become the first major step toward his success in politics.
The Fight Against Corruption: The RTI Movement and Beyond
Kejriwal’s initial foray into activism began with his work on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a movement that empowered citizens to demand transparency in government operations. In 2000, he co-founded Parivartan, a Delhi-based NGO dedicated to exposing corruption in government departments and promoting transparency in the delivery of public services. Through Parivartan, Kejriwal helped citizens obtain information on issues like ration cards, water, and electricity services—services that were often hindered by bureaucratic red tape and corruption.
His efforts played a significant role in the passage of the Right to Information Act in 2005, one of India’s most powerful tools against corruption. The RTI Act has since allowed millions of Indians to demand transparency and accountability from their government. Kejriwal’s role in this landmark achievement earned him widespread recognition and laid the foundation for his future as a crusader against corruption.
Team Anna and the India Against Corruption Movement
In 2011, Kejriwal joined hands with social activist Anna Hazare to lead the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement. The movement demanded the establishment of a Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill to address widespread corruption in Indian politics and bureaucracy. Under Kejriwal’s leadership, the movement gained massive traction, drawing people from all sections of society. Kejriwal, along with Hazare and other activists, organized massive protests, sit-ins, and hunger strikes, creating unprecedented public pressure on the Indian government.
The movement marked a turning point in Kejriwal’s career. Although the government did not enact a strong Lokpal Bill as demanded by the activists, the movement revealed the depth of people’s frustration with corruption and created a groundswell of support for reform. It also demonstrated Kejriwal’s ability to connect with the common man, sparking the idea of a new political platform dedicated to anti-corruption and governance reform.
The Birth of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Following the IAC movement, Kejriwal realized that fighting corruption required a more direct approach—one that involved active participation in the political process. In November 2012, he founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), translating to “Common Man’s Party.” The idea behind AAP was to create a political party that would be rooted in transparency, accountability, and the interests of the common people.
In a bold move, Kejriwal announced that AAP would contest the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections in 2013. Despite facing strong opposition from established parties, AAP’s campaign resonated with the public due to its commitment to clean governance and promises of improved public services. Against all odds, AAP emerged victorious, winning 28 out of 70 seats and forming a minority government with Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Delhi.
Kejriwal’s initial stint as Chief Minister, however, was short-lived. He resigned after just 49 days in office, citing his inability to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill due to lack of support. Though his resignation was seen by some as impulsive, it showcased his principled stance on corruption and accountability.
Resurgence and Success: The 2015 Delhi Elections
In 2015, Kejriwal staged a powerful comeback in the Delhi elections, with AAP winning an unprecedented 67 out of 70 seats. This resounding victory solidified his position as a leader who had the support of the people. Under Kejriwal’s leadership, the AAP government initiated a series of transformative measures aimed at improving the lives of Delhi’s citizens. Some of his flagship programs included:
- Education Reform: Kejriwal’s government invested heavily in upgrading government schools in Delhi, focusing on improving infrastructure, hiring qualified teachers, and enhancing the quality of education. The transformation of Delhi’s government schools became a model that was celebrated nationally.
- Healthcare Initiatives: The Mohalla Clinics (neighborhood clinics) program was launched to provide free primary healthcare services to residents. These clinics became an accessible and affordable healthcare option for many low-income families in Delhi.
- Electricity Subsidies: The AAP government provided significant subsidies on electricity bills for Delhi’s residents, helping reduce the financial burden on lower-income households.
- Water Supply: Kejriwal introduced free water services for households consuming up to a certain limit, ensuring access to clean drinking water for many residents.
- Transport and Women’s Safety: The AAP government introduced free bus services for women to ensure safer and affordable public transport options, especially for working-class women.
These initiatives transformed the lives of millions in Delhi and showcased Kejriwal’s commitment to addressing the everyday needs of the people. His policies focused on healthcare, education, and welfare for the common man became the bedrock of AAP’s success and Kejriwal’s identity as a politician.
Expanding Influence and National Ambitions
Building on the success in Delhi, Kejriwal has shown ambition to expand AAP’s influence beyond the capital. The party has contested elections in other states, including Punjab and Gujarat, aiming to offer an alternative to traditional politics dominated by national parties like the BJP and Congress. AAP’s victory in Punjab in 2022 marked a significant achievement, establishing AAP as a national player with aspirations for a broader political footprint.
The Future of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP
Arvind Kejriwal’s journey from an IRS officer to an influential political leader demonstrates his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and uplifting the common man. His success is a testament to the power of grassroots activism, resilience, and dedication to public service. With each election, he has proven that AAP’s governance model—focused on transparency, anti-corruption, and public welfare—resonates with people looking for alternatives to traditional politics.
As Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party look to expand their influence, they face new challenges and opportunities. Kejriwal’s focus remains on delivering impactful governance and addressing issues that matter to the common man. With his pragmatic approach and tenacity, he has the potential to redefine the political landscape in India, standing as a powerful example of how a leader from humble beginnings can make an extraordinary impact.
Arvind Kejriwal’s success story is one of determination, resilience, and the courage to challenge the status quo. His journey offers a beacon of hope for those who believe in clean, people-centric governance, marking him as a leader who has redefined what it means to serve the public in modern Indian politics.
