Arvind Kejriwal Biography– He was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, a small town in the Bhiwani district of Haryana, India. His father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Gita Devi, was a homemaker. Arvind’s early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and moral values, influenced by his parents’ dedication to academic excellence and community service.
Kejriwal attended Campus School in Hisar before enrolling at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of India’s premier engineering institutes. He graduated in 1989 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a testament to his academic prowess and determination.
Career Beginnings
After completing his education, Arvind Kejriwal joined Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, where he worked for a short period before deciding to pursue a career in public service. In 1992, he resigned from Tata Steel and prepared for the Civil Services Examination. His perseverance paid off when he joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995 as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax.
During his tenure in the IRS, Kejriwal became increasingly aware of the systemic corruption within the bureaucracy. His experiences fueled his desire to bring about change, leading him to take a sabbatical in 2000 to focus on social activism.
Activism and the RTI Movement
Arvind Kejriwal’s activism gained momentum when he co-founded Parivartan, a Delhi-based citizens’ movement, in 2000. The organization aimed to address issues of corruption, transparency, and governance. One of Parivartan’s significant achievements was advocating for the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which became law in 2005. The RTI Act empowered citizens to request information from public authorities, fostering transparency and accountability in government operations.
Kejriwal’s dedication to the RTI movement earned him the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006. This prestigious award recognized his efforts in empowering Indian citizens to fight corruption and demand their rights.
The Anna Hazare Movement
Arvind Kejriwal’s rise to prominence is closely tied to his involvement in the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare in 2011. This movement, known as the “India Against Corruption” (IAC) campaign, was a significant turning point in Kejriwal’s career and played a crucial role in shaping his political journey.
The Anna Hazare movement was a nationwide campaign aimed at combating corruption in India. Anna Hazare, a veteran social activist, was leading the charge to demand stronger anti-corruption laws and greater transparency in government dealings. The movement gained massive public support, drawing attention to the widespread corruption issues plaguing the country.
Arvind Kejriwal, then a civil servant and social activist, was a key figure in this movement. His role became more prominent as he worked alongside Anna Hazare to push for the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill. This bill aimed to establish an independent body with the power to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, offering a robust mechanism to combat corruption at various levels of government.
Kejriwal’s efforts included organizing rallies, protests, and public awareness campaigns to garner support for the Jan Lokpal Bill. His passionate advocacy and leadership were instrumental in mobilizing citizens and putting pressure on the government to address corruption issues.
The Anna Hazare movement achieved significant media attention and public support, leading to a national conversation about corruption. Although the movement did not immediately result in the passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill, it laid the groundwork for Kejriwal’s future political endeavors.
Formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Despite his success as an activist, Kejriwal realized that systemic change required political intervention. In November 2012, he launched the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with a vision to create a corruption-free India. The party’s symbol, the broom, symbolized its commitment to cleaning up politics and governance.
Arvind Kejriwal Biography- First Term as Delhi Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal’s first term as the Chief Minister of Delhi began on December 28, 2013. His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 28 seats in the 70-member Delhi Legislative Assembly in the 2013 elections, forming a minority government with external support from the Indian National Congress.
Early in his tenure, he launched an anti-corruption helpline to encourage citizens to report bribery cases and other corrupt practices. His government also implemented significant reforms in water and electricity supply, providing cheaper electricity and free water up to 20,000 liters per month to every household.
A major agenda of Arvind Kejriwal’s government was the introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill, which aimed to establish an independent body to investigate corruption cases. However, the bill faced significant opposition in the assembly. Kejriwal resigned on February 14, 2014, after just 49 days in office, due to the failure to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill.
Second Term as Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal’s political journey took a remarkable turn in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. The AAP secured a landslide victory, winning 67 out of 70 seats. Kejriwal was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi for the second time on February 14, 2015. His administration focused on key issues such as education, healthcare, water supply, and electricity.
One of Kejriwal’s flagship initiatives was the Mohalla Clinics, designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to Delhi’s residents. The clinics offered free medical consultations, essential medicines, and diagnostic tests, significantly improving healthcare accessibility for the underprivileged.
In education, the AAP government made substantial investments in infrastructure and teacher training, transforming the quality of education in Delhi’s government schools. The initiatives led to improved student performance and increased enrollment rates, garnering praise from educators and policymakers.
Third Term as Chief Minister
In the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, the AAP once again demonstrated its political prowess by winning 62 out of 70 seats. Arvind Kejriwal took the oath as Chief Minister for the third time on February 16, 2020. His administration continued to prioritize healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kejriwal’s government implemented a series of measures to combat the virus’s spread and support affected citizens. The administration set up COVID-19 testing centers, quarantine facilities, and oxygen supply chains, ensuring that Delhi’s healthcare system could manage the crisis effectively. The government’s proactive approach earned praise for its effectiveness and transparency.
However, the subsequent years brought challenges for Kejriwal and his party. In March 2024, Kejriwal was arrested on claims of corruption related to a now-scrapped liquor policy in Delhi, which involved the government relinquishing control of the liquor market to private vendors. This arrest came as a shock to many, given Kejriwal’s image as an anti-corruption crusader. Despite the allegations, Kejriwal denounced the investigation, arguing that the charges were generic and illegal.
Kejriwal’s arrest occurred less than a month before India’s general elections, where his AAP was part of the 27-party INDIA alliance aiming to challenge the governing BJP.
On July 12, 2024 the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the money-laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Aam Aadmi Party leader was released from jail on 13 September after spending nearly six months behind bars without a trial, having already secured bail in the ED’s case. However, he remains restricted from visiting his office or the Delhi Secretariat, and cannot sign any files without the approval of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
Personal Life and Family
Arvind Kejriwal married Sunita Kejriwal, a fellow IRS officer, in 1995. The couple has two children, a daughter named Harshita and a son named Pulkit. Despite his demanding political career, Kejriwal remains a devoted family man, often seen balancing his public responsibilities with his personal commitments.
Health Status
Arvind Kejriwal has faced several health challenges over the years. He has a medical history of Type-II Diabetes Mellitus and has undergone treatment for high blood sugar levels. In 2016, he underwent surgery for a persistent cough, which had troubled him for years. Despite these health issues, Kejriwal continues to lead an active and demanding political life, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Controversies
Arvind Kejriwal’s political journey has not been without controversies. His tenure as Chief Minister has seen several high-profile disputes and criticisms:
- Conflict with the Central Government: Kejriwal’s administration has frequently clashed with the Central Government, particularly over issues of governance and administrative control. The tussle between the Delhi Government and the Lieutenant Governor has led to several legal battles.
- Internal Party Disputes: The AAP has experienced internal strife, with several prominent members, including Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, being expelled or resigning over ideological differences and allegations of autocratic leadership.
Awards
Arvind Kejriwal has been recognized with several awards throughout his career. Notably, he received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for his involvement in the grassroots movement Parivartan, which used the Right to Information legislation as a tool to combat corruption. His efforts in promoting transparent governance led him to establish the Public Cause Research Foundation. Kejriwal’s commitment to social change was further acknowledged when he was named the Indian of the Year by CNN-IBN in 2006. Additionally, his alma mater, IIT Kharagpur, honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2009 for his contributions to public service. These accolades reflect Kejriwal’s significant impact on politics and social activism in India.
Arvind Kejriwal biography details will be updated as new highlights emerge in his life.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and sources believed to be reliable. This post is for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify the information independently.
