Arvind Kejriwal Introduction
Arvind Kejriwal, born on August 16, 1968, in a small village in Haryana, is a prominent Indian politician and social activist, currently Arvind Kejriwal aged 56 years. He is best known for his role as the Chief Minister of Delhi, a position he has held since February 14, 2015. His leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which he founded in November 2012, has been a defining chapter in Indian politics.
Arvind Kejriwal Early Life and Education
Arvind Kejriwal grew up with a sharp mind and a determination to succeed. He completed his schooling at Campus School, Hisar, and later at Holy Child School in Sonipat. In 1985, he secured an impressive All India Rank of 563 in the IIT-JEE exam and went on to study mechanical engineering at IIT Kharagpur. After graduating, he briefly worked for Tata Steel but soon realized his calling lay elsewhere.
Arvind Kejriwal Bureaucratic Career and Social Activism
In 1993, Arvind Kejriwal passed the civil services examination and joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) as a Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in New Delhi. However, his heart was set on serving society at the grassroots level. He founded the "Parivartan" movement in 1999 to help citizens with issues related to income tax, electricity, and food rations. His use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to expose corruption earned him the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006.
Arvind Kejriwal Rise to Political Prominence
In 2010, Arvind Kejriwal became a key figure in the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, which aimed to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill. While Hazare preferred to keep the movement apolitical, Arvind Kejriwal believed that direct political involvement was necessary for real change. This led to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2012.
In 2013, Arvind Kejriwal made his electoral debut when AAP contested the Delhi Assembly elections, winning 28 out of 70 seats. Although his first tenure as Chief Minister lasted only 49 days, he made a strong comeback in the 2015 elections, securing a landslide victory with 67 seats. His government focused on improving education, healthcare, and public services, gaining widespread support among Delhi’s citizens.
Arvind Kejriwal Controversies and Challenges
Despite his successes, Kejriwal’s tenure has not been without controversy. In 2024, he became embroiled in a legal battle over an excise policy aimed at reforming the liquor business in Delhi, which led to allegations of corruption. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned him several times, and after missing multiple summonses, Kejriwal was eventually arrested. However, his legal team fought back, and after months of legal struggles, he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2024.
Arvind Kejriwal Personal Life, Values, and Net Worth
Kejriwal married Sunita, his batchmate from the IRS, in 1995, and they have two children together. Known for his simple lifestyle, Arvind Kejriwal is a vegetarian by choice and often avoids extravagances, such as celebrating birthdays. His love for Bollywood, particularly for actor Aamir Khan, reflects his lighter side, although his focus remains firmly on public service. As of 2024, Arvind Kejriwal has a net worth of ₹3,44,42,870.
Arvind Kejriwal Legacy
Arvind Kejriwal’s political journey is one of resilience and determination. From his humble beginnings to his rise as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Kejriwal continues to make a mark on Indian politics with his commitment to transparency, public welfare, and the fight against corruption. Despite facing legal and political hurdles, his influence remains strong, and he continues to be a crucial figure in shaping the future of Indian governance.