Arvind Kejriwal, a name synonymous with political reform and anti-corruption activism in India, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Indian politics.
Rising from the ranks of a civil servant to becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi.
His meteoric rise in Indian politics has not only reshaped the political landscape of the national capital but has also inspired a new generation of politicians and activists across the country.
Born into a middle-class family in Haryana, Kejriwal’s early life was marked by academic excellence and a strong sense of social responsibility.
His transition from a successful career in the Indian Revenue Service to a full-time activist and eventually a politician is a narrative that resonates with millions of Indians who aspire for change in the country’s political system.
This articles covers the life, career, and impact of Arvind Kejriwal, exploring the various facets that make him one of the most talked-about political leaders in India today.
Arvind Kejriwal Biography
Arvind Kejriwal is a former bureaucrat turned politician and the current Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi.
Known for his grassroots activism, the Right to Information (RTI) movement, and governance reforms, Kejriwal is the founder and national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a political party established in 2012 focusing on anti-corruption and government transparency.
He came into the limelight after receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006.
Kejriwal’s journey from a civil servant to a political leader is marked by his relentless fight against corruption and his efforts to bring about systemic changes in governance.
His work in empowering citizens through the RTI movement laid the foundation for his political career.
The formation of the Aam Aadmi Party was a culmination of his vision to create a political alternative that would prioritize the common man’s interests.
As the Chief Minister of Delhi, Kejriwal has implemented several innovative policies, particularly in education and healthcare.
His focus on improving government schools and providing free healthcare services has garnered both praise and criticism.
Kejriwal’s leadership style, characterized by direct communication with the public and a focus on local issues, has reshaped the political discourse in Delhi and has had ripple effects across Indian politics.
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Net Worth
Arvind Kejriwal’s net worth is estimated at ₹ 3,44,42,870 (approximately $4.6 million USD as of 2024). This figure, while substantial, is relatively modest compared to many other high-profile Indian politicians.
Kejriwal’s financial status has been a subject of interest, given his strong stance against corruption and his emphasis on transparency in public life.
The majority of Kejriwal’s wealth is attributed to his savings from his years in the Indian Revenue Service and his subsequent political career.
He has consistently maintained a public record of his assets and liabilities, in line with his party’s commitment to transparency.
This openness about his financial status has been a key aspect of his political persona, reinforcing his image as a leader committed to honesty and accountability.
It’s worth noting that Kejriwal’s net worth has been a topic of discussion and scrutiny, with some praising his relatively modest assets as a sign of his integrity, while others have questioned the accuracy of the declared figures.
Regardless, his financial status remains an important part of his public image and political narrative.
Wife
Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, has been a significant but often low-profile presence in his life and political journey.
A former Indian Revenue Service officer herself, Sunita has been a pillar of support for Kejriwal throughout his transition from bureaucrat to activist to politician.
The couple met during their training for the Indian Revenue Service and got married in 1994.
They have two children together. Unlike many political spouses in India, Sunita has largely stayed away from the public eye, preferring to maintain a private life.
However, she has been known to actively support her husband’s political endeavors behind the scenes.
Sunita’s role in Kejriwal’s life extends beyond that of a supportive spouse.
Her background in the civil services has been an asset to Kejriwal, providing him with valuable insights and support in his governance efforts.
While she doesn’t hold any official position in the Aam Aadmi Party, her influence on Kejriwal’s decision-making and her role in managing family affairs while he focuses on his political career have been acknowledged by those close to the family.
Career
Arvind Kejriwal’s career trajectory is as diverse as it is impressive, spanning civil service, activism, and politics. His professional journey can be broadly divided into three phases:
- Civil Service Career (1995-2006):
- Joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995 after graduating from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
- Served in various positions within the Income Tax Department.
- Known for his integrity and efforts to streamline processes within the department.
- Social Activism (2000-2012):
- While still in the IRS, began engaging in social activism, particularly focusing on the Right to Information (RTI) movement.
- Co-founded an NGO, Parivartan, which worked on ensuring transparency in governance.
- Instrumental in the enactment of the RTI Act in 2005.
- Received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for his contribution to emergent leadership.
- Resigned from the IRS in 2006 to focus full-time on social activism.
- Involved in various anti-corruption movements, including the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare.
- Political Career (2012-Present):
- Founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in November 2012, marking his entry into active politics.
- Contested and won the Delhi Assembly elections in 2013, becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi for a brief 49-day period.
- After a brief setback, led AAP to a landslide victory in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections.
- Re-elected as Chief Minister of Delhi in 2015 and again in 2020, solidifying his position in Delhi politics.
- Expanded AAP’s presence to other states, notably Punjab, where the party formed the government in 2022.
Throughout his career, Kejriwal has been known for his focus on anti-corruption measures, governance reforms, and policies aimed at improving public services, particularly in education and healthcare.
His tenure as Chief Minister has seen the implementation of several populist measures, including subsidies on electricity and water, improvements in government schools, and the establishment of mohalla (community) clinics.
Age
As of 2024, Arvind Kejriwal is 56 years old.
Born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana, Kejriwal’s age puts him in a unique position in Indian politics.
He represents a generation of leaders who came of age in post-independence India and witnessed the country’s economic liberalization in the 1990s.
Ethnicity
Arvind Kejriwal’s ethnicity is Indian.
Specifically, he belongs to the Bania (Baniya) community, a trading caste traditionally associated with commerce and business in North India.
Born in Haryana to a middle-class family, Kejriwal’s ethnic and cultural background is deeply rooted in the Indo-Aryan traditions of North India.
The Bania community, to which Kejriwal belongs, has historically been known for its entrepreneurial spirit and emphasis on education.
This background has arguably influenced Kejriwal’s approach to governance, particularly his focus on fiscal prudence and educational reforms.
Political Party
Arvind Kejriwal is the founder and national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which translates to “Common Man’s Party” in English.
The AAP was officially launched on November 26, 2012, emerging from the anti-corruption movement that had swept across India in the preceding years.
Key aspects of the Aam Aadmi Party under Kejriwal’s leadership include:
- Ideology: The party positions itself as centrist in its economic policies while being progressive on social issues. It emphasizes anti-corruption, good governance, and the empowerment of the common citizen.
- Symbol and Branding: The party’s election symbol is a broom, symbolizing its commitment to “clean up” the political system. The party color is a distinctive shade of blue, often seen in the caps worn by party members.
- Governance Model: AAP has promoted a model of governance that emphasizes direct citizen participation, transparency, and accountability. This includes initiatives like mohalla sabhas (neighborhood assemblies) and participatory budgeting.
- Key Policy Areas:
- Education: Significant reforms in Delhi’s government schools.
- Healthcare: Introduction of mohalla clinics for primary healthcare.
- Utilities: Subsidies on electricity and water for Delhi residents.
- Anti-Corruption: Measures to reduce corruption in public services.
- Political Strategy: AAP has focused on a mix of populist policies and governance reforms, often positioning itself as an alternative to both the national parties (BJP and Congress).
- Electoral Success:
- Delhi: Formed government three times (2013, 2015, 2020), with landslide victories in 2015 and 2020.
- Punjab: Won the state assembly elections in 2022, expanding its presence beyond Delhi.
- Challenges: The party has faced challenges in expanding its national presence and has been criticized for its confrontational approach towards the central government.
Under Kejriwal’s leadership, AAP has grown from a Delhi-centric party to a significant player in Indian politics, particularly in urban areas.
The party’s focus on issues like education, healthcare, and public utilities has resonated with many voters, especially in metropolitan areas.
However, the party has also faced internal dissent and splits, with some founding members leaving over disagreements with Kejriwal’s leadership style.
Despite these challenges, AAP remains a unique entity in Indian politics, known for its innovative campaign strategies and focus on urban governance issues.
As of 2024, the Aam Aadmi Party continues to be a major force in Delhi politics and is working to expand its presence in other states, positioning itself as a national alternative to the established political parties.