Arvind Kejriwal : From Bureaucrat to Politician
Arvind Kejriwal, a name synonymous with anti-corruption and political upheaval in India, has had a remarkable journey from being an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer to the Chief Minister of Delhi. Born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana, Kejriwal’s trajectory in Indian politics is both intriguing and inspiring.
#Arvind Kejriwal Early Life and Education
Kejriwal was born into a modest family. His father, Gobind Ram Kejriwal, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Gita Devi, was a homemaker. Arvind’s early education took place in Hisar, and he later attended the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he studied mechanical engineering. His academic excellence and disciplined upbringing laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
# Career in Civil Services
After graduating, Kejriwal joined Tata Steel in Jamshedpur but soon felt the urge to contribute more directly to society. This led him to resign from his corporate job and prepare for the civil services examination. In 1995, he joined the IRS, serving as a Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi. However, his stint in the civil services was marked by a growing disillusionment with the systemic corruption he witnessed.
# Activism and the Birth of a Political Movement
Kejriwal’s real foray into public life began with his association with the social activist Anna Hazare. He played a pivotal role in the 2011 anti-corruption movement, which demanded the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill, a stringent anti-corruption law. His efforts earned him the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006, recognizing his fight for transparency and accountability in governance.
However, Kejriwal’s vision extended beyond activism. He believed that real change could only be achieved by entering the political arena. This conviction led to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2012, with a mission to combat corruption and bring about systemic reforms.
# Political Career and Governance
Kejriwal’s political journey has been a roller-coaster. In the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, AAP made a spectacular debut by winning 28 out of 70 seats. Kejriwal became the Chief Minister of Delhi, although his first tenure was short-lived, lasting only 49 days due to a controversy over the Jan Lokpal Bill.
Undeterred, Kejriwal returned to power with a resounding victory in the 2015 elections, where AAP won 67 out of 70 seats. His tenure has been marked by significant policy initiatives aimed at improving public education, healthcare, and providing free water and subsidized electricity to Delhi’s residents. The ‘Mohalla Clinics’ initiative, which aims to provide free primary healthcare to Delhi’s population, has been widely appreciated and replicated in other parts of India.
# Controversies and Criticisms
Kejriwal’s tenure has not been without controversies. He has often been criticized for his confrontational approach towards the central government and allegations of fostering a culture of freebies to gain electoral advantage. His governance style, described by some as populist, has drawn both praise and censure.
# Arvind Kejriwal Legacy and Impact
Arvind Kejriwal’s impact on Indian politics is undeniable. He has redefined political discourse with his focus on transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance. Despite the challenges and criticisms, Kejriwal’s AAP has emerged as a significant force in Indian politics, influencing policies and inspiring other regional movements.
In conclusion, Arvind Kejriwal’s journey from a bureaucrat to a prominent political leader underscores the possibilities of change through perseverance and conviction. His story is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the potential of political will in transforming governance. As he continues to navigate the complex landscape of Indian politics, Kejriwal remains a beacon of hope for many who aspire for a corruption-free and transparent government.
Conclusion
Kejriwal has been an ardent critic of corruption in the country. He opposed the inclusion of political parties under the Right to Information Act, stating that it would lead to corruption. Kejriwal has been a vocal anti-corruption crusader, and this dedication has earned him respect among his supporters.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party contested and won the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. It was a significant victory for Kejriwal, who had been facing criticism for AAP’s performance in the general elections of 2014 and 2019.
Arvind Kejriwal’s contribution towards the betterment of the common man is commendable. The people of Delhi have high hopes and expectations from their Chief Minister, and Kejriwal has undoubtedly made efforts to live up to them. His administration has focused on providing education, healthcare, and welfare schemes to the people, and his anti-corruption stance has made him a prominent political figure in the country.
Read more us: https://allworldview.com/pm-narendra-modi/
