Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal's public service career began not in politics, but as a dedicated officer in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). His tenure was marked by a growing disillusionment with systemic corruption, which he witnessed firsthand. This led him to become a prominent figure in the 'Parivartan' movement, a citizen-led initiative that leveraged the Right to Information (RTI) Act to expose and combat government malfeasance.

His relentless efforts in empowering citizens with information and demanding accountability earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006. Following this, he resigned from the IRS to establish the Public Cause Research Foundation, dedicating himself full-time to advocating for transparent and accountable governance, laying the groundwork for his future political endeavors.

The formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2012 marked a significant shift in Indian politics. Co-founded by Kejriwal and others, the AAP positioned itself as an alternative to the established political parties, championing the cause of the 'common man' ('Aam Aadmi'). Its core ideology revolved around anti-corruption, Swaraj (self-rule), and a focus on basic public services like education, healthcare, and water.

Kejriwal's leadership style was characterized by direct engagement with citizens and a promise to bring radical transparency to governance. The party's initial foray into electoral politics in Delhi saw it form a minority government in 2013, which, despite its short tenure of 49 days due to internal and external pressures regarding its anti-graft agenda, set the stage for its future dominance.

The Aam Aadmi Party's electoral fortunes dramatically changed in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, where it secured a landslide victory, winning 67 out of 70 seats. This unprecedented mandate allowed Kejriwal to assume the role of Chief Minister of Delhi for a full term, implementing his party's agenda focused on improving public services. His government introduced significant reforms in education, making Delhi's government schools models of quality, and revamped healthcare through the 'Mohalla Clinics' initiative.

The AAP's success was replicated in the 2020 Delhi elections, where it retained power, and notably, in the 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly elections, where the party achieved a significant majority, marking its first major expansion outside Delhi and establishing Kejriwal as a national political figure.

Arvind Kejriwal's political career has been marked by intense legal scrutiny and political battles. His arrest on March 21, 2024, by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam was a watershed moment, making him the first sitting Chief Minister in India to be apprehended. This event, occurring shortly before the 2024 general elections, drew widespread condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups, who alleged political vendetta.

The legal proceedings have seen him granted interim bail for election campaigning and subsequently full bail, though the case remains ongoing. The political ramifications of these events, coupled with the AAP's significant defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections and Kejriwal losing his own seat, signal a period of introspection and strategic recalibration for the party and its leader.

Arvind Kejriwal's impact on Indian politics is undeniable. He successfully challenged the traditional political landscape by introducing a new model of governance focused on grassroots issues and anti-corruption. His emphasis on public services like education and healthcare has set new benchmarks and influenced political discourse across the country.

The 'Delhi Model' of governance, characterized by its focus on citizen welfare and transparency, has become a point of reference. However, the recent legal challenges and electoral setbacks raise questions about the sustainability of his political project and his future role. His journey from a tax officer to a prominent national leader, marked by both significant achievements and considerable controversy, continues to be a subject of intense political analysis and public debate.