Explain Arvind Kejriwal in 500 words
Arvind Kejriwal is an Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Delhi. He is the founder and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a political party that emerged in 2012 with the aim of combating corruption and bringing about political change in India.
Born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana, Kejriwal pursued his education in engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. After completing his studies, he joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1995 and worked as a Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in the Indian capital, New Delhi. However, he resigned from his government job in 2006 to focus on social activism and fight against corruption.
Kejriwal gained prominence as an anti-corruption crusader when he joined forces with social activist Anna Hazare in 2011 to demand the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, a legislation aimed at creating an independent ombudsman to investigate corruption cases. Their movement, known as the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, gained widespread support across the country and put pressure on the government to address the issue of corruption.
In 2012, Kejriwal formed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with the vision of providing clean and accountable governance to the people of Delhi. The party's name translates to "Common Man's Party," reflecting its commitment to represent the interests of the common people and fight against corruption and inequality.
The AAP made its electoral debut in the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. Despite being a new party, it surprised everyone by winning 28 out of the 70 seats and emerging as the second-largest party. Kejriwal, with the support of the Congress party, formed a minority government and became the Chief Minister of Delhi. However, his first term was short-lived as he resigned after 49 days due to the failure to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly.
In the subsequent 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, the AAP won a historic landslide victory, winning 67 out of the 70 seats. Kejriwal was once again sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi, and his government introduced several key reforms, including the provision of free water and subsidized electricity for the people of Delhi. The AAP government also focused on improving the education and healthcare sectors and implemented various welfare schemes to uplift the marginalized sections of society.
Kejriwal's governance style is often characterized by his hands-on approach and his emphasis on citizen participation. He introduced the concept of "Mohalla Sabhas," where residents of a locality come together to discuss and decide on local issues. This participatory approach has been lauded for empowering the common people and giving them a voice in decision-making processes.
However, Kejriwal's tenure has not been without challenges and controversies. His confrontational approach towards the central government and other political opponents has drawn criticism, with some accusing him of being more focused on political theatrics than actual governance. Additionally, his promises of full statehood for Delhi and the implementation of various reforms have faced roadblocks due to the limited powers of the Delhi government.
Despite these challenges, Kejriwal remains a popular figure among a significant section of the population, especially among the urban poor and marginalized communities. His ability to connect with the common people and address their concerns has helped him maintain a strong support base.
In conclusion, Arvind Kejriwal is a prominent Indian politician who rose to fame as an anti-corruption crusader and went on to become the Chief Minister of Delhi. His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has focused on providing clean and accountable governance to the people of Delhi, with a particular emphasis on welfare schemes and citizen participation. While his tenure has faced challenges and controversies, Kejriwal's commitment to fighting corruption and representing the interests of the common people has made him a significant figure in Indian politics.