Explain Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 500 words
Arvind Kejriwal is a prominent Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Delhi. He is known for his anti-corruption stance and his efforts to bring about transparency and accountability in government. Kejriwal is the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a political party that was founded on the principles of clean governance and people-centric policies.
Born on August 16, 1968, in Haryana, Kejriwal studied at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and later worked as a civil servant in the Indian Revenue Service. He gained national attention in 2011 when he, along with social activist Anna Hazare, led a popular movement against corruption in India. This movement, known as the India Against Corruption movement, brought the issue of corruption to the forefront of Indian politics and led to the passage of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act in
In 2012, Kejriwal founded the Aam Aadmi Party with the aim of providing a clean and alternative political option to the people of Delhi. The party's symbol, a broom, symbolizes its commitment to sweeping away corruption and bringing about change. In the 2013 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, the AAP made a stunning debut by winning 28 out of 70 seats and forming the government with outside support from the Congress party.
Kejriwal took office as the Chief Minister of Delhi in December During his first term, he implemented several key reforms, including the introduction of the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, which aimed to create an independent anti-corruption ombudsman in the national capital. He also launched initiatives such as the Mohalla Clinics, which provide free primary healthcare services to residents, and the Delhi government's flagship education program, which focuses on improving the quality of education in public schools.
In the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, the AAP won a landslide victory, securing 67 out of 70 seats. Kejriwal was sworn in for a second term as Chief Minister, with a renewed mandate to continue his work on governance reforms and development initiatives. Under his leadership, the Delhi government has focused on improving public services, such as healthcare, education, and public transportation, and has introduced measures to reduce air pollution and improve the city's infrastructure.
Kejriwal's tenure as Chief Minister has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism from opponents for his confrontational style of politics and his frequent clashes with the central government. In 2018, he staged a sit-in protest at the Lieutenant Governor's office over a dispute regarding the powers of the Delhi government, which led to a standoff between the AAP government and the central government.
Despite these challenges, Kejriwal remains a popular figure among the people of Delhi for his commitment to clean governance and his efforts to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. His focus on providing affordable and accessible public services has earned him praise from many quarters. As he continues to lead the Delhi government, Kejriwal remains a key figure in Indian politics, advocating for transparency, accountability, and people-centric policies.