Arvind Kejriwal, a prominent Indian politician and former civil servant, has significantly shaped Delhi’s political landscape. His journey from social activist to Chief Minister is marked by both remarkable achievements and considerable controversy.

Biography/ Wiki

Born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana, Kejriwal rose to prominence during the 2011 India Against Corruption movement alongside Anna Hazare. Their efforts to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill, though ultimately unsuccessful, propelled Kejriwal into the national spotlight.

Following the movement’s setbacks, he co-founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in November 2012. His decisive victory in the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, defeating Sheila Dikshit by a substantial margin, marked his entry into mainstream politics. He became Chief Minister, though his first term was short-lived, ending after 49 days in 2014 due to a perceived lack of support for his legislative agenda. Subsequent electoral successes solidified his position as a major political force in India.

Family

Kejriwal hails from a Hindu Vaishya (Baniya) family. He is the eldest son of Gobind Ram Kejriwal, an electrical engineer, and Geeta Devi. He has a younger brother, Manoj (a software engineer), and a younger sister, Ranjana (a doctor).

In 1995, he married Sunita Kejriwal, and they have a son, Pulkit, and a daughter, Harshita. His family life, while relatively private, has occasionally been subject to public scrutiny.

Career

Kejriwal’s educational background includes schooling in Hisar and Sonipat, followed by a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. He started his career at TATA Steel before successfully clearing the Civil Services examination and joining the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

His IRS tenure was marked by an unconventional approach, famously refusing a peon and personally attending to administrative tasks. This meticulousness extended to his work on the Jan Lokpal Bill, which he reportedly reviewed countless times. He resigned from the IRS in 2006 to dedicate himself to social work, setting the stage for his future political career.

His involvement in the India Against Corruption movement, followed by the formation of AAP and subsequent electoral victories, cemented his place as a significant figure in Indian politics. His tenure as Delhi’s Chief Minister has seen a mix of policy successes and controversies.

Controversies

Kejriwal’s career has been interwoven with numerous controversies. He has faced various criminal charges, including those related to voluntarily causing hurt, disobedience to orders, obstructing public servants, and assault. Additionally, he has faced charges of defamation and rioting. The details are extensive and complex, involving multiple legal cases and ongoing investigations.

A significant controversy involves allegations of corruption related to Delhi’s excise policy, leading to investigations by the CBI and ED. These investigations resulted in his arrest and subsequent legal battles, highlighting the contentious nature of his political career.

Other controversies include allegations of irregularities in the renovation of his official residence and accusations of receiving funding from a banned organization.

Awards & Recognition

Kejriwal’s contributions have garnered significant recognition. His awards include:

• Ashok Fellow, Civic Engagement (2004)
• Satyendra K Dubey Memorial Award, IIT Kanpur (2005)
• Ramon Magsaysay Award (2006)
• CNN-IBN Indian of the Year (2006 and 2013)
• Distinguished Alumnus Award, IIT Kharagpur (2009)
• Policy Change Agent of the Year, Economic Times Award (2010)
• NDTV Indian of the Year (2011)
• Featured in Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers (2013) and Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People (2014)

Favourites

Kejriwal’s preferences include Chinese cuisine, golgappas (street food), and jalebi (sweet dish). He enjoys the films of Aamir Khan and the comedy of Kapil Sharma.

Net Worth & Salary

As of 2023, his monthly salary as Chief Minister was approximately Rs 1.7 lakh, plus allowances. His net worth was reported to be around Rs 7 crore in 2018.

Facts

Kejriwal is a non-smoker and teetotaler. He is a vegetarian and enjoys activities such as reading, yoga, vipassana, watching movies, and listening to music.

Interesting anecdotes include his use of a blue WagonR during his election campaign (later stolen) and his college days spent tutoring underprivileged children. He notably donated his Magsaysay Award money to an NGO.