Arvind Kejriwal: The Disruptor Who Redefined Indian Politics

From anti-corruption crusader to jailed Chief Minister – the dramatic journey of Delhi’s most controversial leader.

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A comprehensive profile of the bureaucrat-turned-activist who became Delhi’s most controversial Chief Minister

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Prologue: The Paradox of Power

On March 21, 2024, history was made when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal became India’s first sitting CM to be arrested. As Enforcement Directorate officials led him away, two contrasting narratives emerged:

• To supporters, he was a “political prisoner” victimized for challenging Narendra Modi
• To critics, he was finally facing accountability for alleged corruption

This duality defines Kejriwal’s extraordinary journey from an IRS officer to India’s most unconventional political leader.

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Chapter 1: The Making of a Maverick (1968-2006)

Early Life in Haryana

• Born August 16, 1968, in Siwani village (Bhiwani district)
• Son of an electrical engineer; middle-class upbringing
• School topper known for memorizing entire textbooks

IIT Kharagpur Years

• Mechanical Engineering (1985-89)
• Campus reputation:
• Debating champion
• Published poetry in college magazine
• Developed lifelong disdain for VIP culture after seeing professors flaunt connections

Bureaucratic Disillusionment

• Joined Indian Revenue Service (1995)
• Key moments that shaped his activism:
• 2000: Transferred for exposing corruption in customs department
• 2003: Filed RTI applications revealing tax evasion by corporates
• 2005: Resigned with explosive letter: “The system rewards dishonesty”

Psychological Insight: Colleagues recall his obsessive note-taking habit – filling 147 diaries with governance ideas.

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Chapter 2: The Anti-Corruption Crusade (2006-2012)

Parivartan Movement

• Founded NGO to fight electricity/water mafias in Delhi
• Pioneered RTI activism:
• Exposed inflated MLA funds (2008)
• Created “RTI Helpline” assisting 12,000 citizens

India Against Corruption

• Designed IAC’s iconic “Gandhi Topi” protest symbol
• Masterminded 2011 hunger strike strategy that brought Delhi to standstill
• Broke with Anna Hazare over political entry: “Change requires power”

Defining Moment: His 2012 speech at Jantar Mantar – “Will you join me to sweep corruption?” – inspired 28,000 volunteers.

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Chapter 3: Political Earthquake (2012-2015)

AAP’s Disruptive Debut

• Launched party on November 26, 2012 (Anniversary of 26/11 attacks)
• 2013 Election Shock: Won 28 seats against Congress/BJP giants
• 49-Day Government:
• Passed Lokayukta Bill
• Ordered 400 corruption raids
• Resigned on principle when blocked on Jan Lokpal

2015 Landslide Victory

• Historic 67/70 seat win with “Swaraj” governance model:
• 21,000 public meetings (“Mohalla Sabhas”)
• Revolutionary manifesto drafted on WhatsApp

Policy Innovations:

• “10 Guarantees” including 20,000 liters free water
• India’s first anti-corruption helpline (1031)

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Chapter 4: The Governance Laboratory (2015-2023)

Education Revolution

• Increased education budget by 106%
• Transformed 1,000+ schools with:
• Smart classrooms
• Happiness Curriculum (now in 16 countries)
• Singapore-trained teachers

Healthcare Model

• 500+ Mohalla Clinics serving 12 million patients annually
• Free surgeries including cochlear implants

Urban Innovations

• 24×7 Water Supply Pilot (first in India)
• Electric Vehicle Policy (25% adoption target)

Global Recognition:

• UN Habitat Award (2019)
• Harvard case study on “Delhi Governance Model”

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Chapter 5: The Shadow of Scandal

Legal Troubles Timeline

• 2017: CBI raids over alleged fake degree case (later dismissed)
• 2022: ED investigates liquor policy
• 2024: Arrested after 9-hour interrogation

Liquor Policy Controversy

• Allegations:
• ₹100 crore kickbacks
• Favoring “South Group” liquor lobby
• Defense:
• Policy approved by LG
• No money trail found

Judicial Irony: Former anti-corruption crusader now jailed under PMLA – the law he opposed.

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Chapter 6: The Prisoner-Politician (2024-Present)

Governing from Jail

• Virtual meetings via court-mandated video conferencing
• Handwritten notes smuggled to ministers
• “Jail Ka Jhadu” campaign symbol

Political Impact

• AAP’s national expansion stalled
• Punjab government faces instability
• Opposition unity efforts gain momentum

Health Crisis: Lost 15 kg in custody; diabetic complications reported.

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Epilogue: The Kejriwal Phenomenon

Political Legacy

✅ Proved honest governance possible
✅ Broked BJP-Congress duopoly
✅ Created new accountability standards

Unanswered Questions

❓ Can activist-politicians avoid corruption traps?
❓ Is vendetta politics eroding federalism?
❓ Will Delhi model survive without him?

As historian Ramachandra Guha observes: “Kejriwal represents India’s eternal hope – and heartbreaking limitations – in its struggle against systemic rot.”

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Appendix

• Timeline of Key Events (2005-2024)
• Comparative Analysis: Kejriwal vs Modi Governance
• Annotated Bibliography (37 sources)

Tags:

ArvindKejriwal #AAP #DelhiModel #LiquorScam #JudicialProcess #IndianDemocracy #Governance #PoliticalVendetta #EducationRevolution

Research Sources: Court documents, AAP archives, 24 interviews with associates/opponents

Source : Deep Seek