Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal (born 16 August 1968) is an Indian politician and social activist who served as the Chief Minister of Delhi from 2015 to 2024. He is the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which he co-founded in 2012. Known for his anti-corruption activism and unconventional political style, Kejriwal emerged as a significant force in Indian politics during the anti-corruption movement of 2011-2012. Born in Haryana and educated at IIT Kharagpur, Kejriwal worked as a tax officer in the Indian Revenue Service before becoming a full-time activist. He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for his grassroots activism in the Right to Information movement. Along with Anna Hazare, he played a key role in the India Against Corruption movement demanding the passage of a strong anti-corruption bill (Jan Lokpal Bill). In 2012, Kejriwal founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with the slogan "I am common man." In a remarkable political debut, AAP won 28 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections in 2013, and Kejriwal became Chief Minister for the first time, though his government lasted only 49 days. In 2015, AAP achieved a historic landslide, winning 67 out of 70 seats — one of the most dominant victories in Indian electoral history. As Chief Minister, Kejriwal focused on improving government schools, healthcare through mohalla clinics, subsidized electricity and water, and free bus travel for women. His education reforms in Delhi government schools received international recognition. AAP later expanded to Punjab, winning a massive majority in 2022. However, Kejriwal's tenure was also marked by controversies, including his arrest in the Delhi excise policy case in 2024, which he denied as politically motivated.