In a major political setback, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was defeated in the Delhi Assembly elections, with its leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal failing to retain his seat. This marks a significant shift in Delhi’s political landscape, as Kejriwal, who had been in power for several years, faced his most substantial electoral defeat.
Kejriwal’s Political Journey: A Series of Exits
Arvind Kejriwal’s career has been marked by frequent transitions.
His early life and political career reflect a pattern of entering and leaving institutions and roles. Kejriwal, an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, initially worked at Tata Steel but left the job after three years to prepare for the civil services. After securing a position in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), he once again exited, citing dissatisfaction with the system.
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Kejriwal later became involved in activism, joining movements like Parivartan, India Against Corruption, and Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption campaign.
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He became Delhi’s Chief Minister in 2013 but resigned after just 49 days, a move that raised questions about his leadership style. More recently, he stepped down again, making Atishi the Chief Minister of Delhi.
The IIT Years and Early Political Aspirations
Kejriwal’s journey began at IIT Kharagpur, where he studied electrical engineering. Even during his college days, he exhibited leadership qualities, winning the hostel mess secretary election without campaigning. His rise in politics followed a similar trajectory when he defeated Sheila Dikshit, the three-term Delhi Chief Minister, in the 2013 Assembly elections.
Despite several political successes, Kejriwal faced a significant defeat in the latest polls, losing his own constituency. This loss marks a rare setback in his otherwise successful career.
From IRS to Political Activism
Born in 1968 in Hisar, Haryana, Kejriwal came from a middle-class background. His father, Govind Ram Kejriwal, was an electrical engineer. After completing his studies at a missionary school in Sonipat, he pursued engineering before moving into public service.
His career in the IRS saw him grow disillusioned with corruption. He founded the NGO Parivartan in 2000 to fight bribery and corruption in government offices. His activism laid the foundation for his political career, culminating in the formation of AAP.
