Arvind Kejriwal and The Aam Aadmi Party: Changing the Face of Indian Politics

Arvind Kejriwal, the charismatic leader of The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has taken the Indian political landscape by storm. With his unique approach to governance and a clear focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens, Kejriwal has built a dedicated and passionate following. This article explores the journey of Arvind Kejriwal and his party, highlighting their policies and the impact they have made on the lives of the people.

The Rise of Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal emerged on the national scene as a prominent anti-corruption activist. He gained massive support during the India Against Corruption movement in 2011, where he and activist Anna Hazare played pivotal roles. Their fight against corruption struck a chord with millions of Indians who were tired of rampant dishonesty and mismanagement in the country. This led to the birth of The Aam Aadmi Party in 2012, with Kejriwal at its helm.

Kejriwal's rise to power was swift and remarkable. In the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, the AAP emerged as the second-largest party and formed a minority government. However, due to various internal conflicts and governance challenges, Kejriwal resigned within 49 days of his appointment as Chief Minister. Many criticized his decision, viewing it as a failure.

Arvind Kejriwal & the Aam Aadmi Party: An Inside Look

by Jocko Babin (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	513 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	169 pages

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A Resilient Leader

Nevertheless, Kejriwal did not give up. He contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections with a renewed energy and determination. This time, his party secured a historic victory, winning 67 out of 70 seats, thereby forming a majority government. Kejriwal took the oath as Chief Minister of Delhi for the second time, and his re-election marked a turning point in Indian politics.

As Chief Minister, Kejriwal implemented several key policies, focusing on education, healthcare, and welfare programs. The Delhi government introduced the mohalla clinic initiative, which aimed to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to the poorest sections of society. These clinics became a lifeline for many who previously struggled to receive adequate medical attention.

Furthermore, Kejriwal's government transformed the education sector, with a focus on improving infrastructure, quality of teaching, and access to quality education for all. The initiatives taken, such as the happiness curriculum in schools, aimed to enhance the overall development of students and provide them with a holistic learning experience.

Kejriwal's Popularity

Arvind Kejriwal's popularity can be attributed to his focus on grassroots politics. He has broken the barriers between politicians and the common people, making himself accessible to the public. This has earned him the title of the "common man's leader" and has further strengthened the connection between the government and its citizens.

Another factor behind Kejriwal's popularity is his emphasis on transparency in governance. The Delhi government launched the Delhi Dialogue initiative, encouraging citizens to provide their inputs on various policies and decisions. This participatory approach has created a sense of ownership among the people, making them feel more involved in the governance process.

Moreover, Kejriwal's government has been successful in providing basic amenities to the people of Delhi. From ensuring regular water supply to improving the transportation system, the AAP government has brought visible changes to the lives of its residents. These achievements have resonated with the citizens and have resulted in growing admiration for Kejriwal's leadership.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his achievements, Arvind Kejriwal and his party have faced their fair share of challenges and criticisms. One of the major criticisms is their confrontational approach towards other political parties and institutions. The AAP's vocal opposition to traditional politics and their unconventional methods have invited criticism from opponents who perceive them as disruptive.

Additionally, the financial viability of some of Kejriwal's welfare programs has been questioned. Critics argue that the AAP government's focus on providing free services and subsidies might not be sustainable in the long run and may create a burden on the economy. However, Kejriwal maintains that these programs are necessary to uplift the marginalized sections of society and create a more equitable society.

The Future of AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party has come a long way since its inception. From being a movement against corruption to forming a successful political entity, the party has redefined the political narrative in India. Their focus on the welfare of the common man and transparency in governance has struck a chord with the masses.

Looking ahead, the future of the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal seems promising. The party's success in Delhi has fueled aspirations for expanding their reach to other states. However, they will face fierce competition from established political parties, and their ability to sustain their momentum will be crucial.

Arvind Kejriwal and The Aam Aadmi Party have shown that with determination, resilience, and a clear vision for change, it is possible to challenge the traditional political landscape. Their journey serves as an inspiration for many aspiring politicians and a beacon of hope for ordinary citizens who yearn for a better, more accountable government.

Arvind Kejriwal & the Aam Aadmi Party: An Inside Look

by Jocko Babin (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	513 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	169 pages

FREE

This book provides a unique perspective on Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi party (AAP) through the keen observations and first-hand insights of an active AAP volunteer and close personal friend of Kejriwal from his undergraduate days at IIT Kharagpur. They re-connected more than a decade after IIT at UC Berkeley when Kejriwal was on a visit while still actively running his NGO, Parivartan, and have remained in contact ever since. The book captures Kejriwal 's transition from a social activist to becoming the brain behind the India Against corruption movement, to the founding of AAP, its dramatic rise to power, the sudden resignation, and its sweeping return to power in 2015, up until the recent internal power struggle within AAP.
The book describes the extensive use of technology by the party with first hand details of how some of the most brilliant minds in the business contributed valuable time, energy and knowhow to the party, entirely on a voluntary basis. It addresses in detail the role of NRIs in AAP, the role of AAP's army of volunteers, and the associated challenges in managing their expectations and streamlining their efforts.
The book covers several interesting anecdotes from private meetings in Berkeley, Goa, NY and Dubai that Kejriwal attended with friends, and provides rare insights and explodes popular myths about his leadership, his frequent references to God, and his personality in general. Through the book, the author draws upon his entrepreneurial and management experience to establish parallels between the AAP and happenings in startup companies. Finally, it looks at the aftermath of AAP's most recent power struggle, and the road ahead for AAP and its role in Indian politics.