Kejri's remarkable journey: From IIT to Delhi CM's post


New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) : For Arvind Kejriwal, who assumed charge as Delhi's eighth Chief Minister on Saturday, it has been a remarkable journey since AAP's drubbing in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls as he led the party to a spectacular victory in Delhi.

46-year-old Kejriwal, known for his sheer determination and grit, devised an "out-of-the-box" campaign strategy to enthuse the fledging party to a historic victory in the Assembly polls winning 67 of the 70 seats.

It was dubbed as a David vs Goliath battle considering enormous effort put by BJP to wrest power in the capital.

AAP's triumph is not only seen as a landslide victory but also a rallying point for the opposition to take on the BJP government, in the process propelling Kejriwal as a major figure in the national political scene.


Kejriwal's major challenge would be to implement his poll promises, some of which critics feel, will not be easy to fulfil.

The stupendous victory was being considered significant in the political landscape as the bespectacled IITian put a brake to the string of electoral triumphs for BJP since the May Lok Sabha polls. All major opposition parties saw AAP's victory as a signal for opposition forces to come together to take on the saffron challenge.

Quietly spreading his party's wings after the Lok Sabha poll debacle in which AAP failed to open its account, the activist-turned-politician achieved the feat by taking his "participative politics" model to the masses through a strong army of dedicated volunteers and his sheer perseverance.

Kejriwal, who had faced huge criticism for resigning as the Chief Minister after remaining in power for 49-days, expanded the party's base by anchoring an unconventional approach to take AAP beyond his support base of the poor and lower middle class families.

Known for taking up challenges, the indefatigable Kejriwal decided to take a plunge into politics and formed the "Aam Aadmi Party" on November 26, 2012, after a formal split in Team Anna.

A bright academic, Kejriwal passed out as a Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur.

He worked in Tata Steel for three years since 1989 and resigned in 1992 to take up the UPSC examination which he cleared to become an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer.

Being in government service, Kejriwal was active in taking up social cause and worked for implementation of Right to Information Act (RTI) at grass root level.

His efforts in the enactment of the RTI Act to empower the poorest citizens of India won him the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in 2006.


In February 2006, after resigning as Joint Commissioner in the Income Tax Department he became a full-time activist and started an NGO, Public Cause Research Foundation, with his award money as a corpus fund.

A strict vegetarian who prefers home-made food, Kejriwal is married to Sunita, who is also an IRS officer and his batchmate from National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie.

The couple have two children, daughter Harshita and son Pulkit. He has a younger sister and brother.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Jennifer Mascarenhas, Mangalore / Dubai

    Tue, Feb 17 2015

    AK : Tum mere HERO no. 1
    Sweep and wipe out bureaucracy, hypocrisy and CORRUPT old politicians!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • JNB, Bejai

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    no doubt he is intellectual.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • An Indian, Mangalore/UAE

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    Its a tough task for Kejriwal, but its not limited to One Kejriwal, but there is a necessity for all Indians who thirst for developed India, must bring out the Kejriwal within them. As it is rightly said, our Political system is in the hands of a few people for almost since independence (not freedom, which is still a dream), like Yadavs, Lalus, Ghandis, Ammas, etc etc, as if this is only confined to those people/groups and the rest of the population is only to vote. Its necessary to change this situation and only people can change this and this will change if we people cultivate patience and support Kejriwal to achieve his goals. Think for a while, as an IIT Alumni, he would have had lucrative opportunities outside, yet, he has taken up a bold step to be a model to our young and educated Citizens to take a lead from his initiative... There is a point to be noted, when people ruled Delhi over and over again, they not only failed to improve their Governing strategy, wasted over 65 years, which means a full generation of India has been wiped out. AT least exercise restraint and patience, allow Kejriwal to work and find solutions and he will definitely deliver, if people power is with him.....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • martin,

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    absolutely stunning achievement.he was the only CM who's cursed for leaving post.while all oder CMs are cursed4 hanging on2 power!!!
    his massive win is as huge as independence itself.
    Arvind was fighting against vulgar money/muscle power displayed by RSS-BJP,PM himself stooped so low calling ex-CM an naxal.whole of modi cabinet forgot india & spent all their time/energy in delhi against 1 common man.church attacks were carried out,imams, sadhus,babas were called up,RSS-BJP used every dirtiest of dirty trick to defeat arvind.
    BUT fact is you cant stop honest, sincere intent wid ugly lies, deceit & arrogance.RSS-BJP failed miserably,PM failed big.
    SO its a lesson2 all if u've good intention,will to fight people of india will SUPPORT you.
    WE need arvins kejri in every village every street,every city.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • zakir, KSA

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    A clean party at the movement....all should support the party.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D'souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    What LIE?
    If in this past 65 years, if congress(INC) was voted to power/ Rule, is it not because most majority voted them?
    I am not saying individually you voted to INC! Are you not forming part of majority?
    Simple language understanding difficulty? That too when you emphatically say, we switched loyalty from INC to AAP?
    You all too switched loyalty from INC to BJP timing may be different!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D'souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    This reply is in response to Prakash, Dubai

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Antony Fernandes, Mangalore/USA

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    What a difference in education between a CM of Delhi and a PM sits in Delhi. CM is Mechanical Engineer and PM is CHAIWALA. Dear CM we know it is very tough task for you to fulfill election promises. Still no problem if you start to look into this definitely you will succeed within a short time. Our PM’s election promises are only for vote to become PM and to get US visa and nothing else.

    Jai ho Chief Minister of Delhi. Hope to see you as PM of India in 2019.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • D Bhat, Mumbai

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    Even if you dont like Modi, dont say he is not worthy just because he was a chaiwallah... It is such people who come from the lowest levels who are true champions.. I admire AK very much too - fought all the way! The people who are useless are like Rahul Gandhi.... I am sure AK and Modi will work well together - no doubt at all

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    WhatsAAP done to our future ?

    AAP coming into power in the Delhi has raised several questions about Good Governance for Politicians be it the BJP, Congress, TMC , AIDMK ,DMK , SAD and others all over India.
    In fact we can easily say this recent Delhi Polls is a watershed event in Indian Politics and we will now see the emergence of YOUNG INDIA to the fore.

    Let us see what the Am Aadmi Party has done by examining important Governance issues raised here:

    What is Good governance?

    Good Governance for the AAM Admi is the ability of the government to:

    1. Ensure the various agents of the political system work for Human Development and betterment of the lives of the poor and down trodden.

    2. Enhance the ability of people to lead dignified lives.

    3. Ensure Transparency in the Administration system and in the bureaucracy.

    According to UNDP Human Development is a process of enhancing people’s choice there are 3 critical points:

    1. The choice to lead a healthy and long life.
    2. The choice to acquire knowledge and be educated.
    3.The choice to have access to resources for a decent living .

    Sustainable, inclusive and equitable growth is most essential components of development and this is possible only in a democratic form of governance. Development is not just material well being of the majority of the population it is social, political, and cultural in nature, content & outcome. Good governance and democracy is for the well being of the citizens and is not just for normative values.

    Good Governance means protecting the minorities and does not include Church attacks .

    Government should focus on good governance and not on Ghar Whapsi and religious issues

    Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.

    Gandhiji's saying:The Roots of Violence Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character , Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, , Worship without sacrifice ,Politics without principles.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • claude, UAE

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Today AK is a "NAYAK" within 10 years he will become a "MAHA NAYAK" Jai Hind Jai AAP.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Who will be KALA NAYAK?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jacob Mendonsa, Bangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Ismail, For the time being he is missing from this Forum after he saw the tsunami.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tom Cat, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJESaturday,
    Who will be KALA NAYAK? Interval . Picture baaki hai

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • rakesh, mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    we so power of Congress, Power Of MODI,

    Lets See Power of App

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Banniur, Puttur, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Dear Sandy,
    Are you from Rawalpindy.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • ismail, HAIL

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    कल, 14 फ़रवरी को, सुबह 11 बजे रामलीला मैदान में मेरे साथ शपथ लेने जरूर आइयेगा क्यूंकि मुख्यमंत्री मैं नहीं, आप सब बनेंगे!

    हम सब दिल्ली को एक बेहतर शहर बनाने की शपथ लेंगे. आम आदमी की खुशियाँ वापस लाने की शपथ लेंगे.

    आयेंगे ना? आइयेगा जरूर! क्यूंकि मैं आपमें से ही एक हूँ - अरविन्द

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sandy, Udupi

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Kejriwal and AAP are probably the best disruptive innovation to take place in post independence Indian politics. He couldn't have come at a better time too, to put a comma to Modi's unrelenting March. Hopefully he will perform well to the aspirations of the people.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sandy, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Whole Pakisthan celebrated on Kejri's victory. This shows how much they are afraid of Modiji..

    DisAgree [45] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kurt Waschnig, Oldenburg, Germany

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    An important question remains, is this the beginning of a movement that could potentially challenge Mr Modi´s BJP on the national stage in years to come? For all the AAP´s success in Delhi electoral politics and in the anti-corruption campaign, the AAP remain a New Delhi phenomenon. The AAP does not have a national political presence that can even remotely compare with that of Congress and BJP. BJP and Congress have much more national-level money, resources and clout then the AAP does at the moment. There could be a change in the future, and especially if Congress remains weak and if the voting population begins to sour a bit of the Modi-led BJP if it doesn´t fulfill the sky-high expectations last year´s election triumph saddled it with.
    After the landslide victory in Delhi and there is no doubt, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has done an excellent job, can the AAP deliver what has been promised and I would like to mention corruption. The AAP has an outstanding opportunity to eradicate corruption in Delhi and if successful the AAP could play national an important role in India. I wish this young political movement and party all the best for the difficult work in New Delhi.


    Best regards


    Kurt Waschnig Oldenburg (Germany)

    email:oldenbug1952@yahoo.de

    DisAgree [1] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, INDIA

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    All the best. Now this is the begining of the end of BJP, RSS, Sakshi, wakshi, Togadia, phogadia and Sadhwis. All the corrupt politicians who use Jumlas to win the election will thing 1000 times before making false promises in future. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat

    DisAgree [5] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    For this simple man, the entire BJP cabinet and govt machinery,Modi,A.Sha ganged up to defeat him.rallying point BJP was romping K.Bedi!!!!But she was dumped along with BJP baffles 1.3 billion people of India.Voters in Delhi were too much angry that they even failed to respect India's first IPS women officer,International award Magsaysay and invitee for a tea with USA president.Should Bedi preferred to contest as independent, certainly she would have been in Delhi Assembly.She(Bedi)lost everything including name and fame.IITIAN to DELHI THRONE before a brif stay as IT officer...Salute to Wall and indeed WALL OF INDIA...ALL THE BEST.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • vijay, moodabidri

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Now y u supporting to AAp...before u and ur peoples supporting congress only...because congress loosser in all over the india...MALE BANDA KODE HIDUVA JAATHIGALU...NEEVU BURMUDA DAVARU...u know burmuda.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Vijaya,

    If you were regular Daiji reader then I have nothing to convince you.But if new,pls listen

    When Bedi parachuted to BJP camp and d as CM stuff,on record I said it she will be dumped and her political future @ stake.What did to her is history.

    Gedda etthu na baala hidiuvaru navalaa why because,I and like minded hate communal BJP and Sanghis.AAP is secular political party and apart from that it fight against corruption.Since (your-other) proxy name is new I shall make you understand that I am not official member of Congress or AAP but yes in national level Congress I can have some leaning but yes, Dushman's Dushman always friend that is natural.I bet on day one that AAP will cross 45 seats when paid media write off WALL...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • MANJUNATH, KUNDAPUR

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Dear Ismail Sir,
    do you think this is Mr.Kejrivalas effort?
    just because of all others scare about Modi(just look at TV how celebartion is going on in Pakistan & B,desh)fight is that BJP against to all,it is clear,however it is good thing always democracy is winner.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.Arun Sequeira., abudhabi,mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Real hero of swatch BHarath.AChe din...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • sumana, mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    congratulations.We need leaders like kejriwal.No suit of Lakh's to Kejri?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Once the donations start to deplete, with high ambitions to expand throughout India, the need for money will arise. How will AAP gather money? We have examples of midnight donations!
    AAP will itself succumb to corruption, for sure!

    DisAgree [57] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, INDIA

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    I hope Mr. Arvind Kejriwal will set a new benchmark to remove discrimination based on religion and the 3,000 year old caste system in his administration at least in Delhi. Mr. Modi, unfortunately does not shows any signs of doing anything in this very important aspect of creating a society where people can live peacefully. I think that will be his biggest draw down in times to come. India will prosper if we first start looking at Indians as Indians and not judge people by the way they pray to God. India is unique in many ways and unfortunately it is becoming unique in perpetuating poverty, discrimination and abuse of women. Anyone in India looking for sustainable change should not be concerned about ruling party. The major concern should be who is resolving these very deep rooted malicious practices that are threatening to become part of our culture.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • raghavendra m k, mumbai maharashtrarrr

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    A IITian becomes a great politicians of the country by starting the movement against corruption, fight against rape and for social justice on the streets of the Delhi few years back.Beyond every successful man there is a women. After getting elected he first thanked his wife who allowed him to make struggle a successful story.We remember of kasturba's contribution for Gandhiji's struggle for freedom of the country.Now the educated people should not shy away to come to the mainstream politics of the country.So that these corrupt and communal politicians can kept at bay.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    The beauty of Indian democracy

    DisAgree [3] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • RAJ AMIN, UDUPI

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Bina MUFFLER... Pehchaan kaun...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • masif, Jubail

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Congratulation Mr. Kejri for new Sultan of Delhi

    BJP is now too Sad because after 1994 didn't get again CM post

    DisAgree [6] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amin bhoja, Patte/Riyadh

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Kejriwal a ambitious person and his ambition which brought to Delhi a CM.Let us wish him success and his good works to the nation in near future.In this juncture It is hard to find a true and dedicated politician to the nation. Again my sincere and hearty wish to CM Kejriwal for his corrupt free rulings in Delhi and Let Delhi be a role model to our remaining states too.Congratulations.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shaleen, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Now starts the dharnaa's (protests).

    DisAgree [33] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash, Dubai

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Congratulation Mr. Arvind Kejeriwal. As u said work for the people and make Delhi proud. ur all promises noted. Don't disappoint Daiji Congress supporters who shift their support from congress to AAP with in a Day without seeing ur performance as a Minister.  We know it, cz they hate Modi from the day one. We never seen ur performance as a Minister. We will observe ur all progress and give u a merit later as its a Challenge for you to perform rather than said. Best of Luck. :) . We expect much from u.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D'souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    After voting INC for 65 years, you guys found new Love in BJP.
    We continued for some more time, until we found AAP, in which we have new Hope.
    We love AAP, for it is adhering to the provisions of our great constitution.
    Let's have patience and give them time.
    Without hope, there is no life.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash, Dubai

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Mr. Valerian,
    Don't lie too much as u do in modi case. I never voted congress in my life. Ur 65 yrs party keep it with u. I don't like their Bhagyaas. Yes as u hv over confidence on inexperienced team let's hope for the best. we are here in daiji forum. No worries. Good luck for ur new team. :)

    DisAgree [15] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D'souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Sun, Feb 15 2015

    What is lie can you explain?
    That too about Modi?
    If in this past 65 years, if congress(INC) was voted to power / Rule is it not because most majority voted them?
    I am not saying individually you voted to INC! Are you not forming part of majority? Why simple language understanding difficulty? That too when you say, we switched loyalty from INC to AAP?
    You all too switched loyalty from INC to BJP timing may be different!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Report Abuse

  • India First, India

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    It is now too early to decide everything and make a conclusion !! We have to give time to Kejriwal.... After 6 months we can get a clear picture !! But His journey is remarkable.... Hats Off !!! GOD Luck

    DisAgree [2] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bollu, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    For all the euphoria over Kejriwal's rise a word of caution.The transformation of aam admi to politician is complete.If he has to survive he should work like a politician and that is bad news for aam admi. So Delhiites may again think of which politician to choose in next election.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • essell, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Mangalore too needs clean wave. Hope the Swatch Abhiyaan will not be restricted to only roads.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vasant Raj, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Congratulations CM Kejrival....but Eth Dinatha Gobba....

    DisAgree [47] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincy, Bangkok

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Modi missed the event.Not lucky enough.
    He could fool Indians living in USA and Australia but could not convince Delhi Indians.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [64] Reply Report Abuse

  • adil, thekkatte

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Congratulation sir,we young India are with you...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • CONRAD JOHN TAURO, SHIRVA/UDUPI/DUBAI

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Journey from IIT...
    Now corrupt peoples wait for HIT...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.Deepak DSouza, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 14 2015

    Congratulations. This day will find mention in the history of Indian politics.
    kyu ki
    AAP jeet gaye (You have won) !

    DisAgree [5] Agree [82] Reply Report Abuse


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