Arvind Kejriwal, a prominent Indian politician, was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Bhiwani district, Haryana, India. As of 2023, he is 55 years old and belongs to the zodiac sign Leo. He holds Indian nationality, and his hometown is Siwani, Haryana.

In his early life, Kejriwal attended Campus School in Hisar, Haryana, and continued his education at Christian Missionary Holy Child School in Sonipat, Haryana. His academic journey led him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Arvind Kejriwal’s current address is listed as Resident-87 Block, B.K. Dutt Colony, New Delhi-110001. This is where he resides with his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, an IRS officer, and their two children, Pulkit and Harshita.

Kejriwal’s early life and education laid the foundation for his later endeavors in both the civil service and politics. His journey from an IIT graduate to a key political figure reflects his commitment to public service and addressing issues in Indian society.

Early Life And Education

• Date of Birth (DOB): August 16, 1968
• Age: As of 2023, he is 55 years old.
• Birthplace: Arvind Kejriwal was born in Siwani, Bhiwani district, Haryana, India.
• Zodiac Sign: Leo
• Nationality: Indian
• Hometown: Siwani, Bhiwani district, Haryana, India

Schooling:

1. Campus School, Hisar, Haryana, India: Arvind Kejriwal attended Campus School in Hisar for his early education.
2. Christian Missionary Holy Child School, Sonipat, Haryana, India: He continued his schooling at the Christian Missionary Holy Child School in Sonipat.

Address:

• Residence: 87 Block, B.K.Dutt Colony, New Delhi, 110001

Physical Stats

• Height: Approximately 165 cm (5 feet, 5 inches)
• Weight: Information is not available
• Eye Color: Black
• Hair Color: Black

Personal Life

Family

Political Career

Election History

1. 2013 Delhi Assembly Elections:
   • Constituency: New Delhi
   • Result: Won
   • Margin of Victory: Defeated Sheila Dikshit, the incumbent Chief Minister, by a significant margin.
2. 2014 Lok Sabha Elections:
   • Constituency: Varanasi
   • Result: Lost
   • Opponent: Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India
   • Margin of Defeat: Lost by a large margin.
3. 2015 Delhi Assembly Elections:
   • Constituency: New Delhi
   • Result: Won
   • The margin of Victory: Led the Aam Aadmi Party to a historic victory, securing 67 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
4. 2020 Delhi Assembly Elections:
   • Constituency: New Delhi
   • Result: Won
   • Margin of Victory: Secured a remarkable victory, with the Aam Aadmi Party winning 62 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

Political Position and Belief

1. Anti-Corruption: Kejriwal rose to prominence as a prominent anti-corruption activist before entering politics. He has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability in governance and has campaigned against corruption in both the government and private sectors.
2. Empowerment of Common People: The core philosophy of the Aam Aadmi Party revolves around empowering the common people (‘Aam Aadmi’ translates to ‘common man’). Kejriwal and his party focus on policies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens, especially those from marginalized and underprivileged backgrounds.
3. Welfare Programs: Kejriwal’s political agenda includes the implementation of various welfare programs aimed at providing basic amenities and services to the people. This includes initiatives in education, healthcare, water supply, and electricity.
4. Proponent of Decentralization: Kejriwal has advocated for decentralization of power, emphasizing the importance of local governance and citizen participation in decision-making processes. He has supported measures to devolve authority to local bodies for better service delivery and governance.
5. Secularism: As a leader in a diverse country like India, Kejriwal has emphasized secular values and inclusive governance. He has spoken out against religious discrimination and has promoted harmony among different religious and cultural groups.
6. Environmental Conservation: Kejriwal has shown a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. His government in Delhi has introduced various measures to combat air pollution and promote clean energy initiatives.

Overall, Arvind Kejriwal’s political positions and beliefs are centered around combating corruption, empowering the common people, ensuring good governance, and promoting inclusive development while also addressing environmental concerns.

Achievement And Controversy

1. Founding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): In November 2012, Kejriwal played a pivotal role in founding the Aam Aadmi Party, a political party with a focus on anti-corruption and the empowerment of the common people.
2. Electoral Victories: Under his leadership, AAP achieved remarkable electoral success in the Delhi Assembly elections. In 2013, AAP secured 28 seats out of 70, and in 2015, it won a historic landslide victory, securing 67 out of 70 seats.
3. Chief Minister of Delhi: Kejriwal served as the Chief Minister of Delhi on multiple occasions, first from December 2013 to February 2014, then from February 2015 to February 2020, and again from February 2020 onwards. His tenure has been marked by various policy initiatives aimed at improving governance and the welfare of Delhi residents.
4. Mohalla Clinics and Health Initiatives: One of Kejriwal’s flagship initiatives is the establishment of Mohalla Clinics, which provides free primary healthcare services to residents of Delhi. This initiative has been widely praised for its effectiveness in improving access to healthcare.
5. Education Reforms: Kejriwal’s government has focused on improving the quality of education in Delhi government schools. Initiatives such as the ‘Chunauti’ program, aimed at improving learning outcomes, and the ‘Happiness Curriculum,’ focusing on holistic education, have garnered attention.
6. Water and Electricity Subsidies: Kejriwal’s government has implemented subsidies for water and electricity, benefiting a large section of Delhi’s population. These measures have helped alleviate the financial burden on households.
7. Environmental Initiatives: Kejriwal has launched several initiatives to address environmental challenges in Delhi, including the implementation of the Odd-Even vehicle scheme to reduce air pollution and the promotion of electric vehicles.
8. Recognition and Awards: Kejriwal’s efforts in public service and activism have been recognized nationally and internationally. He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006 for his role in enacting the Right to Information Act.
9. Role in Anti-Corruption Movement: Before entering politics, Kejriwal played a prominent role in the India Against Corruption movement, advocating for the passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill and raising awareness about corruption in Indian politics and society.

Criticism And Controversy

• Assault on Delhi Chief Secretary: In February 2018, Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, were accused of assaulting the Chief Secretary of Delhi, Anshu Prakash, during a late-night meeting at Kejriwal’s residence. This incident sparked a major controversy, leading to tensions between the Delhi government and the bureaucracy.

• Tussle with Centre over Governance: Throughout 2019, Kejriwal’s government in Delhi faced various controversies related to its interactions with the central government. These included conflicts over administrative control, funding allocation, and jurisdictional issues, which often played out in the public domain.

• COVID-19 Management: In 2020, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi became a significant point of contention. Kejriwal’s government faced criticism for its response to the crisis, including issues related to testing, healthcare infrastructure, and communication with the public about containment measures.

• Farm Laws Protest: Arvind Kejriwal’s public support for the farmers’ protests against the contentious farm laws introduced by the central government led to political tensions. His vocal backing of the protesters drew both praise and criticism, further polarizing the debate over agricultural reforms.

• Controversies Surrounding Delhi Government’s Policies: Throughout 2022, the Delhi government, under Kejriwal’s leadership, faced scrutiny over various policies, including those related to education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. Criticisms ranged from allegations of mismanagement to questions about the efficacy and implementation of these policies.

• Legal Battles and Allegations of Corruption: In 2023, Arvind Kejriwal faced several legal challenges and allegations of corruption. These included accusations related to irregularities in government contracts, misuse of funds, and conflicts of interest. The controversies raised questions about the integrity and transparency of his administration.

• Liquor Policy Case: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned Kejriwal for nearly nine hours in a case concerning alleged irregularities in the Delhi government’s liquor policy. The investigation raised questions about possible corruption and favoritism in the administration.
• Arrest by Enforcement Directorate: In March 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kejriwal on charges of corruption and money laundering. This arrest marked a significant development in the ongoing controversies surrounding his administration, making him the first sitting Chief Minister to be arrested on such charges.

Public Image

Positive Aspects:

1. Anti-Corruption Crusader: Kejriwal gained prominence as an anti-corruption activist during the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare in 2011. His commitment to rooting out corruption in Indian politics resonated with many disillusioned citizens.
2. Man of the Common People: He is often portrayed as a leader who understands and addresses the issues faced by the common man. His simplicity in lifestyle and his focus on grassroots-level problems have earned him praise among sections of the electorate.
3. Proponent of Alternative Politics: Kejriwal’s rise to power with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a party founded on principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, presented an alternative to traditional political parties dominated by established political families.
4. Focus on Education and Healthcare: His government’s initiatives to improve the quality of education and healthcare in Delhi, such as the transformation of government schools and Mohalla Clinics, have been lauded as progressive steps towards social welfare.

Negative Aspects:

1. Confrontational Politics: Kejriwal’s confrontational style of politics, marked by frequent clashes with the central government and other political adversaries, has been criticized for creating an atmosphere of hostility and hindering constructive dialogue.
2. Allegations of Opportunism: Critics accuse Kejriwal of opportunism, citing instances where he allegedly compromised on his principles for political expediency, such as his brief alliance with the Congress party in the aftermath of the 2013 Delhi elections.
3. Controversies and Legal Issues: His involvement in various controversies, ranging from allegations of assault on government officials to charges of corruption and money laundering, has tarnished his image and raised questions about his credibility and integrity.
4. Limited Regional Focus: While Kejriwal has garnered praise for his governance initiatives within Delhi, critics argue that his focus on the national political stage has sometimes come at the expense of addressing local issues and concerns.

Money Factor

1. Salary as Chief Minister: As the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal receives a salary of Rs. 1.7 lakh per month, along with other allowances. This figure is subject to change based on government regulations and revisions.
2. Net Worth: As of 2015, Arvind Kejriwal’s net worth was reported to be approximately Rs. 2.09 crore. However, his net worth may have fluctuated over time due to changes in income, investments, and other financial factors.
3. Donations and Funding: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), founded by Kejriwal, relies heavily on donations from supporters and well-wishers to fund its political activities and campaigns. Kejriwal has been vocal about the party’s commitment to transparency in fundraising and has often highlighted its reliance on small contributions from the public.
4. Legal Expenses: Kejriwal has been involved in several legal battles and controversies over the years, which may have incurred significant legal expenses. Defending against defamation cases, fighting corruption allegations, and addressing other legal challenges can entail substantial financial costs.
5. Lifestyle: Kejriwal is known for his modest lifestyle and is often seen as a symbol of simplicity and austerity in Indian politics. His expenses, including housing, transportation, and other living costs, are likely to be in line with his public image as a man of the common people.

Favorites

1. Favorite Street Food: Golgappe, also known as Pani Puri or Puchka, is a popular Indian snack consisting of hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy and tangy-flavored water, along with mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and other ingredients.
2. Favorite Cuisine: Chinese cuisine, which encompasses a wide range of dishes originating from various regions of China and is characterized by bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and cooking techniques such as stir-frying, steaming, and braising.
3. Favorite Sweet Dish: Jalebi, a traditional Indian dessert made by deep-frying wheat flour batter into pretzel-like shapes, which are then soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy and syrupy treat enjoyed for its sweetness and crunchiness.
4. Favorite Food Joint: Taste of China, located in Connaught Place, Delhi, is a restaurant known for serving authentic Chinese cuisine, offering a variety of dishes ranging from noodles and dumplings to soups and stir-fries.
5. Favorite Actor: Aamir Khan, a renowned Indian actor known for his versatile performances in Bollywood films, spanning a wide range of genres and roles, and recognized for his contributions to Indian cinema.
6. Favorite Comedian: Kapil Sharma, a popular Indian stand-up comedian, television host, and actor best known for his comedy show “The Kapil Sharma Show,” where he entertains audiences with his humor, wit, and celebrity interactions.

Some Other Facts