Can a movement born to sweep away corruption survive the realities of political power?
In short: Arvind Kejriwal, a former revenue officer, transformed India’s political landscape by founding the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012. Emerging from a massive anti-corruption protest, his party promised to clean up government from within. Yet, his journey from activist to chief minister reveals the complex, often volatile nature of institutional change.
Arvind Kejriwal’s political trajectory began in the 2011 India Against Corruption movement, led by activist Anna Hazare. Frustrated by the slow progress of non-political advocacy, Kejriwal broke away to form the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in November 2012. The party’s symbol, a broom, signaled its core mission: to sweep away systemic corruption. Unlike traditional political entities, the AAP positioned itself as a vehicle for common citizens who felt forced into politics to protect the integrity of public office.
The party’s early years were defined by rapid, turbulent growth. In 2013, Kejriwal became Delhi’s chief minister but resigned after just 49 days when his proposed anti-corruption legislation failed to pass. However, he returned in 2015 with a landslide victory, securing 67 of 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. This success was built on a platform of grassroots engagement and social media outreach, which the party used to bypass traditional media channels. By 2022, the AAP had expanded its influence, winning a major victory in the state of Punjab and eventually earning the designation of a national party.
Despite these electoral achievements, the party faced significant legal and political headwinds. In March 2024, Kejriwal became the first sitting chief minister in India to be arrested, following allegations related to an excise policy case. Although he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2024, the legal challenges persisted. Shortly after his release, he resigned as chief minister, stating he would only return if granted a fresh public mandate. His subsequent loss in the 2025 Delhi elections marked a turning point, though he was eventually cleared of charges in the excise case in February 2026. His career remains a study in the tension between idealistic activism and the pragmatic, often unforgiving, machinery of governance.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Arvind Kejriwal | Life, Anti-Corruption Activism, Aam Aadmi Party, Delhi Chief Minister Career, Arrest, & Discharge | Britannica
- Also: Arvind Kejriwal
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