Arvind Kejriwal, serving as the Chief Minister of Delhi, was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana. Since 1994, he has been married to Sunita Kejriwal, and the couple has two children. Kejriwal, now 55 years old, holds an engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur, which he obtained in 1989. His wife, Sunita, is a retired bureaucrat from the Indian Revenue Service and holds a master’s degree in veterinary studies. During Arvind Kejriwal’s detention in a money laundering case, Sunita supported him steadfastly, even visiting him at the Enforcement Directorate office. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Arvind Kejriwal’s life and significant aspects related to his personal and professional journey.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Vegetarian Lifestyle and Interests
Kejriwal embraces a vegetarian diet as part of his commitment to a simple lifestyle. He has also been a fan of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, enjoying a variety of comedies and movies that feature the actor. Kejriwal is noted for his dedication to his work, often actively engaging in tasks at his desk rather than taking a passive approach.
Formation of the Aam Aadmi Party
Kejriwal founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on January 26, 2012, following a divergence with activist Anna Hazare concerning the political direction of the India Against Corruption movement, which had been advocating for the Jan Lokpal Bill since 2011. Hazare preferred a non-political approach, while Kejriwal saw the need for political involvement.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Early Career and Initiatives
After clearing the Civil Services Examination in 1993, Kejriwal joined the Reserve Bank of India. He later founded Parivartan in 1999, an NGO aimed at addressing public grievances related to utilities, income tax, and food security. His resignation from the Joint Commissioner of the Income Tax Department in 2006 led to the establishment of the Public Cause Research Foundation, funded by the prize money he received.
Overview of Arvind Kejriwal’s Family
Arvind Kejriwal married Sunita Kejriwal, a former IRS officer, in 1994. They have two children, a daughter, and a son, both of whom are graduates of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). His wife has been a strong pillar of support throughout various challenges, including during his times of legal trouble.
Educational and Professional Details
Kejriwal’s education was completed at IIT Kharagpur where he studied mechanical engineering. His professional career began with the IRS, post which he moved into activism and politics, eventually leading to his role as Chief Minister of Delhi.
Arvind Kejriwal Net Worth
Arvind Kejriwal, who serves as the Chief Minister of Delhi, possesses a substantial net worth estimated at Rs. 3.44 crore. His portfolio includes a variety of assets such as gold, silver, and mutual funds, in which he invested some time ago, along with several properties in real estate.
Allegations in the Liquor Scam
The liquor scam, often associated with political controversy, involves allegations of financial misconduct and corruption within the regulatory frameworks managing the liquor industry. Typically, such scandals arise when government officials are accused of manipulating liquor distribution and sales licenses for personal gain or favoritism. This might include accepting bribes for granting permits, evading taxes, or inflating prices, which can lead to a significant loss of state revenue and breach public trust.
These illicit activities not only distort market dynamics but also undermine the integrity of public institutions supposed to regulate and oversee the industry. The involvement of high-profile politicians or influential figures often exacerbates the scandal, drawing public outrage and prompting calls for stringent regulatory reforms and transparency in the licensing processes.
Summary Table for Quick Facts
- Full Name: Arvind Kejriwal
- Date of Birth: August 16, 1968
- Current Age: 55 years
- Place of Birth: Siwani, Haryana, India
- Profession: Politician
- Position: Chief Minister of Delhi
- Political Party: Aam Aadmi Party
- Education: Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kharagpur
- Family: Wife Sunita Kejriwal, two children
FAQs on Arvind Kejriwal
- Who is Arvind Kejriwal?
Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi and the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party. - What are some of Kejriwal’s significant contributions?
Kejriwal is known for his anti-corruption efforts, including the establishment of AAP and authoring the book Swaraj. - What challenges has Kejriwal faced in his career?
He has faced legal challenges, including arrest related to a money laundering case, and has been a polarizing figure in Indian politics.