PROFILE As speculation continues over whether Team Anna’s political move was spontaneous or planned, here’s a close look at Arvind Kejriwal, said to be the brains behind India’s newest Party
The Congress developed a strong dislike for Arvind Kejriwal at the very beginning of the Lokpal bill agitation about 16 months back, and they openly called him an RSS agent. The BJP opposition however tried to keep him in good humour till almost last month, but his announcement that Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement would now provide a “secular political alternative” has led the saffron party to also treat him like a stranger.The Congress always suspected that Kejriwal polluted Hazare’s mind against the party with big dreams for a role at the national level. The BJP, which backed the movement initially, now feels aggrieved since the apparent anti-government sentiment growing in urban areas, which would have worked to its benefit, might be split between it and the yet-to-be-named new political party.
With Hazare having made it clear he would not join the new party, but would be the guiding force, the onus is now on Kejriwal to play a major role; possibly as leader. The short height and frail body of the 44 year-old Income Tax officer turned social activist, and now neta, almost presents a deceptive picture about the man, who appears to have taken the biggest risk of his life with a political plunge. Still recovering from the nineday fast at Jantar Mantar — against medical advice since he is diabetic — Kejriwal, a vegetarian teetolar, is not yet willing to reveal much about the proposed party.
A mechanical engineer from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, he took an unlikely turn towards the Income Tax (IT) department after clearing the civil services exam in 1995, only to finally quit the job 11 years later. He bid goodbye to the post of assistant commissioner after he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay award for his contribution to the Right to Information (RTI) campaign. He formed an NGO, Parivartan, and till end-September 2010, worked on spreading awareness about RTI, while keeping a low profile.
Those who know Kejriwal say he is a man with clarity of thought. His former colleagues at the IT department say it was clear he would not remain in a government job. “He would lament about red tapism which to him was one of the reasons behind public frustration,” said an officer who worked with him.
Kejriwal, who had been working with activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan and former police officer Kiran Bedi, sensed an opportunity to build a major anti-graft movement when the government first hinted about its preparation of a draft bill to set-up a Lokpal towards the end of 2010. Nobody took notice when Kejriwal contacted veteran activist Anna Hazare to lead, but he was convinced that he had made the right choice. “Anna ji wrote numerous letters to the PM and Sonia Gandhi between November 2010 and March 2011, but there was no response. It was only after he announced that he will sit on an indefinite fast, that the government woke up,” says Kejriwal.
Top UPA ministers who interacted with Team Anna for months last year, found Kejriwal argumentative and inflexible. “Even in the joint drafting committee meetings for the Lokpal bill... Kejriwal persisted with his view and was at times, unreasonable,” said a minister who was part of the deliberations. He rubbed many people, including civil society, the wrong way but did not regret any of his moves.
Kejriwal plainly requested Baba Ramdev to ask RSS leader Ram
Madhav to leave the stage during Hazare’s first fast at Jantar Mantar
last April. Ramdev did not oblige and the rest is history. Some
colleagues were ready for Ramdev to share the stage when Hazare fasted
at Ramlila Ground in August 2011, but Kejriwal insisted that the yoga
guru speak from a step below like other speakers.
He even turned down spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s offer to take the team to top opposition leaders when Hazare’s health was worsening and talks with the government were failing. Kejriwal told him that more than the opposition, they needed to convince the government. Colleagues who quit the team, particularly after the decision to campaign against Congress in the Hisar Lok Sabha byelection last October, accused Kejriwal of being “intolerant and dictatorial.” Water conservation activist Rajinder Singh and Gandhian PV Rajagopal, both of whom left after the Hisar controversy not wanting to be part of a political move, blamed Kejriwal for targeting Congress.
He, however, defended his decision, and colleagues say the ability to convince through forceful arguments is one of Kejriwal’s biggest strengths. When the team was demoralised after the failed Mumbai protest in December, Kejriwal said it was time for something new. Other members were looking for excuses. But he just said the “movement was at crossroads and required a new direction.”
Though considered aggressive, Kejriwal called a meeting of all those sympathetic to the anti-graft movement, including journalists and government officers, and heard everybody patiently on what went wrong at Mumbai.
It was in this informal gathering where Kejriwal first floated the idea of a political alternative to his comrade-in-arms Prashant Bhushan, who initially appeared to be only partially convinced. Others present were divided on the issue and some cautioned against the peril of entering a dirty world, but Kejriwal was convinced that the political class would not agree to any of their demands and a new experiment was the only way out. He is also seen as somebody who does not accept criticism easily. “If he has made up his mind on an issue, you can’t make him change it, whatever be the consequences,” said an IAC volunteer.
Those who have worked with him say that this quick decision making and frank expression of views endeared him to a large number of youngsters who joined India Against Corruption and volunteered during Hazare’s fasts.
The last year and a half has been the most eventful period in
Kejriwal’s life. He has had moments of glory. He has courted
controversy, both by his remarks and allegations that he owed over R9
lakh in dues to the government. All that is over. The big question is —
will he pass the political test? The answer is awaited.
He even turned down spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s offer to take the team to top opposition leaders when Hazare’s health was worsening and talks with the government were failing. Kejriwal told him that more than the opposition, they needed to convince the government. Colleagues who quit the team, particularly after the decision to campaign against Congress in the Hisar Lok Sabha byelection last October, accused Kejriwal of being “intolerant and dictatorial.” Water conservation activist Rajinder Singh and Gandhian PV Rajagopal, both of whom left after the Hisar controversy not wanting to be part of a political move, blamed Kejriwal for targeting Congress.
He, however, defended his decision, and colleagues say the ability to convince through forceful arguments is one of Kejriwal’s biggest strengths. When the team was demoralised after the failed Mumbai protest in December, Kejriwal said it was time for something new. Other members were looking for excuses. But he just said the “movement was at crossroads and required a new direction.”
Though considered aggressive, Kejriwal called a meeting of all those sympathetic to the anti-graft movement, including journalists and government officers, and heard everybody patiently on what went wrong at Mumbai.
It was in this informal gathering where Kejriwal first floated the idea of a political alternative to his comrade-in-arms Prashant Bhushan, who initially appeared to be only partially convinced. Others present were divided on the issue and some cautioned against the peril of entering a dirty world, but Kejriwal was convinced that the political class would not agree to any of their demands and a new experiment was the only way out. He is also seen as somebody who does not accept criticism easily. “If he has made up his mind on an issue, you can’t make him change it, whatever be the consequences,” said an IAC volunteer.
Those who have worked with him say that this quick decision making and frank expression of views endeared him to a large number of youngsters who joined India Against Corruption and volunteered during Hazare’s fasts.
The last year and a half has been the most eventful period in
Kejriwal’s life. He has had moments of glory. He has courted
controversy, both by his remarks and allegations that he owed over R9
lakh in dues to the government. All that is over. The big question is —
will he pass the political test? The answer is awaited.TEAM KEJRIWAL?
What lies ahead for Team Anna? Who will join Kejriwal’s political venture and who will fade away?
SHANTI BHUSHAN
The veteran lawyer is the only one in the entire team who has the experience of parliamentary politics. He was law minister in the Janata Party government between 1977 and 1979. Given his advanced age, he is likely to play the role of a patron in the new arrangement.
KIRAN BEDI
Despite being embroiled in controversies, she remained a prominent face of the team. Bedi has already indicated she is not comfortable with a political alternative and will remain confined to India Against Corruption. Her next decision needs to be watched closely.
MEDHA PATKAR
SHANTI BHUSHAN
The veteran lawyer is the only one in the entire team who has the experience of parliamentary politics. He was law minister in the Janata Party government between 1977 and 1979. Given his advanced age, he is likely to play the role of a patron in the new arrangement.
KIRAN BEDI
Despite being embroiled in controversies, she remained a prominent face of the team. Bedi has already indicated she is not comfortable with a political alternative and will remain confined to India Against Corruption. Her next decision needs to be watched closely.
MEDHA PATKAR
The firebrand activist was a late entry into Team Anna, but
breathed fire everytime she spoke at the protest held at Ramlila Ground
in August last year. She has already made it clear she will stay out of
the political party saying it is a premature decision for the team.
ANNA HAZARE
Former team members are confident about the veteran activist leading the campaign for their party and view his statement about not being a part of any political formation an indication that he will have the moral authority over the outfit and his word will be treated as final.
PRASHANT BHUSHAN
He is considered to be extremely close to Arvind Kejriwal, who often turns to him for advice in critical situations. Bhushan’s role has been consistently increasing in the team and he is likely to be one of key figures in the coming days of the movement.
JUSTICE SANTOSH
HEGDE: The former Supreme Court judge and former Karnataka
lokayukta has been giving hints of being uncomfortable since Kejriwal
decided to campaign against the Congress in Hisar Lok Sabha bypoll in
last October. He may not be willing to go far.
However, his letter to IAC volunteers on August 7, 2012 said: “You may disagree with the decision of providing a political alternative, but I assure you that the intent of those taking the decision was never bad…..It does not mean we end the movement.”
The sharp contrast in the two statements within less than a year from the chief architect of the highly successful anti-graft movement, which eventually lost its momentum, clearly reflects the daunting task ahead for Kejriwal and his colleagues.
From the loud cheering everytime they mocked politicians or the infamous act of Kiran Bedi showing MPs in poor light at Ramlila Ground last August, the former team Anna is now reflecting on what lies ahead.
Kejriwal says having been written off by the political class and the media has provided them ample time to prepare quietly and Prashant Bhushan says the first major announcement is likely to take atleast a month.
ANNA HAZARE
Former team members are confident about the veteran activist leading the campaign for their party and view his statement about not being a part of any political formation an indication that he will have the moral authority over the outfit and his word will be treated as final.
PRASHANT BHUSHAN
He is considered to be extremely close to Arvind Kejriwal, who often turns to him for advice in critical situations. Bhushan’s role has been consistently increasing in the team and he is likely to be one of key figures in the coming days of the movement.
JUSTICE SANTOSH
HEGDE: The former Supreme Court judge and former Karnataka
lokayukta has been giving hints of being uncomfortable since Kejriwal
decided to campaign against the Congress in Hisar Lok Sabha bypoll in
last October. He may not be willing to go far.WHAT NEXT The party’s fortune hinges on whether the Hazare factor will cut ice with electorate
GOING INTO ELECTIONS SEEKING VOTES FOR THEIR OWN PARTY IS GOING TO BE A DIFFERENT BALL GAME.
Kejriwal on September 11, 2011 said, “We are a non-party and
non-electoral political movement. Corruption is a political issue. We
will fight it but will not contest elections.”
However, his letter to IAC volunteers on August 7, 2012 said: “You may disagree with the decision of providing a political alternative, but I assure you that the intent of those taking the decision was never bad…..It does not mean we end the movement.”
The sharp contrast in the two statements within less than a year from the chief architect of the highly successful anti-graft movement, which eventually lost its momentum, clearly reflects the daunting task ahead for Kejriwal and his colleagues.
From the loud cheering everytime they mocked politicians or the infamous act of Kiran Bedi showing MPs in poor light at Ramlila Ground last August, the former team Anna is now reflecting on what lies ahead.
Kejriwal says having been written off by the political class and the media has provided them ample time to prepare quietly and Prashant Bhushan says the first major announcement is likely to take atleast a month.
Both agree that their fortune hinges on a single dominant factor —
whether the Hazare factor will cut ice with the electorate and to what
extent.
Currently relaxing at his home in the colony of Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officers at Kaushambi in the National Capital region — where he lives with his wife, his two schoolgoing children, and parents — Kejriwal is pinning hopes on the widespread public support for his venture.
Asked about the party structure, availability of funds and criteria for selecting candidates, Kejriwal says adequate answers will be provided at an appropriate time. The new politician, whose favourite mode of relaxation is attending a Vipassana meditation camp for 10 days annually, is not ready to reveal when his party would make the electoral debut.
He repeatedly refers to the film Pan Singh Tomar to describe the public image of elected representatives, but is aware that a new agenda would have to click with the public, if his outfit is to do well at the electoral hustings.
He concedes that campaigning against a particular political party (Congress) was not that tough a task, seeking votes for own their party will be a completely different ball game.
Currently relaxing at his home in the colony of Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officers at Kaushambi in the National Capital region — where he lives with his wife, his two schoolgoing children, and parents — Kejriwal is pinning hopes on the widespread public support for his venture.
Asked about the party structure, availability of funds and criteria for selecting candidates, Kejriwal says adequate answers will be provided at an appropriate time. The new politician, whose favourite mode of relaxation is attending a Vipassana meditation camp for 10 days annually, is not ready to reveal when his party would make the electoral debut.
He repeatedly refers to the film Pan Singh Tomar to describe the public image of elected representatives, but is aware that a new agenda would have to click with the public, if his outfit is to do well at the electoral hustings.
He concedes that campaigning against a particular political party (Congress) was not that tough a task, seeking votes for own their party will be a completely different ball game.
Backstory: The boy behind the man
So strong was Arvind Kejriwal’s desire to get into Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), that he did not fill up the admission form of any
other engineering college in the country. Recalling his early days, his
uncle ( mama), Ram Babu Aggarwal said Kejriwal was a quiet child.
“Arvind’s childhood was simple and he was a sober kid who never used to
argue to put his demands forward. He had a spiritual touch from the very
beginning,” Aggarwal said.
“He was so determined and laborious that after aiming for B.Tech from IIT, he never thought about anything else and that is why he did not apply for any other entrance test except the IIT Joint entrance exam,” Aggarwal said.
Kejriwal was born on 16 August, 1968 in village Siwani of Bhiwani district in his family’s ancestral home. His father, Gobind Ram, was also an engineer.
“He was so determined and laborious that after aiming for B.Tech from IIT, he never thought about anything else and that is why he did not apply for any other entrance test except the IIT Joint entrance exam,” Aggarwal said.
Kejriwal was born on 16 August, 1968 in village Siwani of Bhiwani district in his family’s ancestral home. His father, Gobind Ram, was also an engineer.
Kejriwal completed his primary education from a village school and
moved to a school in the campus of Haryana Agriculture University,
Hisar for secondary education. His father, meanwhile, worked as a chief
engineer in the Jindal Industries there.
Kiran Malik, a retired teacher, who taught Kejriwal at this school remembers him as a sincere and intelligent student.
“We never received any complaint against him, instead he was famous among all his classmates for his talent and helping nature,” Malik said.
His family members say Kejriwal was influenced by the late Mother Teresa and the Rama Krishna Mission during his days at IIT Kharagpur. He drew inspiration from their teachings to turn into a social activist.
Kiran Malik, a retired teacher, who taught Kejriwal at this school remembers him as a sincere and intelligent student.
“We never received any complaint against him, instead he was famous among all his classmates for his talent and helping nature,” Malik said.
His family members say Kejriwal was influenced by the late Mother Teresa and the Rama Krishna Mission during his days at IIT Kharagpur. He drew inspiration from their teachings to turn into a social activist.
“I always felt that Kejriwal and his colleagues couldn’t achieve what
they wanted through this agitation. Their flop show was because of some
wrong speeches from Kejriwal. Only Anna could take up the fast, none of
the others could take it up for long. Kejriwal will now realise the
compulsions of politics.”
RAMGO PALYADAV
RAMGO PALYADAV
Leader, Samajwadi Party, participated in a debate in December at
Jantar Mantar “The fight for truth requires confidence and courage, and
he has both. Attempts were made to scuttle the Jan Lokpal movement so
that the entire team could get discouraged and abandon it. Arvind
ensured all such attempts were defeated.”
MANISH SISODIA
he has worked with Kejriwal for over a decade
MANISH SISODIA
he has worked with Kejriwal for over a decade
OTHER KEY PLAYERS
These second-tier leaders from Team Anna could play a bigger role in the proposed political party
MANISH SISODIA
The TV journalist turned activist is a trusted colleague of Kejriwal. He did the spade work in all the five election-bound states where former team Anna then campaigned. His role will increase in the coming days.
SHAZIA ILMI
MANISH SISODIA
The TV journalist turned activist is a trusted colleague of Kejriwal. He did the spade work in all the five election-bound states where former team Anna then campaigned. His role will increase in the coming days.
SHAZIA ILMI
Another TV journalist turned activist, Ilmi is a regular face of
the team on news channel debates. She has been forceful in rebutting the
allegation that Hazare and his movement has right wing links.
GOPAL RAI
A former student leader from Uttar Pradesh, Gopal Rai fasted along with Kejriwal and Sisodia for nine days at Jantar Mantar earlier this month. He will be a key figure in the country’s biggest state.
SANJAY SINGH
An emerging face of the team also hails from Uttar Pradesh and first shot into prominence for having conducted a referendum on the Lokpal bill in the high profile constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli.
GOPAL RAI
A former student leader from Uttar Pradesh, Gopal Rai fasted along with Kejriwal and Sisodia for nine days at Jantar Mantar earlier this month. He will be a key figure in the country’s biggest state.
SANJAY SINGH
An emerging face of the team also hails from Uttar Pradesh and first shot into prominence for having conducted a referendum on the Lokpal bill in the high profile constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli.
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