From KejriWall to KejriFall: The rise, reign, and ruin of a political maverick
Arvind Kejriwal, the man who once took on corruption head-on and brought back forgotten values like integrity and idealism into Indian politics. His first swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan in 2013 wasn’t just an event; for many, it felt like the beginning of a movement for clean governance. Thousands of people, young and old, travelled from distant states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu, believing Kejriwal was the leader who would change politics forever.
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For many, Kejriwal symbolised a fearless, new India.
The rise and fall
In the months that followed, Kejriwal became a household name. His simple bush shirt, ballpoint pen, and ordinary chappals became symbols of his modest lifestyle. He kept his promise of free water and electricity, winning over the city’s lower-income population. When AAP returned to power in 2015 with a landslide victory, stopping the Modi-Shah juggernaut, Kejriwal became a hero for those opposing the BJP. He even slept on Delhi’s streets in winter as a protesting chief minister. Back then, the former IRS officer-turned-politician walked the talk.
But over the years, that image began to fade. And on Saturday, the results of the Delhi Assembly elections made it clear: AAP’s golden era had come to a halt. After two full terms and 49 days in power since 2013, AAP faced a crushing defeat. The party still managed 44% of the vote share, but that was nine percentage points
