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Corruption and the Fight for Accountability: The Journey of Arvind Kejriwal

Introduction

Arvind Kejriwal, the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is a well-known figure in Indian politics. He gained prominence as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer who left his secure government job to fight against corruption. With his honesty and commitment to public service, Kejriwal led his party to victory in the Delhi assembly elections in 2013, defeating Sheila Dikshit, who had been the Chief Minister for 15 years. Since then, Kejriwal has been serving as the Chief Minister of Delhi, striving to create a corruption-free government. However, his journey has not been without challenges and controversies.

The Allegations and Arrest

In March 2024, Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of scamming and embezzling 100 crore rupees. This arrest sparked a nationwide debate, with different factions taking sides. One side claimed that Kejriwal's arrest was a political move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to silence their biggest competitor. They argued that India was turning into a dictatorship under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, and Kejriwal was being targeted to prevent him from campaigning in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In fact, even before the elections, Satyapal Malik, a former member of AAP, had predicted Kejriwal's arrest a year ago, indicating a pre-planned strategy to stop him from gaining political rights before the elections.

International Attention and Support

Kejriwal's arrest drew attention and criticism not only within India but also internationally. The United States, Germany, and the United Nations voiced their concerns and started criticizing India for its handling of the situation. These organizations hoped that everyone would be able to exercise their political rights before the elections. However, it is interesting to note that this time, Kejriwal's arrest received more hype from Western lobby and international organizations than in previous instances. The reasons behind their increased interest in this particular case remain a question mark.

Support and Opinions

Kejriwal's arrest did not elicit much sympathy from his former colleagues and founding members of AAP. Kumar Vishwas, a former AAP member, and other insiders claim that Kejriwal's thinking changed after winning the elections with 67 seats. They believe that he became corrupt himself and started aligning with corrupt individuals. They argue that his arrest is a result of selective action against selective individuals, raising questions about Modi's intentions and his desire to eliminate his biggest political competitor before the 2024 elections.

The Fight Against Corruption

Kejriwal's journey began with his determination to fight against corruption in India. He believed in the importance of accountability and transparency in governance. He demanded the establishment of independent bodies like Lokpal and Lokayuktas, which would track the financial expenditures of the government and take action against corruption. His fight against corruption gained momentum when he exposed various scams involving crores of rupees in departments such as income tax, municipal corporations, and the Delhi Electric Board. However, despite his efforts, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that his voice reaches a larger platform and that his demands for a corruption-free India are met.

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Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal's journey from an IRS officer to the Chief Minister of Delhi has been marked by his commitment to fighting corruption. While his arrest has raised questions about the state of democracy in India and the motives behind it, Kejriwal's fight against corruption and demand for accountability have resonated with many people. However, it is crucial to ensure that the fight against corruption extends beyond individual efforts and becomes a collective responsibility. By holding government officials and politicians accountable, we can build a better and corruption-free society for future generations.