Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and the face of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been a polarizing figure in Indian politics. Once hailed as an anti-corruption crusader, Kejriwal’s journey from a grassroots activist to a prominent political leader has been marred by allegations of corruption. The question that looms large today is: Is Arvind Kejriwal the most corrupted Chief Minister in India’s history? This article dives into his political career, the accusations against him, and how they stack up against other controversial leaders.
The Rise of Arvind Kejriwal: From Activist to Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal burst onto the national stage as a key figure in the India Against Corruption movement in 2011, alongside activist Anna Hazare. His fiery speeches against graft and promises of transparent governance resonated with millions, leading to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012. AAP’s landslide victory in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, winning 67 out of 70 seats, cemented Kejriwal’s image as a champion of the common man.
As Delhi’s Chief Minister, Kejriwal introduced populist measures like free electricity, water subsidies, and improved public healthcare. However, over the years, his reputation has been tainted by a series of corruption scandals, raising doubts about whether his anti-corruption stance was genuine or merely a political tool.
Major Corruption Allegations Against Arvind Kejriwal
1. The Delhi Liquor Policy Scam
One of the most significant allegations against Kejriwal is his alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor policy scam. In 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him, claiming that AAP received ₹100 crore in kickbacks from liquor traders under a now-scrapped excise policy. The ED further alleged that ₹45 crore of this amount was funneled into AAP’s election campaign in Goa. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also arrested Kejriwal in June 2024, and he spent months in Tihar Jail before being granted bail in September 2024.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reported a revenue loss of ₹2,026 crore due to irregularities in the policy, fueling claims that Kejriwal orchestrated a scheme to benefit private players at the expense of public funds. AAP has dismissed these charges as politically motivated, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using central agencies to target opposition leaders.
2. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) Water Scam
Another controversy that has dogged Kejriwal is the alleged corruption in the Delhi Jal Board. The ED has claimed that bribe money from a ₹38 crore contract was diverted to AAP for election funding. Former DJB chief Jagdish Arora and others have been charged, with investigations pointing to Kejriwal’s oversight as a potential factor. Critics argue this reflects a pattern of mismanagement and financial impropriety under his leadership.
3. Education and Infrastructure Scams
Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have accused Kejriwal of inflating costs in Delhi’s education and infrastructure projects. For instance, a reported ₹1,315.57 crore scam involving “world-class” schools that allegedly existed only on paper has been cited as evidence of corruption. Delhi BJP leaders have claimed that Kejriwal’s refusal to table CAG reports in the Assembly further proves his intent to hide financial irregularities.
4. Sheesh Mahal Controversy
Kejriwal’s official residence, dubbed “Sheesh Mahal” by critics, has also sparked outrage. Allegations suggest that crores of public funds were spent on lavish renovations, contradicting his earlier promise of simplicity and frugality. This has been a focal point for opponents who question his integrity.
Comparing Kejriwal to Other Chief Ministers
To determine if Arvind Kejriwal is the “most corrupted” Chief Minister, it’s essential to compare him with other controversial figures in Indian politics.
- Hemant Soren (Jharkhand): Arrested in 2024 in a ₹600 crore land scam, Soren’s case involves massive financial misconduct. The scale of the alleged corruption dwarfs the figures linked to Kejriwal, though investigations are still ongoing.
- Sheila Dikshit (Delhi): Kejriwal’s predecessor faced scrutiny over the ₹70,000 crore Commonwealth Games scam. While never convicted, the sheer magnitude of the allegations against her government overshadows Kejriwal’s scandals in terms of financial impact.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav (Bihar): Convicted in the ₹950 crore fodder scam, Yadav’s tenure as Bihar’s Chief Minister remains a benchmark for political corruption in India. His conviction sets him apart from Kejriwal, who has yet to be found guilty in court.
While Kejriwal faces serious allegations, the lack of a conviction as of March 25, 2025, and the relatively smaller scale of the financial accusations compared to figures like Dikshit or Yadav suggest that labeling him the “most corrupted” may be premature.
Public Perception and Political Rivalry
Kejriwal’s supporters argue that the charges against him are a witch hunt orchestrated by the BJP-led central government to discredit AAP ahead of elections. They point to the party’s consistent electoral success in Delhi and Punjab as proof of public trust. AAP leaders have also accused the BJP of accepting ₹60 crore in electoral bonds from a figure linked to the liquor scam, highlighting what they call hypocrisy.
On the other hand, critics, including BJP leaders like Manoj Tiwari and Anurag Thakur, assert that Kejriwal’s government is the “most corrupt” in Delhi’s history. They cite the arrests of senior AAP figures like Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh as evidence of systemic corruption within the party.
The Legal and Political Road Ahead
As of March 25, 2025, Kejriwal’s legal battles are far from over. The ongoing investigations into the liquor policy and DJB scams will play a crucial role in shaping his legacy. If convicted, his image as an anti-corruption icon would be irreparably damaged. However, if exonerated, he could reinforce his narrative of being a victim of political vendetta.
Politically, AAP remains a formidable force in Delhi, but the corruption allegations have dented its credibility. The outcome of these cases could influence the party’s performance in future elections and Kejriwal’s national ambitions.
Conclusion: Is Arvind Kejriwal the Most Corrupted CM?
The question of whether Arvind Kejriwal is the most corrupted Chief Minister lacks a definitive answer as of now. While the allegations against him—ranging from the liquor policy scam to the Sheesh Mahal controversy—are serious, they remain unproven in a court of law. Compared to convicted leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav or those linked to larger scams like Sheila Dikshit, Kejriwal’s alleged corruption appears less extensive in scale.
For now, the debate hinges on perspective: Is he a reformer targeted by rivals, or a hypocrite who betrayed his anti-corruption roots? Only time, and the judiciary, will reveal the truth. Until then, the title of “most corrupted CM” remains subjective, with Kejriwal as a contender but not yet the definitive holder.
