Raaj Anand's Shift: From Arvind Kejriwal's Admirer to Critic

In a surprising turn of events that has left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in a state of shock, Raaj Kumar Anand announced his resignation from the party and his ministerial position on Wednesday. Anand, who has been a close associate of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal since the days of the anti-corruption movement, cited corruption within AAP as his reason for departure. This move comes as a significant blow to the party, which was founded on the principles of fighting corruption.

Anand's journey from humble beginnings to a successful businessman and politician is noteworthy. Born into poverty, he was sent to live with his maternal grandparents in Aligarh due to financial constraints. His early life was marked by hardship, including working as a child labourer in a padlock factory. Despite these challenges, Anand's entrepreneurial spirit led him to success in the Rexine Leather business. According to his official biography on the Delhi government portal, his assets were valued at Rs 78.9 crore in his 2020 Delhi Assembly poll affidavit.

Reflecting on his political career, Anand expressed disillusionment with the current state of politics. "I joined Arvind Kejriwal at a time when he said from the Ramlila Ground that the country will change after its politics changes. Politics did not change but the politicians have now changed," he stated during his resignation announcement. Anand's political journey began with his active participation in the India Against Corruption movement in 2011, influenced by Kejriwal. He officially joined AAP in 2012 and was elected from the Patel Nagar reserved constituency in the 2020 Assembly polls.

In November 2022, Anand took on significant responsibilities within the Delhi cabinet, overseeing Social Welfare, SC and ST, Gurdwara Elections, and Cooperative portfolios. His resignation marks a critical juncture for AAP, raising questions about the party's adherence to its foundational anti-corruption ethos.

Anand's departure underscores a broader concern regarding corruption in politics and its impact on individuals committed to change. As AAP grapples with this setback, it remains to be seen how it will address these allegations and move forward.