Un-Finished: Kejriwal’s Rise and Fall Explored by Sumit Awasthi

Vasundhra Tewari

| 2025-06-01 | Spotlight

Un-Finished: The End of Kejriwal Era? A book by veteran journalist Sumit Awasthi presents a gripping account of Arvind Kejriwal’s dramatic political journey. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was once considered the beacon of hope in the fight against corruption and symbolized a new wave in Indian politics.

But how did the common man’s face end up entangled in serious allegations and political controversies? Sumit Awasthi’s book delves into this critical question, unravelling the contradictions, decisions, and pivotal moments that marked Kejriwal’s striking shift from a symbol of idealism to a leader grappling with mounting controversies.

In a recent interaction with Ascendants, Awasthi mentioned that the book is scheduled for release on May 10, 2025. He also described what motivated him to write this book.

Quoting the idea behind writing this book, he said: “In journalism, we are trained to separate emotion from observation. We are trained to deliver facts that are not tainted with personal sentiments. Yet, some stories, some political journeys, challenge that discipline, play with the boundaries, and compel deeper reflection. The rise and evolution of Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party is one such story.“

“I watched from the front row as a man, once hailed as the face of honesty and rebellion, rose to become Delhi’s most powerful leader. I saw his rise, read the reports on the promises he made, and the unprecedented faith people placed in him. But over time, I also listened to those same voices crack with disappointment and confusion.” He further added.

He highlighted the efforts made to convert a thought into a book: “This book was born out of countless conversations with my team, in-depth research, and moments of realisations. It is not an attempt to judge, but to chronicle how trust is built, how it erodes, and what it teaches us about leadership and governance in a democracy.”

Un-Finished: The End of Kejriwal Era?– A Gist

Awasthi’s book traces Kejriwal’s journey from his early days as an activist to his tenure as Delhi’s Chief Minister. It highlights the transformative policies implemented under his leadership, such as improvements in the education system and healthcare of the national capital, which garnered widespread acclaim. However, the narrative also addresses the challenges and controversies that emerged over time, including internal party conflicts and criticisms of governance.

The book stands out for its balanced perspective while being critically engaging, it also recognizes both the accomplishments and failures of Kejriwal’s political journey. This nuanced approach provides readers with deeper insight into the complexities of leadership and the shifting dynamics of political movements in India.