236. Arvind Kejriwal takes charge,

vows 'We are here to serve'

Delhi | Edited by Surabhi Malik | Updated: December 28, 2013 22:17 IST

Arvind Kejriwal addresses supporters after being sworn in as Delhi's youngest chief minister at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. (PTI)

NEW DELHI:  Wearing his trademark white cap, Arvind Kejriwal was sworn in today as Delhi's chief minister, as an estimated one lakh people cheered for him at Ramlila Maidan, a massive public park in the heart of the city. (Track Live Updates)

The bespectacled 45-year-old rode the metro to the ceremony. His decision to use public transport echoes his pre-poll promise to end the VIP culture of Delhi's political elite. (Poll: What should Arvind Kejriwal focus on most? | Your message for him)

Describing his one-year-old party's journey to power as "nothing short of a miracle", Mr Kejriwal delivered a heart-felt speech after taking his oath. "I appeal to my party let us never become arrogant," he said and added, "we are here to serve." (Highlights of Kejriwal's speech)

Making governance more transparent and inclusive and checking corruption was what he pitched in a highly effective marketing campaign ahead of the Delhi election.  Today, he urged the city, "Let us swear that we will never seek nor offer a bribe."  The sea of supporters roared its assent. (Watch Arvind Kejriwal's full speech)

Soon after assuming charge, Mr Kejriwal held a press conference and announced that he would keep key portfolios including Home, Finance, Power, and Vigilance. (Delhi portfolios announced: Meet the ministers in Arvind Kejriwal's team)

For voters frustrated with endemic corruption, Mr Kejriwal has emerged as a new hope, and has been given a starling mandate. (Send your video message for chief minister designate Kejriwal)

His Aam Aadmi Party made a stunning electoral debut in the Delhi election, placing second. The ruling Congress was forced into a poor third, and is lending external support to his minority government. (In Pics: 'AAP phenomenon' at Ramlila Maidan)

The BJP won the most seats but did not get a majority and decided it would not try to form the government.

Unlike his predecessors, Mr Kejriwal has said he and his ministers will not occupy the sprawling bungalows surrounded by lush lawns in Delhi. He plans to keep living in his fourth-storey flat in the Delhi suburb of Ghaziabad and has declined police protection.

He asked to be sworn-in at a public park so that the aam aadmi or common man could attend the ceremony. The venue he picked is where he rallied a historic anti-corruption movement with activist Anna Hazare two years ago. (Confident Kejriwal will do good work: Anna Hazare)

They have been estranged since Mr Kejriwal decided to enter politics.