From Mouse to Tiger and back By Justice Katju

The article “Punah Mooshak Bhav” by Justice Katju draws a parallel between an ancient Sanskrit tale and the political trajectory of Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi. The story narrates a mouse’s repeated transformations into more powerful creatures at the behest of a saint, only to revert to its original form after displaying ingratitude. Similarly, Kejriwal rose from a modest anti-corruption crusader, riding Anna Hazare’s movement, to a powerful political figure leading the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, his tenure as Chief Minister was marred by allegations of corruption, extravagant spending (e.g., the “Sheesh Mahal”), and political U-turns, culminating in a significant electoral defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. The article critiques Kejriwal’s lack of scientific vision and portrays his fall—losing his position and facing criminal cases—as a return to his metaphorical “mouse” state, emphasizing the transient nature of power devoid of integrity.