New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal was once the face of change in Delhi. He stood for the common man. His muffler, spectacles, and simple half-shirt made him relatable. But there was one more thing—his Reynolds 045 pen.
This pen was more than a writing tool. It symbolized his simplicity. It was the pen of an activist, an officer, and a politician. It signed RTI petitions, government files, and party documents.
Reynolds 045 is an iconic pen in India. It is cheap, smooth, and widely used. It became a part of Kejriwal’s image, just like his blue Wagon-R. He used it to highlight his fight against corruption and his push for better governance.
In 2016, Kejriwal used the pen as a metaphor. He said his government had no power, not even to buy a pen. In 2020, he spoke of giving pens to children while accusing others of giving them guns.
But politics is unpredictable. The BJP swept the 2025 Delhi elections, reducing AAP to just 22 seats. Kejriwal lost from New Delhi. Before this, the Supreme Court had barred him from signing official files. The pen that once signed important decisions was now powerless.
As Kejriwal steps away from power, his Reynolds pen remains a reminder of his journey. Will he write a new chapter in politics? Or has the ink run dry?
Kejriwal’s rise had been swift. From an RTI activist to Delhi’s Chief Minister, he changed the way politics was seen. He championed free electricity, better schools, and improved healthcare. His governance model was praised by many.
However, challenges mounted. Accusations of corruption, legal troubles, and internal party rifts weakened AAP. The BJP, with its aggressive campaign, capitalized on these issues.
Now, as Kejriwal watches from the sidelines, his party must rebuild. Can AAP find its way back? Will Kejriwal make a comeback? The Reynolds pen may still have more to write.
