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Haryana CM again Blames Kejriwal for Yamuna’s Dirty Water

January 31, 2025, 9:51 pm

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday visited the Yamuna Ghat in Wazirabad, Delhi and again accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of failing to clean the river while misleading the public with false claims. Saini alleged that Kejriwal had promised to clean the Yamuna but instead allowed it to become more polluted. “Now, to hide his failures, he is making baseless allegations,” he said.

The Haryana CM claimed that dirty water from Delhi was being released into the Yamuna, affecting both Delhi and Haryana. “People are being forced to drink this polluted water. Even after 10 years, Kejriwal has not been able to clean the river. He should apologize to the people of Delhi and Haryana,” Saini added. Saini also responded to Kejriwal’s allegation that the Haryana government was “poisoning” Delhi’s water supply. He stated that the central government had given Rs 8,500 crore to build sewage treatment plants (STPs), but Kejriwal’s government had not completed the work.

“If Kejriwal is talking about mass genocide, he himself is responsible for it. He has not cleaned the Yamuna and is instead blaming others. The central government gave Rs 8,500 crore to build an STP, but it was not constructed. Meanwhile, Kejriwal used Rs 15 crore to build an STP in his Sheesh Mahal,” Saini alleged. To prove his point, CM Saini brought two jars of Yamuna water—one collected from the Delhi-Haryana border at Palla Ghat and another from Wazirabad in Delhi. He claimed there was a significant difference in water quality, blaming Kejriwal’s government for the pollution. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal responded to the allegations by congratulating the people of Delhi for their “struggle” against polluted water. Taking to social media platform X, he claimed that ammonia levels in Delhi’s water supply had reduced, suggesting that efforts to improve water quality were showing results.

Modi, Kejriwal against reservations, says Rahul

January 29, 2025, 10:00 pm

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as anti-reservation and dared Kejriwal to announce that he will conduct caste census and remove the fifty percent ceiling on reservations. Addressing a public meeting in support of the party candidates in Bawana here, Rahul Gandhi alleged that both Modi and Kejriwal were against reservations.

Challenging Kejriwal to announce that he will remove the fifty percent ceiling on the reservations, Rahul Gandhi said, he knows, he (Kejriwal) will never do it as he is against reservations, against the Dalits and against the minorities. Alleging that Kejriwal speaks lies the same way Modi does, he pointed out how he (Kejriwal) had promised to bring in clean politics and still he and his people indulged in the biggest corruption scam in Delhi.

The Congress leader pointed out that Kejriwal had promised five years ago that he would take a bath in river Yamuna and drink its water. Rahul Gandhi challenged him to drink the Yamuna water, and said he knows the AAP leader will never do that as it is completely polluted. He also alleged that Kejriwal never stood by the minorities and said, when the BJP people resorted to violence against the minorities in Delhi, Kejriwal was nowhere seen.

The Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli said that it was only the Congress people including him who stood by them. “Wherever Modi and his people spread hatred and violence, you will find Rahul Gandhi standing up against them”, he assured the people. He also said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi does not fear of Modi. “But Modiji fears of Congress and Rahul Gandhi,” he said. Rahul Gandhi reiterated that India is not the country of hatred and fear but the country of love and harmony. He said, hatred and fear were being spread by Modi and the RSS who make one religion fight against the other, one caste against the other and one language against the other.

Referring to the pressing problems being faced by people, he said, there were no jobs in Delhi today in the regime of Modi and Kejriwal. He highlighted that, parents spend huge amounts of money to educate their children and what they get at the end is just a certificate, not a job. He referred to his meeting with a civil engineering graduate who was working as a coolie at Delhi railway station. But, he said, the government had controlled the narrative in such a way that the media never talks about such things which concern the common people. Instead, he added, the media diverts the attention.

Rahul Gandhi said, unlike the BJP and the AAP, he and the Congress party never made false promises. He referred to the promises made to people of Karnataka and Telangana, which have been fulfilled after the party formed government in the two states.

Haryana govt files case against Kejriwal over Haryana poisoning Yamuna water remarks

January 29, 2025, 8:58 pm

Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Vipul Goel, said the state government has taken strong action against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his statement on Delhi’s water supply and a case has been filed against Kejriwal in a Sonipat court under the Disaster Management Act. Speaking to journalists, Goel called Kejriwal’s statement “misleading and baseless,” urging the Election Commission to take strict action. He accused Kejriwal of playing “cheap politics” by making false allegations against Haryana, which led to the government taking legal steps.

Goel clarified that the water supplied to Delhi is the same that is consumed by the President, Prime Minister, and Union Ministers. He accused Kejriwal of spreading unnecessary fear among people in both Delhi and Haryana. The minister also blamed the Delhi government for failing to clean the Yamuna River. He said Kejriwal was making false accusations against Haryana to hide his own failures before the elections. He stressed that the people of Haryana consider the Yamuna sacred, and spreading lies about it is an insult to the state.

Goel also dismissed Kejriwal’s claim of stopping “poisonous water” from entering Delhi, stating there was no proof. He said Kejriwal often covers up his failures by making false statements. Criticizing the Delhi government’s mismanagement, Goel pointed out that out of 37 sewage treatment plants in Delhi, only 17 are functioning, which affects not just Delhi but also Haryana’s Faridabad, Palwal, and Mewat districts. “Kejriwal has spread panic among the people of Delhi and Haryana with his irresponsible statement. The Haryana government is filing a case against him under Sections 2(D) and 54 of the Disaster Management Act,” Goel said, adding that these sections deal with spreading false alarms that cause public panic.

On the other hand during the election campaign the Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized Kejriwal, saying that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was making false claims out of fear of losing the upcoming elections. Addressing a rally in Delhi’s Kartar Nagar, Modi said, “A former CM has made false allegations against the people of Haryana. The AAP leaders are desperate because they fear defeat.” “Is Haryana separate from Delhi? Don’t the people of Haryana have children and relatives in Delhi? Will they poison their own people?”, he asked, adding that the same water from Haryana is consumed by Delhi’s residents, including diplomats and judges.

Haryana CM Slams Kejriwal Over Water Pollution Remarks, Demands Apology

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has strongly condemned former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for his “irresponsible and misleading” statement about Yamuna’s water quality. He demanded that Kejriwal apologize to the people of Haryana and Delhi for spreading fear for political gains. Saini visited Point No. 4 of the Yamuna River near Dahisara village at the Delhi-Haryana border, performed prayers, and drank the river water himself to prove its purity. He dismissed Kejriwal’s allegations that Haryana was sending toxic water to Delhi, citing Water Authority of India reports showing no harmful substances in Yamuna’s water before it enters Delhi.

The CM accused Kejriwal of failing to clean the Yamuna despite receiving Rs 8,500 crore from the central government for sewage treatment and water purification. He questioned the lack of accountability for the funds, highlighting that Delhi’s untreated sewage worsens Yamuna’s condition when it re-enters Haryana. Saini further criticized Kejriwal for breaking promises made 10 years ago about cleaning the river. He said that instead of taking responsibility, Kejriwal repeatedly blames Haryana for various issues, including water pollution and stubble burning, without evidence.

Test reports from multiple dates confirm that Yamuna’s water was clean at Haryana’s border. Calling Kejriwal’s claims false and politically motivated, Saini reiterated that the former Delhi CM should apologize for misleading the public.

Kejriwal promised to do clean politics, but liquor scam happened, he stay in ‘Sheeshmahal’: Rahul

January 28, 2025, 9:05 pm

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday for the first time targeted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for staying in luxurious ‘Sheeshmahal’ and accused his party of getting indulged in excise policy scam case after promising of doing clean politics. Rahul Gandhi, whose several public meeting in the national capital was called off in last few days due to his ill health on Tuesday once again began his campaign in the national capital.

The former Congress chief earlier in the day began his campaign schedule by visiting Valmiki temple in New Delhi assembly seat along with party’s candidate Sandeep Dikshit. He offered prayers at the temple and then also spoke to several of the workers of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) in the New Delhi assembly seat. Rahul Gandhi after his meeting with the NDMC workers shared that how due to privatisation and contract job policy of the BJP and the AAP government at the centre and in Delhi respectively thousands of people are getting unemployed and many are not getting proper salaries.

Rahul Gandhi said that he amd his party are regularly raising this issues as privatisation and contract job are tools to snatch the rights of poor and marginalized and his party will control it. Later in the day, the Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli addressed two public meetings — one each in Patparganj and Okhla assembly seat. During his public meeting in Patparganj in East Delhi for party’s candidate Chaoudhary Anil Kimar targeted Kejriwal.

He said, “Kejriwal says anything that comes to his mind. When he came, he had a small car and had said that he will do a new kind of politics.” Lamenting at AAP leader, the Congress leader said that Kejriwal had said he will change Delhi but when poor people were in need, he wasn’t there, when riots (2020 northeast Delhi riots) happened he wasn’t there. “Kejriwal said he will do clean politics, but in Delhi, the biggest scam of excise policy case happened. And you all must have also seen the photo of his house. Kejriwal stays in a palace, ‘Sheesh Mahal’. So this is the truth,” the Gandhi scion said, adding that he does the politics of Sheesh mahal as he has forgotten to give in small car and bring the Lokpal Bill.

He further took a jibe at Kejriwal for giving himself the certificate of honesty. The Congress leader said: Kejriwal says for himself that he is honest. He gives certificate to himself and does jot ask the people. The one who is dishonest gives certificate of honesty to himself.” He then also targeted former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia for changing his assembly seat. He said: “Sisodia ji used to represent the Patparganj assembly seat, who was the architect of the excise policy scam. He left Patparganj and ran away from here, which is good thing.”

He also appealed the party workers to vote for Congress candidate Anil Kumar in the area who has a clean record. Rahul Gandhi also slammed Kejriwal for shivering from fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking a pot shot at Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi said, “Understand one thing, I don’t know if all parties are scared of Modi or not but I know this that Kejriwal shivers from his name.” Rahul Gandhi then also continued his attack on BJP and the RSS and accused the central government of favoring few industrialists. He also spoke that how the country’s Constitution is in danger and the grand old party is fighting to protect it.

He then addressed another public meeting in Okhla for party’s candidate Ariba Asif Khan and appealed the people to vote for her. Voting for 70 member assembly seat is scheduled in the national capital on February 5 and counting of votes will take place on February 8. Congress which was reduced to zero seats in 2015 and 2020 assembly polls is looking to regain its lost ground in the national capital in the high octane triangular contest against the ruling AAP and the BJP.

Congress trains gun at Kejriwal over CAG report highlighting Rs 382 cr alleged scam in health sector

January 22, 2025, 8:58 pm

Congress on Wednesday trained its gun at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleging Rs 382 crore scam in the national capital and alleged that over 8,000 posts are vacant in several hospitals of the city. The Congress also vowed to expose AAP’s corruption ahead of the crucial assembly polls. Addressing a press conference here at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee office, Congress Treasurer Ajay Maken slammed the AAP and said that if anyone has made world record of apologizing in writing then it is former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Exposing the alleged corruption of Kejriwal’s ‘Farjiwal’ government in the health sector, Maken said thatbefore coming to power Kejriwal used the Comptroller of Auditor General of India (CAG) reporters to target the UPA government target the UPA government, however, AAP government is hiding the same CAG reports to hide its failures and alleged corruption. Maken said that there are 14 CAG reports of his and his government’s corruption to be made public on the floor of the Delhi assembly. He said that one of the 14 reports of his corruption in the health sector in front of the people of Delhi.

“According to the CAG report, there has been a scam of Rs 382.52 crore in the health sector, while Kejriwal gives a statement that we complete the work before time and by saving money,” he said, adding, “Kejriwal built only three hospitals in 10 years, work on which was started during Congress rule, the total cost overrun by Rs 382.52 crore.” He said that Indira Gandhi Hospital completion was delayed by five years and extra cost of Rs 314.9 crore, while Burari hospital was delayed by six years and an additional Rs 41.26 crore was spent. Similarly, Maulana Azad Dental Hospital Phase 2 was delayed by three years and incurred additional expenditure of Rs 26.36 crore, he said.

“The Kejriwal government acquired 15 plots on which hospitals and dispensaries were to be built, but no work was started,” he said. He also said that in the budget of 2016-2022, Rs 2623.35 crore of infrastructure project lapsed. He further said that the budget received from the central government during the Covid pandemic could not be used. “The Central Government gave a budget of Rs. 635.62 crore, of which 56.74 percent i.e. Rs 360.64 crore was not spent. Whereas during the Covid pandemic people were dying due to lack of medicines, oxygen and beds,” he said. Maken also said that the budget for the four-year period from 2016-17 to 2020-21 had a target of increasing 32,000 beds but only 1,235 beds were increased, which is only 3.86 percent .

The average bed occupancy in 9 government hospitals in Delhi is 101-189 percent, meaning two patients on one bed. In 7 hospitals, it is 109-160 percent, he highlighted. He even pointed out that four hospitals – LNJP, Chacha Nehru Children’s Hospital , Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality and Janakpuri Speciality are the main hospitals in which the CAG team visited and conducted inspection and found several lapses. He said, “LNJP has an operation theatre for major burn surgery which is not working. There is a waiting period of 12 months for an operation here. Out of 12 ECG machines, five are not working at all. Chacha Nehru Children’s Hospital, here too there is a waiting period of 12 months for children’s surgery.”

“Among these hospitals, Rajiv Gandhi Hospital and Janakpuri Hospital have a shortage of 50-74 percent doctors, 73-96 percent nurses and 17-62 percent paramedical staff,” he highlighted. The daily capacity of X-rays in Chacha Nehru Hospital is 330, out of which 109 are being done , ultrasounds are 35, out of which 9 are being done , CT scans are 12 – 3 . Maken further said that out of 27 hospitals, ICU is not available in 14, blood bank is not available in 16, oxygen facility is not available in eight, mortuary is not available in 15 and ambulance service is not available in 12 hospitals.

The CAT ambulance lacks facilities and is now used only as a hearse. After an investigation in four hospitals, CAG found that only LNJP has two ambulances, he said. “There is a 21 per cent shortage of nurses in Delhi hospitals , in some hospitals the shortage is as high as 34 per cent. There is a 30 percent shortage of paramedical staff. There is a 30 percent shortage of specialist doctors, a 28 percent shortage of non-specialist doctors and a 9 percent shortage of medical officers,” Maken said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Congress President Devendra Yadav demanded that the CAG report on the health sector of the Kejriwal government be investigated by investigative agencies after it was exposed and the Lieutenant Governor should intervene and order an investigation into this.

Maken, while responding to a question said that Kejriwal is one leader who has made world record in apologizing. He said that he apologised in writing to Kapil Sibal, Nitin Gadkari and several others. Maken also said that it was Kejriwal, who attacked and defamed a respected and honest Prime Minister like Dr Manmohan Singh and hutlrted him the most.

After Rahul attacks AAP over caste census, pollution issues, Kejriwal and Sandeep lock horns

January 14, 2025, 9:39 pm

A war of words erupted between former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Congress candidate from New Delhi assembly seat Sandeep Dikshit over the remarks of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi at a public meeting in the national capital just ahead of crucial assembly polls. Rahul Gandhi while addressing his first public meeting in northeast Delhi’s Seelampur assembly area hit back at Kejriwal.

The Gandhi scion targeting Kejriwal said that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kejriwal used similar propaganda tactics of making false promises without meaning to fulfill them. Reiterating his commitment to caste census and removing the 50 percent ceiling on reservations, the senior Congress leader challenged both Modi and Kejriwal to say it publicly that they were in favour of caste census and removing the fifty per cent ceiling on reservations.

Reminding the people of the great and glorious era of Congress under Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, he pointed out how Delhi had lost the track of development after that. He pointed out the acute and extreme levels of pollution, poor condition of roads and prevalence of corruption in Delhi. He reminded Kejriwal of the promises he had made before becoming the Chief Minister. He said, whether it was inflation or corruption, Kejriwal had failed on all fronts.

Alleging that India was controlled by just a few billionaires like Adani and Ambani, he asked the people whether they ever heard Kejriwal speaking against them. Gandhi asserted that the Congress was committed to protecting the Constitution and ensuring the equality and safety of all Indians. He also assured people that whenever and wherever they will need him, they will always find him standing by them. He said he carried out the 4000 km Bharat Jodo Yatra to convey the message of unity and harmony.

He promised that once the Congress forms government in Delhi, it will carry out the caste census and remove the 50 percent ceiling on reservations. He said, Congress will provide equitable representation and participation to every section of the society like the Backwards, the Dalits, the Adivasis and the minorities and not just a select few. He said, Congress does not want India to be under the control of just a few billionaires. Following Rahul Gandhi’s comment, Kejriwal took to X and said, “Today Rahul Gandhi came to Delhi. He hurled abuses at me. But I will not comment on his statements. His fight is to save Congress, my fight is to save the country.”

Sandeep Dikshit, who is son of three time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit hit back at Kejriwal and reminded him of how he targeted his mother and made false allegations of corruption. Sandeep Dikshit, while replying to Kejriwal post said, “Are you trying to save the country Kejriwal?” Firing salvos at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Sandeep Dikshit, who is contesting against Kejriwal said, when he was shamelessly spreading 1000 lies about Sheila Ji, aas he saving the country, when he was threatening to send Sonia Gandhi to jail, was he saving the country?

Posing more questions, the Congress leader said, “When you were fooling the country in the name of Lokpal along with Anna (Hazare), were you saving the country? When you were having a amazing time in your luxurious palace worth Rs 34 crore, were you saving the country? When you were building school rooms worth Rs 7 lakh for Rs 24 lakh, were you saving the country? When you were spending thousands of crores on advertisements, were you saving the country?”

He didn’t stop here, as he fired more salvos to the former Chief Minister and said that when you were swindling Rs 2,000 crore from liquor policy case, were you saving the country, when people were waiting for oxygen and beds during Covid pandemic, were you saving the country, when you were blaming the farmers for burning stubble, were you saving the country?

He also targeted the AAP leader and said, “When you were making false promises to clean Yamuna, were you saving the country? When you were taking credit for everything done by the Congress and Sheila ji, were you saving the country? When you were cheating the public with false affidavits, were you saving the country? When they were making BJP win by cutting Congress votes in every state, we’re you saving the country?”

“The list is so big that people get tired reading it…,” he said, adding, “You don’t need to save the country, the country needs to be saved from you.” The high octane Delhi polls for 70 member assembly is scheduled on February 5 and counting of votes will take place on February 8. The Congress, which ruled the national capital between 1998 to 2013 for three consecutive term is looking g to gain its lost ground in the national capital. Kejriwal had defeated Sheila Dikshit from New Delhi assembly seat in 2013 and Sandeep Dikshit is looking to avenge the defeat of her mother from the same seat, where the contest this time is triangular as BJP has fielded Pravesh Singh Verma, two time former MP and son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma.

Delhi BJP Poorvanchal Morcha Stages Protest at Kejriwal’s Residence Over ‘Fake Voters’ Remark

January 10, 2025, 8:49 pm

On Friday, December 10, 2025, the Delhi BJP Poorvanchal Morcha staged a protest outside the residence of Arvind Kejriwal at 5 Feroz Shah Road, demanding an apology for his controversial remarks referring to Poorvanchalis as “fake voters.” The protesters condemned his comments as offensive and disrespectful to the community. Slogans like “Litti Chokha Khayenge, Kejriwal Ko Bhagayenge” and “Daal Bhaat Khayenge, Kejriwal Ko Bhagayenge” echoed during the demonstration.

The protest, led by NDMC member Dinesh Pratap Singh and BJP Poorvanchal Morcha President Santosh Ojha, saw participation from Laxmi Nagar BJP MLA Abhay Verma, Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, and thousands of Poorvanchalis. Protesters attempted to march towards Kejriwal’s residence, breaking through police barricades, but were stopped by water cannons before being detained and taken to Mandir Marg police station.

MP Manoj Tiwari later visited the detained protesters, who were subsequently released by the police with a warning. Speaking to the media outside Mandir Marg police station, Tiwari accused Kejriwal of insulting not only the Poorvanchali community but also autorickshaw drivers, slum dwellers, and artisans who migrate to Delhi for work. He claimed the people of Delhi would not forgive Kejriwal’s offensive remarks, adding that the Poorvanchalis would unite to bring the BJP to power. Tiwari also challenged AAP leader Sanjay Singh to question Kejriwal on his derogatory statements, given that Singh himself belongs to the Poorvanchali community.

“Sanjay Singh, being a Poorvanchali, should ask his leader if he truly believes the community is deceitful. Kejriwal has been openly disrespecting them,” Tiwari said.

Dinesh Pratap Singh accused Kejriwal of consistently demeaning the Poorvanchali community. Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh criticized Kejriwal for abandoning Poorvanchalis at Anand Vihar after making false promises of rent relief. He asserted that the community would not compromise on its dignity and challenged Kejriwal to provide proof of his contributions to their welfare.

BJP Poorvanchal Morcha President Santosh Ojha accused Kejriwal of viewing Poorvanchalis merely as a vote bank and deceiving them for over a decade. He alleged that Kejriwal had prioritized settling Rohingyas and Bangladeshis while sidelining Poorvanchalis. Ojha stressed that the community would play a pivotal role in ousting Kejriwal’s government this time.

Parvesh Verma Accuses Kejriwal of Using Caste Politics as His Influence Declines

January 9, 2025, 7:34 pm

BJP candidate for the New Delhi Assembly and former MP Parvesh Sahib Singh criticized Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of playing caste politics as his political influence wanes. Addressing the media, Verma said, “Kejriwal has suddenly started focusing on the Jat community as elections near, even though he ignored them for the past 11 years.” Verma claimed that rural Delhi residents, including farmers, Jats, and Gurjars, are angered by Kejriwal’s statements and have decided to vote against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

He alleged, “Kejriwal once avoided engaging with Jats and rural Delhi residents, refusing to even let them into his house. Now, with rural communities like Jats, Gurjars, Yadavs, Tyagis, and Rajputs united against him, he suddenly remembers them.” Highlighting unmet demands, Verma noted that rural farmers in Delhi had asked for the benefits of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, but Kejriwal’s government failed to submit the required list to the central government. Verma also said he requested land for a memorial for his father, Dr. Sahib Singh Verma, but received no response from Kejriwal.

He added that during meetings held by 28 constituencies of Outer Delhi, residents resolved to vote against Kejriwal. Verma criticized the Delhi government for failing to address farmers’ issues, such as waiving high electricity bills or providing fair compensation for land acquisitions. “Under Kejriwal’s government, farmers’ lands are acquired at low rates, while the market value is ₹10–15 crore. During my father’s tenure, farmers were compensated at market rates,” Verma asserted.

He contrasted this with the Modi government’s developmental initiatives, such as the ₹26,000 crore International Convention Centre and the ₹8,000 crore UER-II Road Project. He also highlighted the Najafgarh Hospital, built at ₹100 crore, and the ₹960 crore Delhi Gramodaya Scheme under the Lt. Governor. Metro extensions and new campuses in Dwarka, Bawana, and Narela, he said, were all initiatives of the BJP-led central government.

Accusing Kejriwal of hypocrisy, Verma said, “Kejriwal, who once spoke of secularism, is now dividing Delhi on caste lines. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who gave constitutional recognition to the National OBC Commission. To include Jats or any caste in the central OBC list, the state government must first send a proposal to the commission. However, Kejriwal’s government has never done so, despite holding special sessions focused on criticizing the central government and the Lt. Governor.”

Verma alleged that Kejriwal ignored two letters from Kailash Gahlot regarding Jat inclusion in the OBC list. He credited BJP governments in states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand for securing Jat reservations in the past. “Rural Delhi has seen no new colleges, schools, hospitals, flyovers, or roads under Kejriwal’s rule. Yet, with elections approaching, he suddenly remembers the Jats,” Verma said. He concluded by expressing disappointment over Kejriwal accusing him of anti-nationalism for supporting initiatives like the Ladli Scheme for women.

Congress’s Alka Lamba Slams Kejriwal Over ₹33 Crore ‘Sheesh Mahal’ Renovation

January 6, 2025, 1:41 am

Congress candidate for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Alka Lamba, has taken a sharp dig at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations of misusing ₹33 crores of taxpayers’ money for the renovation of the Chief Minister’s official residence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lamba, who is contesting from the Kalkaji constituency against current CM Atishi, criticized Kejriwal for indulging in extravagance while the city grappled with inflation and economic hardship. She pointed out that the funds were allegedly spent on luxury items, including carpets, curtains, high-end toilets, and even a swimming pool.

This controversy aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) ongoing “Sheesh Mahal” narrative, targeting Kejriwal’s government for lavish spending. Lamba accused Kejriwal of betraying his earlier promises of living a simple life, claiming he would not use official perks such as bungalows, cars, or security.

“During the pandemic, when people were struggling with inflation and economic challenges, this shocking misuse of ₹33 crores is a grave question mark on Kejriwal’s accountability,” said Lamba. She further alleged that Kejriwal prioritized personal luxuries over welfare schemes that could have supported Delhi’s struggling population, particularly women.

Adding weight to her accusations, Lamba mentioned an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which reportedly scrutinized the expenditure and highlighted discrepancies.

The BJP has also criticized Kejriwal’s leadership, with spokespersons calling his actions hypocritical and demanding accountability. The allegations have fueled a heated political discourse ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, with opposition parties using the “Sheesh Mahal” narrative to attack Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
As the political storm intensifies, voters are left questioning the priorities of their leaders and the ethical use of public funds. The spotlight remains on Arvind Kejriwal to address these allegations and justify the expenditures in the face of mounting criticism.

Delhi BJP Mocks Kejriwal’s Election-Time ‘Hindu’ Image with ‘Chunavi Hindu’ Poster

December 31, 2024, 1:34 pm

The Delhi BJP launched a strong attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday, accusing him of being a “chunavi Hindu” (Hindu for election purposes) after his announcement of a Rs 18,000 monthly allowance for temple priests and gurdwara granthis. The BJP mocked Kejriwal in a poster posted on X, showing him in a theatrical priest-like outfit with rudraksha beads, flower garlands, and incense sticks tucked behind his ears, reminiscent of a character from the film Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

BJP’s Mockery and Kejriwal’s Response

The poster included a mocking verse about Kejriwal’s sudden concern for priests, accusing him of using Hinduism as a political tool. The BJP highlighted past actions they claimed contradicted Kejriwal’s newfound support for priests, including his opposition to the Ram temple in Ayodhya and his involvement with liquor shops near temples.

In response, Kejriwal challenged the BJP to introduce similar initiatives in the 20 states where they are in power, instead of attacking him. He urged them to respect priests and granthis in their own states, asserting that his initiative was a positive step for the country.

AAP’s Priest Welfare Scheme

At a press conference, Kejriwal unveiled the Pujari Granthi Samman Rashi Scheme, which aims to provide monthly support of Rs 18,000 to temple and gurdwara staff, marking the first scheme of its kind. Kejriwal emphasized that priests and granthis are often neglected, and this scheme would recognize their societal importance.

This move forms part of AAP’s broader electoral promises, which also include initiatives for women, Dalits, senior citizens, and a round-the-clock water supply.

Criticism from BJP and Congress

The scheme, however, faced sharp criticism from both the BJP and Congress. BJP leaders, including Delhi BJP chief Veerendra Sachdeva and former MP Parvesh Verma, accused Kejriwal of desperation and political manipulation, citing his past focus on supporting Muslim clerics while neglecting priests. Congress president Devender Yadav criticized the scheme as a “desperate attempt” to influence voters ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.

LG Criticizes Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Temporary Chief Minister’ Remark, Atishi Responds

December 31, 2024, 8:33 am

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has criticized AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for referring to Atishi as a “temporary Chief Minister,” accusing him of making disparaging remarks that undermine democratic values. In response, Atishi hit back, accusing Saxena of engaging in “dirty politics” and urging him to focus on improving Delhi.

Saxena expressed his disappointment over Kejriwal’s comments, describing them as a personal insult to Atishi and a slight to both the office of the Chief Minister and his own role as a representative of the President. In a letter to Atishi, Saxena condemned Kejriwal’s words, saying they reflected poorly on the integrity of the Delhi government and undermined its democratic practices. He also criticized Kejriwal for making baseless claims about non-existent government schemes, which he argued misled the public and eroded trust in the administration.

Saxena also mentioned Kejriwal’s previous statement regarding Atishi’s potential arrest over a fake case related to the transport department, which was later denied. He expressed regret over the negative portrayal of Atishi, emphasizing that it could harm her credibility and her leadership role as Chief Minister. In contrast, Saxena praised Atishi for her effective leadership, noting that she managed several portfolios and worked diligently for the government, unlike Kejriwal, who did not hold any department during his tenure. Earlier, Saxena had complimented Atishi, calling her “a thousand times better” than Kejriwal.

Atishi responded to Saxena’s letter, asserting that she was following the path set by Kejriwal, who had worked for the betterment of Delhi for nearly a decade. She also criticized Saxena for obstructing the Mahila Samman Yojana, a scheme offering Rs 1,000 per month to women in Delhi, and promised an increase to Rs 2,100 if AAP won the upcoming assembly elections. Atishi, expressing her personal hurt as a woman, accused Saxena of hindering this initiative.

Atishi became the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 21, following Kejriwal’s resignation after being released from prison in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. During Kejriwal’s incarceration, Atishi became the public face of AAP, representing the party’s positions in media briefings.

Kejriwal Announces Rs 18,000 Monthly Honorarium for Priests, Granthis

December 30, 2024, 1:18 pm

Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Former Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced the ‘Pujari, Granthi Samman Yojana,’ under which priests of temples and granthis of Gurudwaras will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000. He further stated that this scheme would be implemented once the AAP from the government winning in the upcoming polls in the national capital.
“Today I am making an important announcement regarding a scheme. The name of the scheme is Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Under this, there is a provision to give an honorarium to the priests of temples and the ‘granthis’ of the Gurudwara. They will be given an honorarium of about Rs 18,000 per month. This is happening for the first time in the country. The priest is a class that has carried forward the rituals from generation to generation. They never paid attention to their family and we never paid attention to them,” said Kejriwal.
“We know how pujaris serve us. Be it the birthday of our kid or the death of a loved one, they have always connected us with God. But they never gave attention to their own families, and neither did we pay enough attention to them. This is happening for the first time in the country. We have done many works in the national capital which happened for the very first time. We improved schools and hospitals and made bus travel for women. I just hope that the BJP and the Congress governments will learn from this and will implement such schemes in the state run by them,” he added further.
Slamming the BJP, he said that they tried their best to halt Mahila Samman Yojana by making false cases and sending police. The registration for the same scheme is still underway. They tried to halt Sanjeevani Yojana but could not. I want them to not do the same with this scheme.
Earlier on Monday, Imams of Delhi Waqf Board protested outside the residence Arvind Kejriwal over the delay in the release of their salaries. All India Imam Association Chairman Sajid Rashidi expressed dismay over the delay in the release of salaries of the imams of the Delhi Waqf Board by the Delhi government.
Rashidi stated that they haven’t received their salaries from last 17 months, adding that they are continuously meeting several officials and leaders of the government, but no action has been taken yet into the matter. Rashidi gave an ultimatum to the Delhi government saying that if their salaries wouldn’t get sanctioned, the imams will sit on protest here and not get up till they get their salaries.

Kejriwal Accuses BJP of Voter List Manipulation Ahead of Delhi Elections

December 29, 2024, 1:01 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, accusing the party of manipulating voter lists in Delhi as part of an operation he dubbed “Operation Lotus.” Kejriwal claimed that the BJP has been orchestrating this operation since December 15 to sway the outcome of the upcoming state assembly elections.

At a press conference on Sunday (December 29), Kejriwal stated, “The BJP has already conceded defeat in Delhi. They have no chief ministerial candidate, no vision, and no credible options. To win at any cost, they are resorting to dishonest tactics like manipulating the voter list.”

He specifically mentioned that in his New Delhi Assembly constituency, “Operation Lotus” has been in motion since December 15, with applications to delete 5,000 voters and add 7,500 new ones. Kejriwal alleged that this manipulation is affecting 12% of the votes.

Kejriwal also pointed to Shahdara, where the BJP reportedly applied to delete 11,800 votes. However, the move was halted following intervention from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Kejriwal Attacks BJP and Congress After Probe Order into AAP’s Welfare Schemes

December 28, 2024, 4:15 pm

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday (December 28) launched an attack on the BJP and Congress, accusing them of trying to sabotage the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) welfare schemes after a probe was ordered into the party’s initiatives.

Kejriwal Criticizes BJP and Congress Over Probe

The Lieutenant Governor’s order for a probe followed a complaint from Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit, which raised concerns over AAP’s proposed welfare schemes. In a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that both parties were working together to stop AAP’s initiatives, especially those aimed at women and the elderly ahead of the Delhi elections.

“The BJP didn’t have the courage to act directly, so they got Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit to file the complaint,” Kejriwal said. “Congress and BJP are joining forces to stop AAP.”

Kejriwal Defends AAP’s Promises

Kejriwal highlighted the popularity of AAP’s welfare schemes, including the promise to provide Rs 2,100 to women and free healthcare for the elderly, which had already attracted a large number of registrations. “These schemes are so beneficial that they made the BJP nervous,” Kejriwal claimed.

The Lieutenant Governor’s concerns included AAP’s Rs 2,100 cash scheme for women voters, claims of intelligence officers from Punjab operating in Delhi, and allegations of cash transfers from Punjab ahead of the elections. Kejriwal dismissed these as baseless and accused the BJP of trying to disrupt AAP’s initiatives.

Kejriwal Urges Support for AAP Schemes

Kejriwal reassured Delhi residents that the welfare schemes, such as the Mahila Samman Card and Sanjeevani Yojna, were election promises and not yet implemented programs. “There’s nothing to investigate. These are just promises we’ve made if we win,” he said, encouraging continued registration for the schemes.

He also alleged that BJP leaders sent “goons” to disrupt AAP’s registration camps, even involving the Delhi Police to halt the process.

Kejriwal Vows to Continue Fighting for Delhi

Accusing the BJP of being “anti-women” and claiming they would make Delhi “unlivable,” Kejriwal promised to keep fighting for the people of Delhi. “If they send me to jail, I’ll go again, but I will keep fighting for you,” he added, urging people to trust in his leadership.

The accusations come as political tensions rise in Delhi ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, set to take place before February 2024.

Cong accuses Kejriwal of shifting blame as AAP’s credibility collapses

December 27, 2024, 2:58 am

The Delhi unit of Congress claims that the fear of losing the upcoming assembly elections is now haunting Arvind Kejriwal. As a result, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is desperately attempting to repair its damaged image and dwindling voter support by shifting blame onto others, instead of confronting the reality of their situation.

Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav stated that with defeat looming, Kejriwal and his team of allegedly corrupt leaders—Sanjay Singh, Manish Sisodia, and Satyender Jain—who were recently released on bail in connection with the liquor scam and money laundering cases, are trying to save face.

Despite the threat of another arrest, they continue to avoid taking responsibility for their downfall, choosing instead to blame others while ignoring their role as the ‘B’ Team of the BJP.

Yadav emphasized that AAP’s credibility has hit rock bottom, especially after the Delhi Congress released a 12-point White Paper exposing Kejriwal’s corruption and betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people, who had expected a transparent and honest government.

Instead, Kejriwal has proven to be the biggest imposter Delhi has ever seen. Yadav also highlighted that Kejriwal’s inability to manage his own party became evident when Delhi Government departments issued public notices clarifying that promises like Rs 2100 for women and health insurance for senior citizens had no official approval. He further accused AAP leaders of fraudulently collecting personal details of voters under the pretense of registering them for these schemes.

Yadav remarked that Kejriwal, once backed by the BJP and RSS, is now facing opposition from those who once supported him, including his former allies. As a result, blaming Congress for his troubles is pointless. He reiterated that Congress had always taken a firm stand against Kejriwal, arguing that he was a dangerous figure for Delhi, and this was vindicated when he and his deputy, Sisodia, along with Satyender Jain and Sanjay Singh, were jailed for corruption.

Yadav added that during his month-long Delhi Nyay Yatra, people expressed regret over Congress aligning with a corruption-tainted AAP in the Lok Sabha elections. Many felt that if Congress had contested alone, its candidates would have been victorious. He also pointed out AAP’s complete lack of support in Haryana, where its candidates lost.

Their security deposits in 99% of the seats, despite extensive campaigning by Kejriwal and his wife for AAP candidates.

Kejriwal Claims Atishi Will Be Arrested in Fake Case

December 25, 2024, 10:31 am

Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP chief, accused “some people” of plotting the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi in a fake case, allegedly in response to the government’s announcement of welfare initiatives like the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana.

Welfare Schemes Trigger Alleged Backlash

In a statement on X, Kejriwal suggested that the AAP’s focus on welfare schemes aimed at women and the elderly had unsettled certain groups. The Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana are key initiatives designed to aid women and senior citizens in Delhi.

AAP Leaders Expected to Face Raids

Kejriwal further alleged that raids would be conducted on senior AAP leaders to disrupt the party’s governance efforts. He promised to reveal more details about the situation in an upcoming press conference, denouncing attempts to obstruct the party’s agenda.

Dikshit fires Political Salvo at Kejriwal

December 23, 2024, 2:04 am

Former MP and Congress candidate from the New Delhi Constituency, Sandeep Dikshit has raised questions that could have a bearing on Arvind Kejriwal’s projection as the Chief Ministerial nominee of the Aam Aadmi Party in the coming Assembly polls. Dikshit has stated that one of the conditions laid down by the Apex Court while granting bail to Kejriwal was that he would not be signing any papers as the CM, something which he took into cognisance and resigned, paving the way for Atishi Singh to succeed him. The point flagged by the Congress nominee has legal implications and may become a matter of contention when the campaigning is in full swing. However by taking a combative posture right in the beginning, Dikshit has made it clear that he was not going to allow Kejriwal an easy passage in the Assembly and would also try and avenge his mother’s defeat at his hands, when Sheila Dikshit as the serving CM, had lost to him by 26,500 votes in 2013 and had even forfeited her deposit. Dikshit also sees it as his best chance to make a political comeback in the capital and is in no mood to allow the opportunity to slip by. It is another matter that vanquishing Kejriwal, who enjoys tremendous goodwill is never going to be an easy task.

The BJP which is yet to declare its list has already made it known that it shall be fielding Parvesh Verma, two times MP and son of former CM, Sahib Singh Verma as its candidate against Kejriwal. Although many political pundits find it Verma’s candidacy from New Delhi a bit odd given that there are hardly any Jat Votes in the area where government employees have a large say. Nevertheless, Verma shall have the backing of the BJP’s robust organisation and money muscles and cannot be written off. In a triangular fight, he may add to the excitement thus making the contest in New Delhi as the most followed fight in the ensuring elections. Even though Dikhsit has talked about Kejriwal’s ineligibility to be the CM, he cannot deny that the primary step for everyone to take would be to first get elected to the Assembly. Everything else shall follow after that. One has to understand that Kejriwal is a master strategist and if elected, may not choose to be the CM, instead allowing Atishi to continue (if she also wins).

He would be more interested in controlling matters from behind the scene and also pursue national ambitions. Kejriwal is the unquestioned supremo of the AAP and it matters a little if he is the CM or not. His presence would be enough to infuse confidence in his party which is aiming to score a hat-trick in the 2025 polls. In the midst of the festive season, there is also a talk of the AAP and the Congress aligning, an issue which has been vehemently denied by both parties. The BJP, however, is fanning this narrative and is claiming that the two parties had no option but to combine in order to meet the challenge from the Saffron Brigade.

The issue is that even if Rahul Gandhi gives his consent for the Congress to play second fiddle to AAP, the cadres would be extremely disappointed and the decision would further erode the diminishing base of the party. On the other hand, the AAP shall have everything to gain since the minority and Dalit votes shall not be split. In fact, if there is a direct fight between the AAP and Congress on one side, and the BJP on the other, it is the Saffron Brigade that would bear the brunt. The reality is that the presence of the Congress in the fray, suits AAP much better since the grand old party shall be cutting into anti-Kejriwal votes and thus impacting the result in its favour. This thesis is disputed by some but it is a fact that if the Congress puts up a spirited fight, the AAP shall be the beneficiary and not the BJP. What is also surprising is the delay by the BJP in announcing its nominees. There are many veterans who believe that the BJP will try to upset the rhythm of the AAP campaign by enticing away some of its leaders including nominees who have been declared. The intention would be that in some segments, there may be no AAP nominee when the polling takes place.

However, the AAP has also been exploring the option of putting up formidable second line leaders as the covering candidates in every assembly segment as to prepare itself for a contingency which is not evident at this juncture. The short point is that many mind games and gimmicks may be witnessed during the run up to the polling. Coming back to Dikshit, if his argument on Kejriwal holds ground legally, the AAP shall be comfortable in not projecting anyone as the CM face, thus allowing Atishi to remain its mascot, since she is the incumbent and the one who could be retained if the party wins the third time around, which seems to be the most likely case. The AAP victory, if it happens, would not be as impressive as it has been in 2015 and 2020 but all the same shall be adequate to put it in power. The BJP is having a series of meetings to find out how it can win the Assembly after 32 years. The last and only time it won was in 1993 when the party romped home to victory under the leadership of Madan Lal Khurana.

AAP to Contest Delhi Election Alone, Rejects Alliance with Congress: Kejriwal

December 11, 2024, 10:03 am

In a significant political development, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has announced that his party will contest the upcoming Delhi elections independently, dismissing any possibility of an alliance with Congress.

Speaking at a press conference today, Kejriwal emphasized that the AAP is focused on strengthening its position in the national capital, and there is no room for any coalition with the Congress party. “We are fully prepared to contest the elections on our own and will not join forces with Congress or any other political party,” he said.

This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about potential alliances in the capital ahead of the next election. Political observers had suggested that AAP and Congress might collaborate in the face of a growing challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but Kejriwal’s firm stance has put an end to such rumors.

Kejriwal further reiterated that the AAP’s priority is to continue the work it has done for Delhi’s residents, pointing to various initiatives in education, healthcare, and infrastructure as evidence of the party’s commitment to the city’s development.

The announcement is likely to affect the dynamics of the Delhi election, where AAP and Congress have traditionally been competitors, with the BJP also in the race. Kejriwal’s decision to reject any alliance is seen as an effort to maintain AAP’s identity as a party focused on providing an alternative to both the Congress and BJP.

The rejection of a potential Congress alliance could also have implications on the broader national political scene, with AAP positioning itself as a key player in regional politics, particularly in urban areas like Delhi.

Explosion Near PVR in Delhi’s Prashant Vihar, Timed with Kejriwal’s ‘Most Unsafe City’ Claim

November 28, 2024, 1:07 pm

A blast was reported near a PVR cinema in North Delhi’s Prashant Vihar area on Thursday, coinciding with a press conference held by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. During the conference, Kejriwal claimed that Delhi had become the “most unsafe city in the world.”

Watch:

VIDEO | Explosion reported in Prashant Vihar area of #Delhi. Fire tenders reach the spot. More details awaited.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Rchohvl1vY

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 28, 2024

The Delhi Fire Service confirmed the explosion, stating, “A call regarding a blast was received from the Prashant Vihar area at 11:48 AM today. Fire tenders have reached the site.”

Ex-Minister Kailash Gahlot Joins BJP; Kejriwal Says, “He Can Go Wherever He Wants”

November 18, 2024, 2:16 pm

In a significant political shift, former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kailash Gahlot has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Responding to the move, AAP National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday commented that Gahlot was free to make his own choices. “He is free; he can go wherever he wants,” Kejriwal stated when asked about the development.

Gahlot’s Resignation and Criticism of AAP

The transition follows Gahlot’s resignation from AAP on Sunday, in which he cited unmet promises and recent controversies as his reasons for leaving the party. Gahlot, an MLA from Najafgarh and previously a close aide of Kejriwal, formally resigned from the council of ministers. The resignation was accepted by Delhi’s current Chief Minister Atishi.

In his resignation letter addressed to Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s inability to fulfill key pledges, particularly highlighting the failure to clean the Yamuna River. “We promised the people a cleaner Yamuna, but we have failed to deliver on that commitment,” Gahlot wrote. He criticized the party for not living up to its promises to voters, signaling a departure from AAP’s foundational values.

Gahlot’s resignation letter also referenced recent controversies, including the issue surrounding Kejriwal’s new official residence, dubbed “Sheeshmahal” by critics. Gahlot suggested that such controversies have damaged the party’s image and questioned whether AAP still embodies its original vision as a party for the common man. “There are several embarrassing and bizarre issues like Sheeshmahal, which have now led people to question whether we still believe in being the party of the common man,” Gahlot remarked.

AAP Responds, Blames Central Agency Pressure

In response to Gahlot’s resignation, senior AAP leader Durgesh Pathak alleged that the former minister was under immense pressure due to ongoing investigations by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department. “He has been questioned by central probe agencies for several months. It seems he could not withstand the pressure and decided to quit the party,” Pathak said, hinting at political pressure from the central government as a possible reason for Gahlot’s defection.

The defection of Kailash Gahlot to the BJP comes as a significant blow to AAP, given his prominent role in the Delhi government and his reputation as a close ally of Kejriwal. Gahlot’s exit may impact voter perception, especially as the party faces scrutiny over its performance on key promises and handling of internal controversies. The BJP, on the other hand, is expected to leverage Gahlot’s criticisms of AAP in its political messaging.

This latest development underscores the rising political tension between the AAP and BJP as both parties prepare for the upcoming electoral battles in Delhi and at the national level.

In a major political move, Kailash Gahlot, a former Delhi minister and key leader from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Responding to Gahlot’s defection, AAP National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, “He is free; he can go wherever he wants,” underscoring that the ex-minister’s decision was his own.

Gahlot’s switch to the BJP follows his resignation from AAP on Sunday, where he pointed to several unfulfilled promises and controversies within the party. The Najafgarh MLA, previously seen as a close associate of Kejriwal, stepped down from his ministerial role, with the resignation accepted by Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi.

In his resignation letter, Gahlot expressed dissatisfaction with AAP’s failure to deliver on its commitment to clean the Yamuna River. “We promised a cleaner Yamuna to the people, but we have not fulfilled this commitment,” he wrote, highlighting the party’s shortcomings in addressing crucial public concerns.

Gahlot also criticized the controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s new official residence, colloquially referred to as “Sheeshmahal.” He suggested that such issues have damaged the party’s image, raising doubts about whether AAP still stands for its core principle of serving the common man. “There are several embarrassing and bizarre issues like Sheeshmahal, which have now led people to question whether we still believe in being the party of the common man,” Gahlot remarked.

In reaction to Gahlot’s departure, AAP’s senior leader Durgesh Pathak attributed the decision to pressure from ongoing investigations by central probe agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department. “He was being questioned for several months by central agencies. It seems he was unable to withstand the pressure and chose to leave the party,” Pathak stated, implying political interference by the central government.

The defection of Kailash Gahlot to the BJP marks a significant loss for AAP, given his influence within the party and his status as a trusted associate of Arvind Kejriwal. Gahlot’s criticism of the party’s failures and his remarks on internal controversies may also impact voter sentiment, as AAP faces increasing scrutiny over its governance and delivery on promises.

For the BJP, Gahlot’s entry is seen as a strategic gain, adding a prominent face to their ranks in Delhi. As political rivalry between AAP and BJP intensifies, the move could shape the narrative leading up to future elections in the national capital. The defection comes at a critical juncture, highlighting the escalating battle between the two parties over governance issues and public perception.

Kejriwal on threshold of a hat-trick

October 21, 2024, 2:31 am

The three major contenders, the Aam Aadmi Party, the BJP and the Congress have already donned the war paint as they gear up for an electoral confrontation early next year for the crucial Delhi Assembly elections. Arvind Kejirwal who had created history by winning the contest the last two times in an overwhelming manner, is hopeful of scoring a hattrick this time and if all goes well, he could seal his place as amongst the most influential leaders of the city. However, the journey to the third victory is never going to be easy. The Muslim votes have already shifted towards the Congress as the community by and large appears convinced that the AAP was the “B’’ team of the RSS and thus it would never support them at crucial times. The AAP has been trying for a Dalit outreach, if the recent announcements by Kejriwal have to go by, and in case this section also moves away, the AAP shall be in serious trouble.
The Dalits find Congress as an alternative and the BJP is also doing its best to woo this community, which could play a decisive role. Amongst the Dalits, there are questions which are there for AAP. Kejriwal has been preferring first time Dalit MLAs and has been ignoring the senior ones while distributing portfolios or positions. For instance, Vishesh Ravi and Rakhi Birla are on the sidelines and the berths which could have been theirs have gone to others. For the first time in many years, the Congress has been trying to make an impact on the political stage in Delhi and under Devendra Yadav, there has been tremendous activity witnessed in various Assembly segments. However, the problem with the grand old party is that it does not have a sound organizational structure and no new faces to inspire the voters. Most of its warriors are veterans and in the name of getting new entrants, some of them are busy promoting their sons and daughters. This at the expense of others who could perhaps be more acceptable.
The bottom line is that the Congress may do better in Muslim dominated constituencies, and could also emerge victorious in some of them as a result of a triangular fight. But it lacks a face that can be projected for the position of Chief Ministership who would be acceptable to all sections of society. The Sikhs have been backing the Congress but after the exit of Arvinder Singh Lovely, there is no prominent Sikh in the Congress ranks either. So far as Lovely is concerned, he seems to have disappeared in thin air and his presence is not visible on any BJP platform. When Sikhs in the BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi for saying what he said during his visit to the United States, Lovely did not utter a word. If he did, it was not reported. The BJP which has a robust organization also is facing the problem of having a credible face to be projected for the top position.
The Punjabis which were the backbone of the party are disillusioned since the Saffron Brigade in the past two decades, has chosen to ignore the community. The Delhi unit is headed by a Punjabi but he has to go a long way before he becomes the voice of this section, like leaders like Madan Lal Khurana, Vijay Kumar Malhotra and Kidar Nath Sahni were in the past. The same goes for the East Delhi MP, Harsh Malhotra, who is a minister in the Modi government but has a limited appeal.
The AAP has by and large been the preferred party of the Vaish community, many of whom despite being loyalists of the BJP, had backed Kejriwal in the past two elections. The BJP has prominent banias, Vijay Goel and Sudhanshu Mittal, but they are not in the scheme of things of the current Central leadership. The Congress also has people like Hari Shankar Gupta, who could have been a very good candidate, had he been given the ticket for Chandni Chowk during yje parliamentary elections in place of veteran Jai Prakash Aggarwal who entered the fray reluctantly after his son was not considered for the nomination. Ajay Maken, the party treasurer and former Minister at the Centre and in Delhi, is a prominent Punjabi face and belongs to one of the oldest political families of the capital. He has many enemies within the Delhi Congress and it is unlikely that he would like to return to local politics since he is now a member of Rajya Sabha from Karnataka. Subhash Chopra, former DPCC president has virtually retired from active politics and had last time backed his daughter to contest from Kalkaji, his former constituency. In the elections, the AAP would have the maximum advantage since it has Arvind Kejriwal as its leader whose popularity ratings continue to be more than that of any other leader in the capital.
The Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Singh has an appeal of her own but shall have to struggle to retain the Kalkaji constituency which she represents at this moment unless she makes some dramatic political announcements. The AAP and the Centre have been locked in a fight and the Lt. Governor has assumed the overriding role in taking decisions on key matters. Therefore, the only option for Kejriwal is to make statehood for Delhi as the primary issue of the polls and if he wins on the plank, the Centre may be compelled to rectify the situation by taking suitable action. The complexity of the 2025 battle is what makes the contest unpredictable though Kejriwal has a clear edge.

Kejriwal Comments on Trump’s Promise to Lower Electricity Rates, Calls It ‘Free Ki Revri’ Reaching the US

October 11, 2024, 6:27 pm

As the race for the US presidency intensifies, Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris are vying to win over voters. The election campaigns and promises in the US resemble those seen worldwide, with candidates making pledges aimed at appealing to the public. One of Trump’s recent promises might sound familiar to Indian audiences.

During a rally in Michigan, Trump vowed to slash electricity rates by half, stating, “I will cut the price of ENERGY and ELECTRICITY in HALF within 12 months. We will seriously expedite our environmental approvals, and quickly double our electricity capacity. This will DRIVE DOWN INFLATION, and make AMERICA and MICHIGAN the best place on earth to build a factory.”

Watch:

Trump has announced that he will reduce electricity rates by half. Free ki revri reach US… https://t.co/IHxQ4AhXcA

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 11, 2024

This promise struck a chord with Indian audiences, as it closely resembles the 2020 Delhi assembly campaign slogan of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — “Bijli Half, Paani Maaf.”

Reacting to Trump’s statement, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took a subtle jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. Modi and his party had previously criticized such subsidy promises, calling them ‘muft ki revri’ or gimmicks. Without directly naming any party, Kejriwal tweeted, “Trump has announced that he will reduce electricity rates by half. Free ki revri reach US…”

In the same speech in Detroit, Trump also addressed international trade tariffs, highlighting the high tariffs imposed by India. He promised to implement a “reciprocal tax” if elected, targeting countries like India that he claims charge hefty tariffs on American goods. Trump explained that the US, unlike other nations, generally refrains from imposing such duties but noted that India imposes the highest tariffs.

“Perhaps the most important element of my plan to make America extraordinarily wealthy again is reciprocity,” Trump stated. He singled out India, despite acknowledging his strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi, saying, “India is a very big charger. We have a great relationship with India, and especially with its leader, Modi. He’s a great leader, a great man. But they charge a lot.”

Kejriwal to Vacate Official Residence Despite Security Concerns, Says AAP Leader

September 18, 2024, 1:18 pm

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will move out of his official residence in Civil Lines within a week, as announced by AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday. This decision follows Kejriwal’s resignation from his position, which he announced just days after being released on bail from Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy case.

Sanjay Singh revealed that AAP leaders had urged Kejriwal to reconsider vacating the residence due to security issues, noting that there had been several attacks against him. However, Kejriwal remained steadfast in his decision, believing that “God will protect him.”

Kejriwal’s resignation came with a statement that he would not return to the chief ministerial role until he received a “certificate of honesty” from the people of Delhi. He emphasized that he and Manish Sisodia would only accept government positions again if re-elected.

The former chief minister has called on the Election Commission to schedule assembly polls for November.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 and subsequently by the CBI on June 26, both in connection with the excise policy case.

In related remarks, AAP MP Sandeep Pathak alleged that the BJP’s aim was to force Kejriwal to resign through his arrest. “The BJP sought to undermine the Aam Aadmi Party by having Kejriwal arrested and prompting his resignation. However, the plan has backfired; he has been granted bail with no corruption charges against him. His resignation was a matter of personal principle, not necessity,” Pathak stated.

KEJRIWAL TO QUIT, PUTS BJP, CONGRESS ON BACKFOOT

September 17, 2024, 2:11 am

By declaring that he shall quit his position as the Delhi Chief Minister, the Aam Aadmi Party boss, Arvind Kejriwal has precipitated the political churning in the national capital. His move has evidently put both the BJP and the Congress on the defensive, and his outfit has apparently emerged as the party most likely to enjoy the advantage in the Assembly polls that can be held within the next six months, unless, the Centre has other plans.

Incidentally, the Sunday Guardian had anticipated his resignation both this time as well as when he had put in his papers in 2014, while he had the support of the Congress. The political blunder by the Congress at that time had cost it immensely and till today, the party has not been able to win a single seat in the last two polls, where Kejriwal led the AAP to historic wins. Although, it is early to predict the outcome of the next round of Assembly elections, it is more or less settled that the AAP could win the third consecutive time, with the BJP and Congress competing with each other for the second and third position. The Congress has improved its position and the BJP, even after winning the Parliamentary polls a few months ago, does not seem as confident as it should be. The BJP lacks a face that can be projected to oppose Kejriwal and the Congress may have no option but to bring back Ajay Maken, as its CM nominee, given that it would be wanting the support amongst Dalit and Muslims to be extended to the Punjabis as well. Kejriwal’s announcement on Sunday, is a well calibrated move and the reason why he has sought 48 hours is that he wishes to gauge the reactions in political circles.

There is also suspense over who would succeed him as the CM, with most analysts believing that it would be Atishi Singh, a minister in his government and someone who is close both to him and his closest associate, Manish Sisodia.

Atishi is also handling most of the ministries and is virtually functioning as the de-facto CM. However, Arvind is a very politically astute leader and would weigh in many other factors before choosing his successor. The choice would be his since all the MLAs, would now look up to him, to get them re-elected. Therefore, it is possible that he could opt to hand over the baton to his wife, Sunita, who has been holding fort for the past six months, while he was in jail. Sunita’s appointment would also help him to retain his dream house on Flag Stag Road in Civil Lines, which otherwise would have to be vacated, if someone else is made the CM. The Lt.Governor, with whom Kejriwal enjoys a bitter relationship, would take no time in ordering eviction. If Sunita Kejriwal is appointed the CM, she does not have to be immediately elected to the Assembly and can remain in that position for six months and by that time, the Assembly polls, if the Election Commission decides, would have been held. The new Assembly can thereafter choose the next CM and if AAP comes to power, then obviously, Kejriwal would be the automatic choice.

The AAP proposes to use the polls as a referendum on the honesty of the CM, which is strange since, only the Courts have the right to convict or absolve anyone. However, Kejriwal has strong political instincts and if the people’s verdict is in his favour, he would claim that he had been declared innocent by the electorate thus mounting pressure on the Centre. Kejriwal would also wish to make the elections, a plank for fighting for full Statehood for Delhi, in an effort to end the multiplicity of authority as well as to ensure that the Centre, does not use the current constitutional provisions, to curtail his powers, and is forced to review its position and bring about changes, wherever they were required. The AAP is contesting the Assembly elections in Haryana as well and many may believe that after Kejriwal’s release, the party’s nominees may benefit due to a “sympathy factor’’.

This is most unlikely since in the adjoining State, which also happens to be the region from where Kejriwal hails, the AAP’s presence and chances, are almost negligible and its vote cutting capacity is also very diminished. But no chances should ever be taken and therefore, the Congress in particular should remarshal its strategy to contain any possible damage.

There are many in the Congress and other parties, who are convinced that the AAP is the ‘’B” team of the RSS and it has always flourished at the expense of the grand old party. What Kejriwal has to figure out is that like him, even the top two leaders of the BJP, are politically very wily and would not allow him to steal the thunder. Therefore, he should expect the BJP to also throw up a few surprises, the imposition of Presidents’ rule in the capital to begin with.

The Centre could also supersede the Assembly and not hold elections on the plea that an alternative to the present arrangement has to be found. A Commission could thus be constituted on the lines of the Sarkaria Commission, which the VP Singh government had in 1989 end formed, to look into the question of ending multiplicity of authority in Delhi while superseding both the Metropolitan Council and the Municipal Corporation. The BJP under Modi is a difficult opponent to have and therefore it is never easy to predict the moves. At present, the focus is on Kejriwal.

AAP’s Hilarious K3G Scene Parody Featuring Chopper, Aarti And Kejriwal | Watch

September 14, 2024, 2:58 pm

The Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday in the liquor excise policy scam case. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) celebrated his release from Tihar Jail by sharing a humorous edit of Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic homecoming scene from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

In the AAP’s video edit, Kejriwal’s smiling face is superimposed onto Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Rahul Raichand. The scene depicts Kejriwal arriving by helicopter, with Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan, humorously depicted as “Delhiites,” welcoming him. The edit mirrors the famous scene, from the helicopter shot to the Aarti plate, and has been widely shared and commented on for its comedic effect.

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On Instagram, viewers enjoyed the parody and shared their reactions. One user commented in Hindi, “Man, this is next-level nonsense. Are you guys [AAP] into politics or running a cartoon channel?” Another added, “He [Arvind Kejriwal] is coming from jail and you are celebrating it like he made it back alive from the border.”

The humorous portrayal drew attention to how AAP has used humor to turn a political event into a lighthearted spectacle. Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) six months ago on money-laundering charges and later by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged corruption in connection with the Delhi Liquor Scam, made a statement upon his release: “Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 times. The walls of their jail cannot weaken the courage of Kejriwal. I will pray to god to continue showing me the right path and I will continue fighting against all the power who are trying to weaken the country and divide the country.”

CBI Alleges AAP Benefited from Illicit Funds, Accuses Kejriwal of Excise Policy Privatization Plan

September 5, 2024, 9:57 am

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of benefiting from illicit funds linked to a criminal conspiracy in the Delhi Excise Policy case. According to the CBI’s supplementary charge sheet, Arvind Kejriwal, as AAP’s National Convenor and Overall In-Charge, is implicated in the scheme.

The investigation claims Kejriwal had a pre-conceived plan to privatize the Excise Policy, allegedly seeking financial backing for AAP in March 2021 during the policy’s formulation by the Group of Ministers (GoM), which was led by co-accused Manish Sisodia. Vijay Nair, AAP’s Media and Communication Head, allegedly demanded illegal payments from stakeholders in the Delhi Excise Business in exchange for favorable policy adjustments.

The CBI further asserts that Nair, who had no official authority to engage with these stakeholders, acted under Kejriwal’s direction. The charge sheet also accuses AAP of submitting a misleading statement on election expenses for the 2022 Goa Assembly Elections, omitting significant cash payments made to vendors and campaign workers.

The investigation reveals that illicit funds from the Delhi Excise Policy conspiracy were allegedly used to finance AAP’s election campaign in Goa. AAP leader Durgesh Pathak, in charge of election expenditures, is accused of overseeing these cash payments, with funds being funneled through hawala channels under the direction of Pathak and managed by Chanpreet Singh Rayat.

Kejriwal Delegates Flag Hoisting to Atishi Amidst BJP Criticism

August 12, 2024, 5:39 pm

On August 7, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has requested the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to allow Education Minister Atishi to hoist the national flag in his place on Independence Day. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai confirmed that Kejriwal has asked Atishi to perform this duty.

Atishi, who recently broke down during the inauguration of the Sarvodaya Co-Ed School in Nasirpur, Dwarka, was selected to hoist the flag at the Chhatrasal Stadium event on August 15, 2024. Rai has also informed the General Administration Department (GAD) of this decision and requested the necessary arrangements be made.

Despite this, the LG office claimed it has not received any communication regarding the flag hoisting, according to a Raj Niwas official.

The BJP has criticized Kejriwal, suggesting that he should resign and appoint Atishi as the Chief Minister if he cannot perform the flag hoisting himself. They argue that this situation highlights the AAP’s purported disregard for rules and governance.

Currently, Kejriwal remains detained in Tihar Jail on charges related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, despite receiving interim bail from the Supreme Court in the ED case on July 12.

Court Grants CBI 15 More Days, Adjourns Kejriwal Case to August 27

August 12, 2024, 4:13 pm

On Monday, the Rouse Avenue Court granted the CBI an additional 15 days to obtain the required sanctions to prosecute individuals in the alleged excise scam case involving Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The special court adjourned the hearing on the CBI’s chargesheet against Kejriwal to August 27.

The adjournment followed the special public prosecutor’s update that the CBI anticipates receiving the necessary sanctions from the government to proceed with the prosecution of some accused named in the chargesheet. The CBI filed its final and fifth chargesheet on July 28, naming Kejriwal and five others—Sarath Chandra Reddy, Durgesh Pathak, Vinod Chauhan, Ashish Mathur, and Amit Arora—as alleged masterminds of the scheme.

The CBI has indicated that its investigation is complete. On August 8, the court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until August 20 following his video conference appearance.

Additionally, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the CBI and requested bail. The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed his petition against the arrest, advising him to seek bail from the trial court. The High Court noted that the police acted cautiously due to Kejriwal’s position, conducting extensive investigations across India to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.

Kejriwal, in his plea to the Delhi High Court, claimed that as the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party and the sitting Chief Minister, he is being unfairly targeted and harassed for extraneous reasons.

IN PICS: Manish Sisodia returns home after 18 months

August 9, 2024, 10:33 pm

Manish Sisodia, a former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and prominent member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was released from Tihar Jail on Friday after spending nearly 18 months behind bars. The Supreme Court granted him bail in connection with alleged irregularities in Delhi’s excise policy.

The court imposed conditions on Sisodia, including the surrender of his passport and a prohibition on influencing witnesses. The decision came after a bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan determined that his prolonged incarceration without trial infringed upon his right to a speedy justice.

Sisodia, arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2023, expressed immense gratitude upon his release. He attributed his freedom to the Constitution of India, drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and expressed optimism about the eventual release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Addressing supporters gathered outside the jail, Sisodia chanted patriotic slogans and expressed deep respect for Ambedkar, stating, “Ever since this morning’s order, I’ve felt a profound debt to Babasaheb. I don’t know how I can repay it.”

The CBI had accused Sisodia of being the mastermind behind a criminal conspiracy related to the excise policy. The investigation focused on alleged irregularities in the policy’s formulation and implementation.

Sisodia’s release has been met with jubilation among his supporters and party members.