Chandigarh: On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he has not undertaken any significant work in the past decade that justifies seeking votes from the public.
Kejriwal claimed that there is widespread discontent with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) due to issues such as inflation and unemployment.
Speaking to traders in Ludhiana, Kejriwal urged them to ensure the victory of all 13 AAP candidates. “I have visited many places,” Kejriwal stated. “There is significant anger against the BJP, particularly regarding inflation and unemployment. Fuel prices are rising, and jobs are shrinking. People expect the Prime Minister to provide solutions to these issues.”
Kejriwal questioned Prime Minister Modi’s statements at poll rallies, saying, “We want the Prime Minister to address our problems. He has been in office for ten years and has no substantial accomplishments to justify seeking votes.”
Kejriwal emphasized that his party seeks votes based on their performance in the national capital and Punjab.
The AAP leader also claimed that he was arrested to prevent him from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. “Do not vote for the BJP under any circumstances. Respond to the BJP’s authoritarianism by voting for the AAP,” he urged.
Kejriwal accused the ruling BJP of withholding Rs 9,000 crore of Punjab’s funds, including Rs 5,500 crore earmarked for rural development. “This fund was intended for road construction in every village. The National Health Mission funds have also been withheld, which could have been used to establish more Mohalla clinics. The BJP aims to hinder Punjab’s development,” he alleged.
Kejriwal also accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of threatening to topple the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab. Shah, at a poll rally in Ludhiana on Sunday, asked voters to ensure BJP’s victory in Punjab’s Lok Sabha seats, asserting that the Bhagwant Mann government would not last long after BJP’s victory.
The AAP leader further claimed that the BJP’s primary objective is to halt the free electricity provision by the AAP government. He stated that before the AAP’s administration, businesses and industries were leaving Punjab for states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
“Over the last two years, the exodus of industries from Punjab has stopped, and new industries are arriving. Under the Mann government, Punjab has secured investments worth Rs 56,000 crore. Foreign companies are now purchasing land for industrial use here. Tata Steel’s largest plant outside Jamshedpur is now being established in Punjab,” he said.
Kejriwal urged the industrial and business community to support his party. “If the Aam Aadmi Party wins all 13 seats, Punjab’s voice will be heard in the Lok Sabha. Our MPs will advocate for the state’s issues and seek resolutions,” he added. “With 13 MPs from Punjab, the Central government will not be able to withhold any funds from the state.”
Kejriwal later held a roadshow in Pathankot to support AAP candidate Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, who is contesting from the Gurdaspur seat.
