BJP Questions Arvind Kejriwal’s Income Surge, AAP Hits Back with Allegations of Hypocrisy
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday raised concerns over a significant increase in the income of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that the rise is inexplicable given that Kejriwal had previously declared his MLA salary as his “sole source of income” in his election affidavit.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva highlighted that Kejriwal’s declared income for the financial year 2020-21 stood at Rs 44,90,040, nearly 40 times the Rs 1,57,823 he earned in 2019-20. Sachdeva questioned the source of this “massive” income rise, particularly when most income streams saw a decline during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference, Sachdeva said, “The people of Delhi seek a clarification from Kejriwal regarding a 40-fold increase in his income during 2020-21 and a six-fold rise in 2023-24, despite his claim that his MLA salary is his sole source of income.” He pointed out that Kejriwal’s income tax returns during his second term as chief minister (2015-2020) showed a basic taxable salary of less than Rs 3.6 lakh per annum.
Sachdeva’s remarks were backed by a comparison to the financial situation of Kejriwal’s BJP rival, Parvesh Verma, who contested the New Delhi seat in the last election. The AAP retaliated by accusing the BJP of “hypocrisy,” pointing out that Verma’s wealth, estimated at Rs 89 crore, is 27 times that of Kejriwal’s. Additionally, the AAP noted that Verma owns luxury cars and that his family’s assets have surged by 2,600% over the past five years.
The AAP took to social media, demanding that the BJP reveal the sources behind the “massive surge” in Verma’s wealth. In a statement, the AAP said, “Verma’s total wealth is Rs 89 crore, while Kejriwal’s wealth has remained relatively modest, despite his high-profile role as Delhi’s chief minister.”
In response, AAP defended Kejriwal’s financial integrity, highlighting his simple lifestyle. The party pointed out that Kejriwal, as a three-time chief minister and a former IRS officer, does not own a personal house in Delhi or even a car, which they claimed reflected his “simplicity and commitment” to public service.
Despite the BJP’s allegations, the AAP asserted that Kejriwal’s assets remain modest, citing his cash holdings of just Rs 50,000 and bank account balance of approximately Rs 3 lakh. The party dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks aimed at discrediting Kejriwal’s leadership.
This exchange of accusations highlights the growing tension between the BJP and AAP, as both parties prepare for future electoral battles. The issue of financial transparency is likely to remain a point of contention in the coming months.
