New Delhi: Kejriwal Accuses Shah of Defaming Delhi Citizens
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that Shah referred to Delhi residents as “Pakistanis.” Kejriwal emphasized that the people of Delhi are like his family and should not be subjected to derogatory remarks.
During a virtual press conference, Kejriwal stated that with each phase of the Lok Sabha elections, it is becoming increasingly evident that the Narendra Modi government is losing ground, and the INDIA bloc is poised to take power on June 4. He assured that the INDIA bloc would provide a stable government for the country.
On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed public gatherings in the South Delhi and East Delhi parliamentary constituencies, respectively. Kejriwal claimed that Shah’s rally attracted fewer than 500 attendees.
“He referred to supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as Pakistanis. I question whether the people of Delhi, who gave us 62 seats and a 56% vote share, are being labeled as Pakistanis. Similarly, the people of Punjab, who gave us 92 out of 117 seats, and the people of Gujarat, who provided us with 14% of the votes, are they also being called Pakistanis? Are the people of Goa, who showed us love and trust, considered Pakistanis too?” Kejriwal asked.
He highlighted that AAP’s panchayat leaders, municipal mayors, and councillors have been elected in various parts of the country. “Are all these citizens being labeled as Pakistanis? What are you saying?” the Chief Minister demanded.
Kejriwal’s remarks came in response to Shah’s statement during his rally, where Shah claimed that “Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi have no support in India; their supporters are in Pakistan.”
Kejriwal, out on interim bail until June 1, has been asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon turning 75 next year, plans to retire and appoint Shah as his successor if the NDA wins a third term. “You are already displaying arrogance before becoming Prime Minister. For your information, the BJP is not forming the government on June 4. The BJP is losing. Control your ego and do not insult the public. Your enmity is with me; you can abuse me, but do not abuse the people of this country,” Kejriwal stated.
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva responded, accusing Kejriwal of questioning the turnout at Shah’s rally and lying about it. Sachdeva also urged Kejriwal to address the assault case involving Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP from AAP.
Sachdeva further alleged that Kejriwal receives political funding from foreign entities hostile to India’s growth, accusing him of aligning with forces against the country to fulfill selfish objectives.
Addressing a public meeting on Monday, Adityanath attacked the AAP, accusing them of corruption and turning Delhi into “hell.” Kejriwal responded by urging Adityanath to focus on internal party issues, alleging that Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah plan to remove Adityanath from his position if the BJP retains power.
Kejriwal confidently stated that the INDIA bloc is set to secure more than 300 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. “Based on various surveys, it is clear that on June 4, the INDIA bloc will form the government, providing a clean and stable administration for the country,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of the INDIA bloc’s victory for the future and expansion of India, urging voters to support the alliance.
