AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal Critiques BJP’s Development Delays in Delhi
In a fervent address to the Delhi Assembly, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi, launched a pointed critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of intentionally stalling development initiatives in the capital during his recent incarceration.
Having secured bail from the Supreme Court, Kejriwal framed his return as not just a personal victory but a reaffirmation of the people’s support. “With the blessings of God and the backing of the people of Delhi, I stand here today after being released from jail,” he declared. He expressed confidence that his return, alongside former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, would dispirit the opposition.
Kejriwal did not shy away from directly addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence, stating, “PM Modi is powerful, with vast resources. But he is not God.” He emphasized that a higher moral authority had intervened, resulting in his release.
Pointing to specific examples of neglect, he cited the deteriorating condition of roads around Delhi University, claiming the BJP’s actions represented a deliberate obstruction of necessary infrastructure improvements. “Upon my release, I was informed that the roads in Delhi University had worsened. I inspected them with CM Atishi and requested immediate repairs, which she quickly initiated,” he noted.
During his speech, Kejriwal revealed a troubling conversation with a senior BJP leader, who purportedly indicated that his arrest was a strategy to undermine Delhi’s development. “I was shocked. How can anyone take pleasure in ruining the lives of 2 crore people in the capital? How can politics stoop so low?” he questioned.
Kejriwal contended that instead of constructive governance, the BJP focused on damaging AAP’s reputation. He highlighted the BJP’s 27-year electoral drought in Delhi as indicative of its governance failures. “You have immense resources as the Union government. If I can build 500 Mohalla clinics, what’s stopping you from building 5,000? If Manish Sisodia built 700 schools, why can’t you build 7,000? The public is aware,” he argued.
He further criticized the BJP for suspending essential public services, such as bus marshals and pensions for the elderly, during his absence. “These actions will only diminish your standing with the electorate,” he asserted.
Kejriwal reminded his audience, “The public isn’t foolish. They observe everything silently, and on election day, they will express their discontent through their votes. Halting work won’t earn you votes; delivering quality services will.”
Defending his own integrity, he insisted that the people of Delhi recognize him as “absolutely honest” and dedicated to their welfare. In a provocative challenge to the BJP, he stated, “They jailed five of our top leaders, yet our party remains resilient. I challenge them to imprison just two of their own leaders, and their party will collapse.”
Reflecting on his recent legal tribulations, Kejriwal noted the unusual circumstance of receiving bail despite being charged under a law typically associated with severe penalties. He reaffirmed his commitment to resuming all stalled development projects, quipping that he would also encourage the BJP to reinstate pilgrimage trips for senior citizens, suggesting they partake in one themselves.
Kejriwal’s remarks underscore the ongoing political tension in Delhi, with AAP positioning itself as a champion of development amidst accusations of obstruction from the BJP. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these assertions will undoubtedly resonate with voters leading up to future elections.
