 |
|
Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi, has launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of inducting corrupt leaders into its fold. In a pointed address, Kejriwal questioned the ethics of the BJP's recruitment practices and demanded that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat break his silence on the matter.
Kejriwal, known for his sharp and often controversial remarks, stated that the RSS has been reduced to merely laying the red carpet for corrupt leaders who switch from other parties to the BJP. He claimed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS's power has been curtailed and its members are being sidelined, their role reduced to mere ceremonial welcoming of former NCP and Congress leaders who join the BJP.
In a letter to Mohan Bhagwat, Kejriwal raised concerns about the BJP's approach of allegedly using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to coerce corrupt leaders into joining the party. He pointed to the specific example of Ajit Pawar, who was accused by Modi of involvement in a ₹70,000 crore scam in June 2023. Despite this, Pawar joined the BJP just five days later and was appointed Deputy Chief Minister, prompting Kejriwal to question the lack of shame in such actions.
Kejriwal also cited the case of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was accused of corruption by the BJP in Assam in July 2015, but joined the party within a month. He sarcastically referred to these leaders as 'jewels' of honesty, implying that their induction into the BJP is a reflection of the party's ethical standards.
Kejriwal's accusations come at a time when he has recently resigned as Chief Minister following his indictment in a corruption case related to the Delhi liquor scam. The CBI filed the case, and Kejriwal was granted bail. His successor, Atishi, has since taken over as the Chief Minister of Delhi.
Kejriwal's attack on the BJP, particularly focusing on the RSS and its alleged complicity in the party's actions, is likely to intensify the political rivalry between the AAP and the BJP. This episode further highlights the ongoing debate surrounding corruption and ethical practices in Indian politics.