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Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his first public address after stepping down as Delhi CM. In a 'Janta ki Adalat' meeting at Jantar Mantar, Kejriwal posed a series of pointed questions to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, accusing the BJP of using central investigative agencies to target opposition parties and leaders.
Kejriwal questioned the RSS's stance on the BJP's alleged practice of using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to topple opposition governments and intimidate political rivals. He asserted that this practice was detrimental to Indian democracy and questioned whether the RSS supported such tactics. Further, he expressed his disapproval of the BJP's alleged practice of inducting 'most corrupt' leaders into the party, asking Bhagwat if he had ever advised PM Modi against such moves, considering the BJP's origins within the RSS.
Kejriwal also highlighted the BJP's policy of retiring leaders after the age of 75, citing the cases of LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. However, he pointed out that this rule seems to have been conveniently ignored in the case of PM Modi, who will turn 75 next year. This discrepancy, Kejriwal suggested, raises questions about the BJP's commitment to its own rules and whether PM Modi is being given special treatment.
Beyond his pointed questions to the RSS chief, Kejriwal also accused the BJP and PM Modi of orchestrating a smear campaign against him and his party leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh. He alleged that false allegations of corruption were being levelled against them to tarnish their reputations and damage the AAP's image. Kejriwal maintained that he entered politics with the sole purpose of serving the country and people honestly, and his actions have consistently reflected this commitment.
He defended his resignation as CM after being granted bail in the excise policy case, citing the unfair accusations against him and the need to maintain his integrity. Kejriwal stated that he would not sit on the CM seat until he receives a clean chit from the public, highlighting his unwavering commitment to honesty and transparency. He announced his decision to vacate the CM residence after the Navaratri festival and live among the people, seeking their support and validation in the upcoming Delhi elections.
Kejriwal described the upcoming polls as a crucial test, an 'agni pariksha,' where the people would decide his and AAP's fate. He appealed to the people to vote for him and the AAP if they believed in their honesty and commitment to good governance. This event marked a shift in Kejriwal's approach, moving away from a purely political strategy to a more direct engagement with the people, seeking their judgment on his integrity and the party's record.