 |
|
In a fiery political address, Delhi's former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), challenging the ruling party to replicate Delhi's free services model across the nation. Kejriwal, who has been a vocal critic of the BJP, characterized the party's policies as detrimental to the people's welfare, highlighting issues of inflation, unemployment, and corruption. He asserted that the BJP's 'double engine' governance, referring to simultaneous rule at the state and central levels, had lost its steam, pointing to recent electoral defeats in various states as evidence of its waning popularity.
Kejriwal's central argument revolved around the concept of 'revri,' a term used by the BJP to criticize freebies offered by opposition parties. He countered this by presenting Delhi's subsidized services, such as free electricity, water, bus rides for women, and pilgrimage support for the elderly, as 'revri' for the people. In a symbolic gesture, Kejriwal distributed packets of 'revri' to the rally attendees, each containing six pieces representing the various free services offered by the AAP government. His message was clear: he believed that providing essential services to the people was not a handout but a necessary investment in their well-being.
Kejriwal directly challenged Modi to implement a free electricity scheme in all 22 states governed by the NDA, stating that he would campaign for Modi in the Delhi Assembly polls if the prime minister fulfilled this condition. This bold move was aimed at putting pressure on the BJP to adopt policies that prioritized public welfare, a key plank of the AAP's political strategy. Furthermore, he dared the BJP to hold the Delhi Assembly elections simultaneously with the Jharkhand and Maharashtra polls in November, indicating the AAP's confidence in its electoral prospects. This political maneuver showcased Kejriwal's strategic approach to capitalizing on the BJP's perceived weaknesses and positioning the AAP as a viable alternative.
Kejriwal also used the occasion to address the ongoing tussle with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG), V K Saxena, over governance issues. He accused the LG of hindering the functioning of the Delhi government and undermining democratic processes. He pledged to fight for full statehood for Delhi, arguing that the city's residents deserved a more autonomous government free from undue interference. This issue has been a source of tension between the AAP and the BJP, highlighting the political complexities and challenges surrounding Delhi's administrative structure.
Kejriwal's speech was marked by a sense of defiance and confidence, reflecting his conviction that the AAP was gaining momentum and could become a formidable force in Indian politics. He sought to present the AAP as a party committed to the people's welfare, offering a stark contrast to the BJP's perceived focus on economic growth at the expense of social justice. This rhetorical strategy aimed to capture the attention of voters who are dissatisfied with the current political climate, particularly those struggling with economic hardships and seeking social upliftment.
The rally served as a platform for the AAP to showcase its achievements in Delhi and outline its vision for the future. The party's emphasis on providing free services, improving public infrastructure, and promoting social justice resonated with its core constituency and projected a sense of hope for a better future. As the next Delhi Assembly polls approach, the AAP seems poised to mount a strong challenge to the BJP, aiming to capitalize on public discontent and present itself as a viable alternative in the political landscape.
Source: Kejriwal touts Delhi's 'revri' , dares PM to provide free electricity in NDA-ruled states