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Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister, has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of spreading misinformation about freebies and their own plans for privatization. In a public meeting dubbed 'Janta ki Adalat' (public court), Kejriwal presented his own version of the freebie debate, emphasizing his government's commitment to providing free education, healthcare, and transportation to Delhi's residents. He also took the opportunity to reiterate his demands for full statehood for Delhi and early assembly elections.
Kejriwal countered Modi's criticism of freebies, claiming that his government's programs, such as free electricity, water, education, and healthcare, were not 'revri' (freebies) but essential services for the welfare of the people. He highlighted the social benefits these initiatives provided, particularly for women and children, and framed them as an act of familial care. To bolster his point, he distributed packets of six revri (sweets) to the audience, each revri representing a different free scheme provided by his government, and announced the upcoming addition of a seventh scheme – a direct cash transfer of Rs 1,000 to women in Delhi.
Kejriwal's attack on the BJP extended beyond the 'freebie' debate. He accused the BJP of planning to privatize public services, including public transport, water supply, education, and healthcare, should they come to power in Delhi. This, he argued, would ultimately lead to the removal of the freebies he had introduced. Furthermore, he asserted that the BJP's approach to elections was focused on familial ties and nepotism, while the AAP prioritized public service and represented the aspirations of the common people.
Beyond his criticism of the BJP, Kejriwal pressed for a change in the political landscape of Delhi. He demanded full statehood for the national capital, arguing that Delhi, unlike other states, lacked the autonomy to make decisions about its own governance. He also called for early assembly elections in Delhi, along with Maharashtra and Jharkhand, expressing confidence in the AAP's ability to win these elections.
The meeting witnessed heated rhetoric from Kejriwal, who condemned the actions of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena, accusing him of hindering Delhi's development and defying the will of the people. He highlighted the role of freedom fighters in securing India's independence and questioned whether they had fought for a system where the L-G held unchecked power. This sentiment resonated with the AAP's broader campaign for greater autonomy for Delhi.
Kejriwal also used the platform to address concerns about the city's infrastructure and services. He assured the audience that repairs on roads had commenced and that sewer cleaning would soon follow. He also pledged to reinstate the jobs of bus marshals, highlighting his commitment to addressing the grievances of the people. The meeting concluded with a strong call for democratic governance in Delhi and a pledge to fight for the rights of the people, setting the stage for a heated political battle in the lead-up to the 2024 assembly elections.