The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its criticism of opposition parties, accusing them of misusing their power and failing to act responsibly on pressing societal issues. This critique was most apparent during recent statements surrounding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Congress.
On Tuesday, the BJP targeted AAP for allegedly aiding illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants to settle in Delhi, branding these groups as AAP's vote bank. Former BJP MP Parvesh Verma claimed, "We all know they do not vote for the BJP... they are AAP's vote bank," accusing AAP leaders of providing official documents and support to these populations to secure their votes during elections. Verma is contesting the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls from the New Delhi constituency, highlighting what he perceived as concentrations of illegal immigrants.
Meanwhile, AAP's chief, Arvind Kejriwal, responded to these allegations without directly naming the BJP, accusing them of attempting to buy votes openly. He remarked, "They have started buying votes in my constituency. Openly giving Rs 1,000 cash per vote." This claim reflects the heightened tensions and fierce campaigning as parties gear up for the election.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva also weighed in, asserting Kejriwal's agitation stemmed from the BJP's demands for investigations concerning illegal immigrant voters, portraying these immigrants as potentially pivotal to AAP's previous electoral successes.
Moving to Bihar, the BJP's criticisms continued as State President Dilip Jaiswal lambasted RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for his pledge to provide financial support to women through his proposed ‘Mai-Behan Maan Yojana’. Jaiswal questioned the feasibility of Yadav's promise of Rs 2,500 per month, sarcastically asking if the funding would come from Yadav's father’s wealth. "Only the Bharatiya Janata Party has the credibility and capability to deliver on promises," Jaiswal declared during a welcome event for new supporters, dismissing RJD’s efforts as mere rhetoric without substantial backing.
Yadav had previously announced providing 200 units of free electricity and emphasized the need for substantial welfare measures if his party wins the 2025 Assembly elections. Jaiswal's broadside criticized the past track record of RJD pertaining to women's welfare, hinting at the failures during Lalu Prasad Yadav's administration.
Further exemplifying the BJP's strategy to undermine opposition promises, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed severe accusations at Congress for allegedly insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He contended Congress had historically neglected the contributions and rights of marginalized communities. "Despite Congress' long tenure, why Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar was never awarded the Bharat Ratna," Sharma questioned during a press conference, invoking Ambedkar's legacy.
Sharma elaborated on the Congress's purported failure to build memorials for Ambedkar, contrasting it with the numerous honors lavished upon leaders from the Nehru-Gandhi family. He insisted, "Congress should not have invoked Baba Saheb’s name for political gain," underlining the hypocrisy he perceives within the party.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also joined the fray, extending the party's criticism to the Congress-led INDIA bloc, alleging systemic neglect of marginalized rights across generations, stating, "Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and now Rahul Gandhi have failed to address the issues faced by Dalits, Scheduled Tribes, and other deprived communities." He emphasized the notion of accountability, asserting, "The people will never forgive the sins they have committed."
This strong rhetoric from BJP leaders serves to represent their continuing strategy to consolidate power by positioning themselves against the opposition. Amidst this growing political battleground, polling behaviors and public sentiment will likely play significant roles as parties prepare for pivotal electoral contests.
