Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, has escalated his criticisms of the Congress Party, particularly accusing its leaders of aiding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by failing to challenge them adequately. With Delhi's assembly elections scheduled for February 5, 2025, Kejriwal is actively courting Congress supporters, urging them to reconsider their loyalty to the party he claims is working against their interests.
During his remarks, Kejriwal expressed concerns about Congress supporters feeling trapped by their party’s current state. "I asked them why would they vote for Congress when there is nothing left of them in Delhi... They said the Congress isn't the same anymore now," he recounted. Echoing sentiments relayed to him by supporters, Kejriwal pointed out their frustration with Congress leadership, describing it as chaotic and ineffective.
He emphasized, "If they voted for Congress, they would benefit the BJP," alerting voters about what he perceives as the underhanded tactics of Congress leaders. Kejriwal also criticized Congress for neglecting to criticize the BJP, remarking on their apparent strategy to undermine AAP. This commentary showcases Kejriwal's strategy of securing votes by highlighting the inter-party dynamics and presenting AAP as the only viable choice against the BJP.
The Congress party, embroiled in its own controversies, has not held back its criticisms of Kejriwal. Rahul Gandhi challenged him to drink Yamuna water, referencing Kejriwal’s past pledge to clean the river, which remains heavily polluted. "Kejriwal made Delhi people drink dirty Yamuna water; I challenge him to drink Yamuna water as promised..."
Gandhi's admonitions come amid the backdrop of consistent pollution issues affecting the Yamuna, sparking public dissatisfaction and government scrutiny.
Adding to the political heatedness, Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken accused Kejriwal of laying the groundwork for corruption claims against his party. According to Maken, "The Delhi CM made his party on the basis of fighting corruption... Today, there are 14 CAG reports making serious corruption allegations against Arvind Kejriwal." He cites specific allegations of financial discrepancies related to healthcare costs, implying hypocrisy on the AAP’s part.
This mutual mudslinging has intensified as AAP and Congress, erstwhile allies under the INDIA bloc, have decided to contest the Delhi elections separately—a development indicative of deepening divides within the opposition coalition. Kejriwal's recent criticisms stem from conversations with constituents, wherein he shared their sentiments about Congress’s disarray and the ineffective leadership of their party.
Supporters reported how Congress's attempts to regain footing have often felt undermined by internal conflicts, citing the difficult situation for Congress supporters who aim for electoral success but perceive a losing battle with the current leadership. "The more support you give Congress, the more it seems they are fighting against you," some of Kejriwal’s constituents expressed. This articulation fits Kejriwal’s narrative, portraying AAP as decisive, functional, and genuinely thwarted by the Congress party’s alleged cooperation with the BJP.
The political climate remains tense, with both parties emphasizing their attributes to attract voters. Kejriwal punctuated his remarks with urgency, illustrating the tangible consequences of electing Congress: the potential rollback of welfare programs initiated under AAP’s governance, such as free drinking water, electricity, and access to health services.
He reasoned, "If Congress enters, the BJP will come to power and ruin the schools, stop free electricity and water, close the Mohalla Clinics... Where will you get the money?" This message aims to resonate with his audience, integrating fiscal practicality with political allegiance.
Meanwhile, as the political scene heats up, the BJP continues to leverage the period leading up to the elections to criticize AAP's handling of Delhi's issues, particularly pollution levels and corruption. Sudhanshu Trivedi, BJP's spokesperson, has taken the opportunity to undermine Kejriwal’s credibility, stating, "He ran a corrupt government. Modi ji lies... just like him, Kejriwal does the same."
While Trivedi’s comments are defensive posturing, they reflect the overarching strategy of the BJP who continually seeks to exploit AAP's vulnerabilities with the impending elections.
With the elections closing in, the rivalry between AAP and Congress intensifies, presenting voters with distinct choices. The question remains: Will Kejriwal’s appeals to Congress supporters resonate, or will Gandhi’s challenges to his governance undermine AAP’s electoral strategy? Only time will tell as the political atmosphere becomes increasingly charged.