Mumbai, Feb 8: On Saturday, as the BJP aimed to regain control of the Delhi power dynamics after over 26 years, activist Anna Hazare, who once served as a guide to Arvind Kejriwal, criticized the AAP for “drowning” due to its liquor policy and reliance on financial gain.
In a pointed remark aimed at Kejriwal, the anti-corruption activist emphasized the importance of a candidate’s integrity, stating that they should embody the spirit of sacrifice.
The Aam Aadmi Party, which emerged from Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, is falling behind the Bharatiya Janata Party as the vote counting progresses for the 70-member Delhi assembly elections that occurred earlier this week.
Results from the Election Commission indicated the BJP leading in 48 seats while the AAP is holding only 22.
AAP veteran and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia acknowledged defeat from Jangpura, while party leader Arvind Kejriwal was facing a potential loss from the New Delhi constituency.
“The liquor policy brought in money, which led to their downfall. The (AAP’s) reputation suffered. People witnessed Kejriwal discussing integrity and then the liquor matter,” Hazare, who spearheaded the anti-corruption campaign in 2011, informed reporters in Ralegan Siddhi village.
He further remarked that the AAP’s defeat stemmed from its lack of understanding regarding the necessity of selfless service to the public and veering off the right path.
“Money became a priority, severely damaging AAP’s reputation, and ultimately contributing to their defeat,” he commented.
Hazare and Kejriwal parted ways when the latter established the AAP in 2012.
As per the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED, there were irregularities in revising the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22, with inappropriate favors granted to license holders.
The Delhi government enacted the policy on November 17, 2021, only to retract it by the end of September 2022 amid corruption allegations.
Hazare mentioned he distanced himself from politics when the AAP was formed.
“I have consistently stated that a candidate should possess a clean, untarnished character when running for election. They need to understand the principles of sacrifice and be able to endure insults.
“Such traits (in candidates) earn public trust as people believe the candidate will genuinely work for their welfare. I kept reiterating this, but they (the AAP) failed to grasp it,” he remarked.
Hazare added that when allegations arise, it is essential to clarify to the public that these charges are unfounded. (Agencies)
