New Delhi, Jan 29: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticisms of AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday, accusing the former Delhi chief minister of opposing reservations and being against Dalits, backward classes, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged.
Speaking at an election rally in Bawana, Gandhi asserted that neither he nor his party fear Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming, “the PM is afraid of the Congress.”
Continuing his critique, Gandhi referred to Kejriwal’s ‘sheesh mahal’ criticism for the second consecutive day, highlighting the alleged “biggest scam” in Delhi that occurred during Kejriwal’s administration despite his claims of promoting clean governance.
He challenged Kejriwal to follow through on his promise to bathe in and drink from the Yamuna River, suggesting that the latter has failed to do so despite making such statements previously.
Gandhi stated that both Modi and Kejriwal oppose reservations and deny support to Dalits, minorities, backward classes, and the poor. He challenged Kejriwal to commit to conducting a caste survey and to violating the 50% cap on reservations, contending that he will not do so because he does not represent the interests of these communities. “During the riots, where was he? Did he stand with you?” Gandhi asked, addressing Kejriwal directly.
Focusing his attacks on Kejriwal, Gandhi remarked on his past image of traveling in a small car with a muffler, claiming that his promises of clean politics are contradicted by the corruption within his party. Gandhi alleged, “He (Kejriwal) ran a corrupt government. Modi ji lies in his speeches, and just like him, Kejriwal does the same. Five years ago, he claimed he would bathe in the Yamuna and drink its water. Five years later, he still hasn’t done it. While you drink from polluted water, Kejriwal lives in a lavish ‘sheesh mahal’ and deceives you,” the former Congress president stated.
He reiterated his commitment to conducting a caste census if Congress takes power in Delhi: “When our government is in place, we will carry out a caste census and challenge the 50% reservation cap. I ask Kejriwal if he will support removing this cap. Both Kejriwal and Modi are against reservations and are opposed to Dalits, minorities, backward classes, and the poor,” Gandhi asserted.
The Congress leader guaranteed that Kejriwal would not commit to overturning the 50% cap on reservations, likening him to Modi.
Gandhi also criticized the media, accusing it of focusing on superficial topics while ignoring significant issues, stating, “Instead of highlighting real concerns, the media only showcases Ambani’s wedding, Modi’s image, and spreads messages of hatred incessantly.”
He accused the Modi government of fostering division among different religions, castes, and languages and claimed it has written off loans amounting to Rs 16 lakh crore for billionaires like Adani and Ambani. Gandhi further stated that under both Modi’s and Kejriwal’s administrations, citizens are unlikely to find employment.
He emphasized that Congress stands for an ideology and does not indulge in false promises, saying, “We must spread love in Modi’s market of hatred.”
Gandhi challenged anyone to find a lie in his previous speeches, stating that they would not succeed. He had fired similar accusations at Kejriwal the day prior during rallies in Patparganj and Okhla, pointing out that the most significant “liquor scam” transpired under Kejriwal’s leadership while he was preoccupied with ‘sheesh mahal politics’. The BJP has frequently utilized the ‘sheesh mahal’ criticism, linking it to allegations of corruption related to the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence during his tenure as chief minister.
Although Congress and AAP are part of the INDIA bloc and collaborated in the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, they are campaigning separately for the upcoming assembly elections on February 5. (PTI)
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