Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared he would resign in two days, and BJP responded with a swift and sharp attack on the AAP leader on Sunday. BJP spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi demanded Kejriwal directly contest the assembly polls, recommending the dissolution of the legislative assembly under his rule. “Why now? What is the compulsion? Is there some internal conflict within the party?” Trivedi asked, adding that the act has taken politics to a new low.
Kejriwal’s decision came after the apex court ordered his release on bail in the general 2021-22 excise policy scandal. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would convene a session to decide on the new chief minister. Trivedi commented that Kejriwal is the first CM vilified by the Supreme Court, which is more relevant due to the AAP’s recent defeat at the polls.
Trivedi also faulted Kejriwal for what he considered arrogance in comparing his struggle to that of Bhagat Singh, among others, arguing that they were misrepresented. Such controversies were also fumed by BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva, who accused Kejriwal of misleading the public by pointing out mismanagement of issues ranging from sewage, increased electricity tariffs, and the dilution of publicly funded healthcare systems.
Sachdeva also accused Kejriwal’s administration of political exploitation of the education sector, including concerns about claimed degrading infrastructure in Delhi. He lampooned Kejriwal for being privileged with special treatment while behind the bar.
In reply, Kejriwal declared that he would accept only the post of chief minister if the people of Delhi endorse his honesty in the next assembly elections by voting before November, which is earlier than the anticipated date.
