New Delhi:
As the Delhi Assembly elections draw near, the political landscape in the capital is heating up with a bitter exchange between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal. Gandhi’s recent criticism of Kejriwal’s unfulfilled promises has sparked a significant rift between the two leaders, highlighting the deepening divisions within the opposition alliance.
Gandhi, during a public rally in Seelampur, lambasted Kejriwal for failing to deliver on his 2019 pledge to transform Delhi into a city as clean and vibrant as Tokyo, London, and Paris. Instead, Gandhi pointed out that Delhi is plagued by rising pollution, corruption, and inflation. He walked through an area in northwest Delhi, showcasing the filthy conditions, overflowing drains, and garbage-covered streets, sarcastically remarking, “This is Kejriwal’s ‘shining’ Delhi – Paris-like Delhi.”
Kejriwal was quick to respond, accusing Gandhi of abusing him and differing in their objectives. Kejriwal stated that while Gandhi’s fight is to save the Congress, his own fight is to save the country. This exchange underscores the escalating tensions between AAP and Congress, despite both parties being part of the INDIA bloc.
Gandhi’s attack on Kejriwal is part of a broader critique of the AAP government’s performance. He accused Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making false promises and ignoring critical issues such as pollution, corruption, and inflation. Gandhi emphasized that Kejriwal’s promises of a clean Delhi have turned out to be hollow, with the city now struggling with severe environmental and economic challenges.
Kejriwal’s response avoided direct engagement with Gandhi’s criticisms, instead focusing on his commitment to the country’s welfare. However, Gandhi continued to press his points, highlighting Kejriwal’s and Modi’s silence on a nationwide caste census and their neglect of the needs of minorities and backward communities.
The AAP and Congress are contesting the Delhi Assembly elections independently, a result of their failed alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. This split has isolated the Congress, with other INDIA bloc parties such as the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Samajwadi Party extending their support to AAP.
The Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5 with vote counting on February 8, will see a three-pronged race between AAP, BJP, and Congress. The BJP, riding high on recent poll victories in Haryana and Maharashtra, is also a strong contender.
Gandhi has been emphasizing the achievements of the past Congress government in Delhi, led by Sheila Dikshit, whose 15-year rule was marked by significant development. He promised to return Delhi to its former glory if the Congress is elected, highlighting the party’s commitment to cleanliness, development, and social welfare.
In contrast, Kejriwal’s AAP is facing criticism for its handling of civic issues, including pollution, dilapidated roads, and choked sewers. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for AAP’s national ambitions and the BJP’s continued dominance.
