Kejriwal Accuses BJP of Stealing 10 Elected State Governments Through ED and CBI Misuse

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing central agencies to overthrow 10 state governments. Speaking in the Delhi assembly, he claimed that from March 2016 to March 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attempted to destabilise 13 state governments on 15 occasions, succeeding in 10 instances. Kejriwal described these actions as theft rather than legitimate political manoeuvres.

He further alleged that politicians like Ajit Pawar, Pratap Sarnaik, and Hasan Mushrif faced corruption charges that were dropped once they joined or supported the BJP. Kejriwal criticised the BJP's relationship with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), questioning what RSS members receive in return for their lifelong dedication to its ideology. "I pity the RSS people. They have given their whole lives to the RSS but they do not get tickets. Now the RSS people only spread the mats, sometimes for the BJP and sometimes for the leaders from the NCP and the Shiv Sena," Kejriwal stated.

Allegations Against BJP

Kejriwal mentioned writing a letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, questioning whether he agrees with BJP's inclusion of leaders previously labelled corrupt by Modi and Amit Shah. He asked if BJP members feel any shame over this. Criticising Modi, Kejriwal claimed that the prime minister has gathered 25 'nagine' precious stones from various parties, including Ajit Pawar, Hemant Biswa Sarma, Praful Patel, Pratap Sarnaik, Hasan Mushrif, Bhagwna Gavali, Shubhendu Adhikari, and Navin Jindal.

Manish Sisodia, former deputy chief minister of Delhi, spoke after spending 19 months in jail. He expressed gratitude for India's rule of law, suggesting he would have remained imprisoned under BJP rule. "Am I a terrorist or a drug mafia? Is Arvind Kejriwal a terrorist or a drug mafia?" he questioned. Sisodia accused the BJP of filing 50 cases against Kejriwal and 12 against him and other leaders using investigative agencies. He predicted these cases would be dismissed and demanded an apology from BJP for misusing agencies like ED and CBI.

AAP's Governance Model

Atishi addressed the assembly for the first time as Delhi's chief minister, praising Kejriwal's integrity and governance. She highlighted his initiatives like free electricity and water, quality schools and hospitals, free bus travel for women, and pilgrimage facilities for seniors while maintaining a budget surplus. "This happened because Kejriwal is extremely honest and knows how to work," she added.

She criticised BJP's governance in 22 states for failing to provide similar benefits while running budget deficits. Atishi argued that BJP couldn't replicate AAP's success in education and healthcare elsewhere, leading them to file false cases through ED and CBI to tarnish Kejriwal's reputation.

The allegations raised by AAP leaders reflect ongoing tensions between political parties over governance practices and use of investigative agencies. The accusations highlight differing approaches to governance and accountability within India's political landscape.