Congress Launches Scathing Attack On Kejriwal For Opposing Centre's Ordinance

The Congress party has intensified its criticism of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over their opposition to the services ordinance introduced by the central government.

Congress leader Ajay Maken accused Kejriwal of disregarding the nation's interests and engaging with Khalistani supporters. The Congress leader also highlighted instances where Kejriwal aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on various issues, questioning his commitment to the country.

''How are they asking for Congress' support? He (Arvind Kejriwal) with support of BJP passed a motion to take back Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. He supported the BJP in the J&K Article 370 issue. He supported BJP during the impeachment of Justice Deepak Mishra. A person who doesn't think about the nation, talks to Khalistani supporters...,'' Maken said.

Echoing the sentiment, another Congress leader, Sandeep Dikshit, strongly condemned Kejriwal's governance in Delhi, labeling it as "atrocious, thoroughly dishonest, and corrupt." Dikshit emphasized that supporting the AAP would require compromising the Congress party's principles and constitutional understanding. He urged his party to refrain from extending any support to the AAP for the sake of the people of Delhi.

The recent controversy stems from the Centre's introduction of an ordinance to establish the National Capital Civil Service Authority, granting it the power to recommend transfers and postings of Group A officers and officers from various services. These services include those serving in Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (Civil Services). The ordinance was brought forth shortly after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Kejriwal-led administration on the matter.

Previously, the Congress party criticized Kejriwal, suggesting that he should follow the approach of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who engaged with officers respectfully and prioritized dialogue instead of mistreatment, thereby motivating them to work for the city's progress.

In response to the ordinance, Kejriwal has been reaching out to opposition leaders to garner support in the Rajya Sabha. He recently met with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who announced Trinamool Congress' support against the ordinance. Kejriwal has scheduled meetings with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, and has already received backing from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during their recent meeting.

The political clash between the Congress party and Kejriwal's AAP over the opposition to the services ordinance continues to escalate, with the fate of the ordinance now hinging on the support and stance of various opposition parties.