Rahul Gandhi Attacks Arvind Kejriwal, Highlights Liquor Scam, Sheeshmahal In Patparganj Rally

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal, calling him the "architect of the liquor scam." This criticism highlights the rift between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), both part of the INDIA opposition bloc. Gandhi's remarks came during a rally in Delhi's Patparganj, ahead of an election that could impact Kejriwal's political standing.

Gandhi's presence in Patparganj is notable as it is the constituency of Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal's former deputy. Both Kejriwal and Sisodia were arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on corruption charges but were later released on bail by the Supreme Court last year. Gandhi criticised Kejriwal for failing to support Delhi's poor during crises, such as the 2020 riots.

Political Tensions Rise

The Congress leader also referenced allegations that AAP spent Rs 45 crore renovating the Chief Minister's bungalow, dubbing it a 'sheeshmahal.' He compared this to his own experience of vacating his MP bungalow after suspension. "I was thrown out of my house by Modiji... and I handed them (the BJP) the keys and said you can keep it. But Kejriwalji stays in a 'sheeshmahal'," he stated.

Despite expectations for Congress and AAP to contest together in Delhi, tensions have persisted since failed seat-sharing talks for Haryana elections. The two parties previously allied to keep BJP out of power after the 2013 election but parted ways two years later, leading to a mid-term election dominated by AAP.

Upcoming Elections

Delhi will hold elections for its 70 Assembly seats on February 5, with results announced three days later. In previous elections, AAP secured significant victories over BJP and Congress, winning 67 and 62 seats respectively. However, this time they face a formidable challenge from BJP.

The rivalry has intensified with Congress targeting Kejriwal over claims that BJP mixed "poison" in Yamuna water supplied by Haryana's saffron party-ruled government. The fallout from failed talks in Haryana and disputes over seat-sharing for federal elections led both parties to declare separate contests.