Rahul Gandhi Slams Arvind Kejriwal: In a sharp attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi named the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader as the “architect of the liquor scam” and revisited the BJP’s notorious ‘sheeshmahal’ allegations. His remarks on Tuesday underscored the growing rift between the Congress and AAP, even though both parties technically remain part of the opposition alliance, INDIA.
Addressing a rally in Delhi’s Patparganj, a key constituency ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections, Rahul Gandhi aimed to weaken Kejriwal’s political standing, calling into question his commitment to clean politics and governance. Gandhi’s criticism comes at a time when Delhi’s political landscape is shifting, with Kejriwal seeking a third term as Chief Minister while battling mounting allegations of corruption.
Rahul Gandhi’s Attack on Kejriwal and Sisodia
Rahul Gandhi’s speech was laden with accusations and barbed comments aimed at both Arvind Kejriwal and his former Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, both of whom faced arrests by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of corruption. Although the Supreme Court granted them bail late last year, the allegations have left a cloud over their political credibility.
Speaking in Patparganj, a significant seat for the AAP in Delhi, Gandhi recalled how Kejriwal had once promised to bring “clean politics” and transform Delhi. However, Gandhi argued, when the people of Delhi needed him the most—especially during the 2020 violence—Kejriwal was absent.
In a scathing critique, Gandhi stated, “When the poor people of Delhi needed him, he was nowhere to be found. When there was violence in Delhi, he was nowhere to be seen.” He also addressed the widely discussed liquor scam in Delhi, claiming that under Kejriwal’s watch, the biggest liquor scam occurred in the city, accusing the AAP leader of failing to uphold the promises of transparency and clean governance.
Rahul Gandhi Slams Arvind Kejriwal
One of the most striking elements of Rahul Gandhi’s speech was his reference to the ‘sheeshmahal’ jab, a key part of the BJP’s narrative against Kejriwal. The BJP has criticized Kejriwal for allegedly spending Rs 45 crore to renovate his official residence during his tenure as Delhi Chief Minister, which they likened to a luxurious “sheeshmahal” or “palace.”
In response to this, Rahul Gandhi drew a stark comparison, bringing up his own experience when he was suspended as an MP. Gandhi stated, “I was thrown out of my house by (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji… and I handed them the keys and said you can keep it. But Kejriwalji stays in a ‘sheeshmahal.'” This direct comparison was meant to underline what Gandhi perceives as hypocrisy in Kejriwal’s conduct, claiming that while Kejriwal champions austerity and clean politics, his actions contradict his words.
Strained Relationship Between Congress and AAP
The tension between Congress and AAP has been simmering for years, especially since the failed alliance talks in Delhi. Despite efforts to continue working together as part of the INDIA opposition alliance, the relationship has been strained, with both parties often clashing over issues such as seat-sharing in elections.
In Delhi, the Congress and AAP were expected to contest the upcoming elections as allies, especially after their shared defeat in the Haryana elections. However, following disputes over seat-sharing in the 2024 national elections, the two parties decided to contest separately.
The disagreements between Congress and AAP have only intensified since then, with Congress accusing Kejriwal of making baseless claims, such as his allegations that the BJP mixed “poison” in the Yamuna water supplied to Delhi. These incidents have deepened the rift between the two parties, and now, as Delhi’s election looms, the rivalry is only becoming more pronounced.
Battle for Delhi: AAP Faces a Strong BJP Challenge
As Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats gear up for voting on February 5, the political temperature in the city is rising. The AAP, which has dominated the last two elections, faces a much tougher challenge this time, primarily from the BJP. The AAP had won 67 of the 70 seats in the 2020 Delhi elections, a decisive victory that cemented Kejriwal’s reputation as a strong leader in the region.
However, with the BJP ramping up its campaign and Union Home Minister Amit Shah confident of breaking Kejriwal’s winning streak, the 2025 Delhi election promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent years. The BJP, which has been in power at the national level for over a decade, is determined to end Kejriwal’s dominance and has already started targeting the AAP’s governance and policies.
EC Asks Kejriwal Proof Of Yamuna Poisoning: A Deep Dive into the Controversy
Conclusion: A Fierce Political Landscape Ahead
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Arvind Kejriwal, particularly his attack on the “sheeshmahal” and the liquor scam, reflect the growing rift between Congress and AAP despite their theoretical alliance. With the Delhi elections just around the corner, these political battles are intensifying, making it clear that the contest will be anything but easy for Kejriwal’s AAP.
As Delhi prepares to vote on February 5, the outcome will not only shape the future of Arvind Kejriwal’s political career but also influence the dynamics of the opposition alliance. With fierce battles both on the ground and in the media, the coming weeks are sure to bring even more intense confrontations between these major political players.
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