Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on Sunday urged the people of Delhi to choose between the ‘Kejriwal model’ and the ‘BJP model’ as the city heads toward a crucial assembly election. During a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP-led central government had waived off debts totaling ₹10 lakh crore for approximately 400-500 people in the last five years.“
The people of Delhi have two models to choose from,” Kejriwal said. “The first is the Kejriwal model, where public money is spent on public welfare. The second is the BJP model, where public funds go into the pockets of their rich friends. Now, the people must decide which model they want.”
He also emphasized that under the AAP-led Delhi government, citizens are receiving benefits worth up to ₹25,000 per month, highlighting his party’s focus on public welfare. Kejriwal warned that if the BJP were to come to power, they would halt all such schemes, claiming it goes against their model.
The remarks come as the Delhi assembly elections approach. Voting will take place on February 5, with results set to be declared on February 8. The AAP is aiming for a third consecutive term, with the BJP and Congress both vying to break its dominance in the capital. Delhi has 70 assembly seats, with 36 needed for a majority.
The campaigning has been intense, with clashes over key issues. The latest controversy involved BJP candidate Parvesh Verma, who immersed an effigy of Kejriwal in the polluted Yamuna River, accusing the Delhi chief minister of failing to deliver on his promise to clean the river. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar hit back, accusing Verma of attempting to gain publicity through such antics.
In response to Kejriwal’s statements, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Delhi chief minister. Shah accused Kejriwal of misusing public money allocated for hospitals, schools, and the Yamuna cleaning project, suggesting it was squandered in scams. He also criticized Kejriwal for promising a corruption-free government while allegedly being involved in the liquor scam.
Shah further alleged that Kejriwal had failed to fulfill his promise of shutting down liquor shops in residential areas and instead allowed them to operate near schools and religious sites. “Prime Minister Modi acted firmly, putting Kejriwal and his ministers behind bars,” Shah claimed. He also referenced Kejriwal’s unfulfilled promise to clean the Yamuna, mocking the AAP chief for not following through on his commitments.
With just days to go before the election, Delhi’s political landscape remains heated, with both parties gearing up for a tough contest.
