Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 2: Fresh from his discharge in the alleged excise policy case, former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday addressed a massive gathering of party workers in the national capital, marking his first public rally since the court relief.
Kejriwal, along with former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and 21 others, was recently discharged in the CBI case linked to the alleged liquor policy “scam”.
Addressing supporters who arrived from Delhi, Punjab and Goa, Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on the BJP and asserted that the ruling party’s “countdown” had begun.
“Hundred and forty crore Indians will unite to uproot the dictatorial government from the country. Aaj ke din se BJP ki ulti ginti shuru ho gayi hai,” he said, adding that while BJP leaders may indulge in power politics, AAP would continue to work for the people.
The AAP chief challenged the Centre to scrutinise any file signed by him. “The government can open any file that I had signed and show me if there is any corruption. My arrest was meant to send out a message that anyone who works honestly will meet the same fate as Kejriwal. I love my India,” he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kejriwal said both leaders had repeatedly accused him of corruption, but the judge termed him “kattar imaandaar”.
Alleging that AAP ministers were jailed to weaken the party, he claimed Delhi’s condition had deteriorated over the past year. “In just one year, they have ruined Delhi — roads are damaged, water is contaminated, schools have been shut, AQI is poor and there are prolonged power cuts,” he alleged. He further accused the present Delhi government of failing to fulfil its poll promise of providing Rs 2,500 to women.
The rally witnessed the participation of thousands of bus marshals, nurses, doctors, pharmacists allegedly removed from mohalla clinics, and DTC contractual drivers who lost their jobs.
Targeting the BJP-led Centre, Kejriwal said people had voted it to power in 2014 out of frustration with the Congress. “It has been 12 years since Modi ji came to power. What has changed? Education, employment — all sectors have been destroyed,” he claimed, adding that while other countries had reached the Moon, India was still grappling with basic civic issues.
Speaking on the occasion, Sisodia accused the Central government of harming farmers’ interests by allegedly bowing to pressure from US President Donald Trump on tariff issues.
“We want a prime minister who speaks about schools, employment, traders and health. Kejriwal, tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhaare saath hai,” Sisodia said amid loud cheers from party workers.