Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Aam Aadmi Party leaders during a public meeting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on September 22, 2024.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, following his resignation amid corruption allegations, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22, 2024, during a public meeting at Jantar Mantar. He questioned the RSS regarding the BJP’s strategy of using Central agencies to destabilize opposition parties and the inclusion of “corrupt” leaders in their ranks.
In his inaugural ‘Janta ki Adalat’ event after leaving office, Mr. Kejriwal presented five pointed questions to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, notably asking if the BJP’s retirement age rule applied to Modi.
He further challenged Bhagwat on the BJP’s practice of labeling politicians as “corrupt” before welcoming them into the party.
Mr. Kejriwal also referred to comments made by BJP chief J.P. Nadda about the party’s independence from the RSS, questioning Bhagwat’s response to those remarks.
Released on bail from Tihar jail on September 13 after five months related to the excise policy investigation, Mr. Kejriwal emphasized his commitment to serving the nation rather than seeking power.
“I’ve received nothing but love in the past decade; that’s why people are offering me their homes. I will vacate the CM residence when Navratras commence and live among you,” he stated.
The former chief minister expressed that the corruption accusations deeply affected him, asserting that he had gained respect rather than wealth over his tenure.
Picking a notable point against Prime Minister Modi, Mr. Kejriwal referenced a party norm mandating leadership retirement at age 75, questioning whether this rule would also apply to Modi.
“There was a rule in BJP that leaders should retire at 75 years. Will this not apply to PM Modi?” he asked.
Mr. Kejriwal characterized the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections as an “agni pariksha,” urging constituents to refrain from voting for him if they perceived dishonesty.
The AAP leader confirmed plans to relocate from the chief minister’s official residence post the “shraddh” period during Navratri, in response to public support that has been extended to him.
Published – September 22, 2024 01:31 pm IST
