In a sharp rebuttal to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) claims, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has denied that he would contest the upcoming Delhi assembly elections from two constituencies. The BJP had alleged that Kejriwal was planning to fight from both New Delhi and another “safe” seat to secure his position. Kejriwal, however, clarified that he would only contest from one seat—New Delhi—during a press conference on Thursday, dismissing all such rumors.
“I will only contest from one seat,” Kejriwal said, addressing the media and setting the record straight on the speculations surrounding his electoral plans.
This clarification came amidst a war of words between the AAP and BJP as Delhi approaches the February 5 elections. BJP leader Parvesh Verma, who is the party’s candidate from New Delhi, criticized Kejriwal for seeking alliances due to the perceived decline in AAP’s popularity. According to Verma, Kejriwal’s actions indicated a growing sense of insecurity about his political standing in the capital, where the BJP has traditionally been a dominant force. Verma, known for his sharp remarks, claimed that Kejriwal was “nervous” because he understood that the BJP was poised to win in the upcoming elections.
Verma, in his criticism, also alluded to the broader political dynamics of the opposition, stating, “Other parties in the INDIA alliance have no presence in Delhi, and Kejriwal is worried because he’s losing support. That’s why he’s turning to these parties for help.” He added that the BJP would “definitely form the government” in Delhi, underscoring his confidence in the BJP’s prospects.
The BJP’s criticism comes on the heels of Kejriwal’s announcement on Wednesday that the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, had pledged its support to AAP ahead of the Delhi elections. While this move was seen by many as a boost for AAP, Verma dismissed it, calling the INDIA alliance—a coalition of opposition parties—a “failing entity.” He pointed out that after their defeat in Maharashtra, members of the alliance had started accusing each other of mismanagement and blame games.
“The INDIA alliance is falling apart,” Verma stated, citing the post-election turmoil within the opposition parties in Maharashtra. He accused the remaining members of the alliance of being corrupt and asserted that these were individuals whom Kejriwal had previously criticized. “Delhi sees through his attempts to ally with those he once opposed,” Verma added, further questioning the sincerity of Kejriwal’s political alliances.
Kejriwal’s announcement of TMC’s support has been seen as a strategic move by AAP to bolster its position ahead of the elections. While this alliance could help AAP expand its political base, it has also attracted significant criticism from political opponents like the BJP. The TMC’s support to AAP is seen as a notable development in the run-up to the Delhi assembly polls, signaling the potential for cross-party collaborations in the national capital.
Despite these political tussles, Kejriwal remains focused on the upcoming elections, stating his intentions clearly and continuing to push forward with his campaign. The AAP, which has governed Delhi for two consecutive terms, will face strong competition from the BJP, which is determined to wrest control of the capital from the ruling party.
As Delhi gears up for the assembly elections, the stakes are high for both the AAP and BJP. The political atmosphere in the capital is charged with accusations, counterclaims, and intense campaigning. Whether Kejriwal’s strategy of forging alliances will succeed, or whether the BJP will prove victorious, remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the upcoming elections will be a battle for political supremacy in one of India’s most significant states.
BY – KARTIK
