Rahul Gandhi Kejriwal attack has escalated the political tension in Delhi ahead of the Assembly elections, with the Congress leader accusing the AAP chief of failing to deliver on promises. Speaking at a public rally in Seelampur, Gandhi criticized Kejriwal for the state of pollution, corruption, and inflation in the national capital, questioning the progress of the promises made by the AAP government.
Rahul Gandhi’s Critique Of Kejriwal
At his rally, titled “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,” Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal, citing issues that have plagued Delhi under the AAP administration.
Key Points From Gandhi’s Speech:
- Unfulfilled Promises: Gandhi accused Kejriwal of failing to turn Delhi into the “Paris” he had promised, stating that pollution and inflation remain major issues.
- Corruption Allegations: Highlighting Kejriwal’s promise to eliminate corruption, Gandhi questioned whether the AAP government had achieved any meaningful results.
- Caste Census Demand: Gandhi criticized the AAP for remaining silent on the issue of a caste census, promising that the Congress would implement one if elected.
Gandhi also took the opportunity to promote the achievements of the Congress under Sheila Dikshit’s 15-year tenure, contrasting it with the current administration’s performance.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Response
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, Arvind Kejriwal refrained from retaliatory comments but emphasized the larger political narrative.
Kejriwal’s Reaction:
- Kejriwal stated, “While Rahul Gandhi is fighting to save the Congress, my fight is to save the country.”
- He chose not to directly address Gandhi’s accusations, maintaining focus on his administration’s welfare schemes and ongoing governance efforts.
Congress vs. AAP: A Fractured Alliance
Despite being part of the INDIA bloc at the national level, the Congress and AAP have decided to contest the Delhi Assembly elections independently.
Key Dynamics:
- The Congress has fielded Sandeep Dikshit, son of Sheila Dikshit, as a candidate against Kejriwal.
- The Congress has released a 12-point “white paper” criticizing both the AAP and BJP for their handling of issues like pollution, civic facilities, and law and order in Delhi.
- AAP has continued to emphasize its welfare schemes, such as free water, electricity, and improved healthcare and education, as its key achievements.
The rivalry between the two parties reflects a shift in their political strategies as they vie for dominance in Delhi’s political landscape.
The State Of Delhi: Key Issues At Play
Pollution Crisis
Delhi’s air quality has remained a persistent issue, drawing criticism from both residents and political leaders.
- Annual smog during winter months exacerbates health risks.
- Insufficient measures to tackle vehicular and industrial pollution have been highlighted.
Inflation And Cost Of Living
Rising inflation has directly impacted the middle and lower-income groups in Delhi.
- Essential commodities have seen price hikes.
- Critics argue that the AAP government has not provided adequate relief despite its welfare schemes.
Civic Amenities
Civic issues, including waste management, sanitation, and infrastructure development, remain key points of contention:
- The BJP-led municipal corporations have faced criticism for their handling of garbage and sanitation.
- AAP’s promises of better civic facilities have also come under scrutiny for falling short.
Congress’ Promise Of A Caste Census
Rahul Gandhi’s promise of a caste survey in Delhi reflects the Congress’ strategy to focus on social justice issues:
- The proposed census aims to gather data for equitable policy-making.
- The move is intended to appeal to marginalized communities and reinforce Congress’ commitment to inclusion.
Historical Context: AAP’s Rise And Congress’ Decline
The 2020 Delhi Assembly elections saw the AAP secure a landslide victory, winning 62 of 70 seats, while the Congress failed to win a single seat.
Factors Behind AAP’s Dominance:
- Strong focus on education, healthcare, and welfare schemes.
- Kejriwal’s image as an anti-establishment leader resonated with voters.
Challenges For Congress:
- The party has struggled to regain its footing since the defeat of Sheila Dikshit in 2013.
- Internal divisions and lack of a cohesive strategy have further weakened its position.
The Road To 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections
As polling for the Delhi Assembly elections approaches, scheduled for February 5, key factors will influence the outcome:
AAP’s Strengths:
- Popular welfare initiatives, including free water and electricity, which have garnered widespread support.
- Kejriwal’s focus on localized governance and people-centric policies.
Congress’ Strategy:
- Reviving the legacy of Sheila Dikshit’s tenure to appeal to voters.
- Highlighting issues like corruption, pollution, and inflation to critique the AAP government.
BJP’s Position:
- The BJP will aim to leverage national issues and its core voter base to gain ground in Delhi.
- With eight seats in the 2020 elections, the BJP faces challenges in breaking the AAP’s stronghold.
What Lies Ahead?
The escalating war of words between Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal underscores the high stakes of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. While the AAP seeks to defend its track record, the Congress is determined to rebuild its relevance in the capital.
The focus on issues like pollution, inflation, and caste representation highlights the pressing concerns of Delhi’s electorate, making these elections a critical test for all major parties involved.