Kejriwal Files Nomination From New Delhi Assembly Constituency Amid Legal Challanges

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), filed his nomination papers on Wednesday for the upcoming New Delhi Assembly elections set for February 5. He was accompanied by his wife, son, daughter, and sister during the formal process. After submitting his papers, Kejriwal addressed the media, urging voters to choose AAP over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he claimed had been abusive and ineffective in addressing the needs of Delhi. He emphasized that the BJP had failed to deliver on promises and lacked a vision for the national capital.

Before heading to the election office, Kejriwal visited two prominent temples—Maharishi Valmiki Temple and Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place—to seek divine blessings. “From here, we will go to the party office, and then proceed together to file my nomination,” Kejriwal told reporters after his temple visits. He also noted that many “mothers and sisters” from across Delhi would accompany him to the election office to offer their blessings for his campaign.

When asked about the security threats and intelligence inputs suggesting a risk to his life, Kejriwal responded confidently, saying, “As long as God is with me, no one can harm me.” His calm demeanor reflected his determination to proceed with his campaign despite the challenges.

Kejriwal Faces Serious Allegations Amid Election Campaign

Kejriwal, who is contesting against BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit in the New Delhi constituency, is currently facing serious allegations related to the Delhi government’s 2021-22 excise policy. The Centre has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to prosecute Kejriwal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This move follows approval from Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, and it adds fuel to the political fire as Kejriwal faces accusations of accepting bribes from a liquor cartel known as the “South Group.” The group is allegedly linked to the liquor sales that benefited from the excise policy.

Kejriwal and the AAP have strongly denied these allegations. Kejriwal has consistently accused the BJP of using central agencies to target political rivals and silence opposition. “This is part of the BJP’s game plan to defame us,” Kejriwal said during his interactions with the media. Despite these legal challenges, Kejriwal remains resolute in his commitment to lead Delhi towards a better future.

In addition to the excise case, the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy regarding alleged extravagant expenditures on Kejriwal’s official residence during his tenure as Chief Minister has become a major talking point in the election campaign. The BJP has used this issue to accuse Kejriwal of corruption and mismanagement, further intensifying the political battle.

With just weeks left before the elections, the political landscape in Delhi is becoming increasingly charged. The AAP, BJP, and Congress are all ramping up their efforts to sway voters. Kejriwal’s nomination filing is the latest step in what is expected to be a fiercely contested race for the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

The upcoming election is not just a contest of policies but a battle of narratives, with the AAP accusing the BJP of misgovernance and corruption, while the BJP and Congress accuse Kejriwal of similar faults. In the final days of the campaign, all parties are pushing their respective agendas, hoping to win the support of Delhi’s voters who are keen to see leadership that can address the city’s challenges effectively.

The election for the Delhi Assembly will take place on February 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 8. As the political drama unfolds, Kejriwal’s nomination filing marks an important milestone in what promises to be a crucial election for Delhi’s future.

Also Read: ‘This Is Kejriwal’s Shining Delhi’: Rahul Ridicules AAP Over Hollow Promises