Arvind Kejriwal
On Sunday, Arvind Kejriwal once again accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a ‘conspiracy’ against him. The Delhi chief minister asserted that despite facing pressure to join the BJP, he remains steadfast in his opposition to the party.
“They can conspire all they want, but they will not succeed. I stand firm against them and will never yield. They have extended offers for me to join their ranks, but I have unequivocally rejected them. What reason do I have to align with them?” remarked Kejriwal, following the groundbreaking ceremony for two schools in Kirari, Delhi.
The national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also questioned the ethics of BJP’s recruitment practices, stating, “In their camp, all sins are absolved. But what transgression have we committed? We are dedicated to building infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads, and addressing civic issues. Is this a crime?”
#WATCH | On laying the foundation stone of new school buildings in Kirari, Rohini, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says, "… They ask us to join BJP saying they'll spare us. I said I would not join the BJP… We are doing nothing wrong." pic.twitter.com/9Tfggh4P5M
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024
Kejriwal’s accusations intensified after he was served a notice by the Delhi Police crime branch regarding his recent allegation that the BJP had offered ₹25 crore each to seven AAP legislators in an attempt to destabilize his government. Denying the allegation, the BJP filed a counter-complaint against both Kejriwal and Atishi, a Delhi government minister, who also received a notice.
Furthermore, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) moved the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi against Kejriwal’s repeated failure to comply with summonses related to an alleged scam in the city’s now-defunct excise policy. While maintaining his innocence, Kejriwal and the AAP accused the BJP of engaging in a ‘political witch-hunt.’ Notably, both the ED and the Delhi Police, which issued the notice, operate under the purview of the central government, presently headed by the BJP.