Arvind Kejriwal Slams Amit Shah Amid Rising Delhi Poll Tensions

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Arvind Kejriwal sharply criticized Amit Shah over recent violence in Delhi’s Sangam Vihar.
2. He urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene, suggesting a capable Home Minister be appointed.
3. The Delhi BJP retaliated, accusing Kejriwal of misusing public funds for the CM residence.
4. BJP cited a CAG report raising 139 questions about the cost and corruption in the project.
5. Tensions between AAP and BJP escalate as Delhi Assembly elections approach in February 2025.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Arvind Kejriwal’s Statement

On the night of January 5, 2025, a violent incident unfolded in Delhi’s Sangam Vihar, where gunshots rang out for over an hour, injuring three people. This disturbing event prompted Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP convener, to take to social media with a direct attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kejriwal urged Shah to stop the violence, questioning his ability to ensure the safety of Delhi residents. He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, stressing that if Shah cannot handle the situation, a more capable Home Minister should be appointed to safeguard Delhi’s public security.

BJP’s Retaliation

In response to Kejriwal’s criticism, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva held a press conference, accusing Kejriwal of misusing public funds to build his official residence. Sachdeva pointed to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which highlighted 139 questions concerning the project. He criticized the Public Works Department (PWD) for operating in a manner akin to a private entity, bypassing legal protocols to facilitate Kejriwal’s luxury bungalow. Sachdeva further asserted that the real cost of the CM residence might be between ₹75 to ₹80 crore, which, in his view, amounted to a flagrant misuse of taxpayer money.

Accusations of Corruption

The allegations didn’t stop at the construction of the residence. Sachdeva accused the Delhi government of “give and take” corruption, suggesting that the PWD broke every rule to build a lavish home for Kejriwal while ignoring the suffering of the people of Delhi during the Covid pandemic. To further his point, Sachdeva challenged Kejriwal to open his bungalow to the public if he had nothing to hide, stressing that the taxpayers had a right to know what their money had been spent on.

Political Climate Ahead of Elections

This controversy over the CM residence and the criticism from Kejriwal about the safety of Delhi’s residents comes amid the growing tensions between AAP and BJP as Delhi Assembly elections loom. The CAG report, along with the poster released by BJP accusing AAP of prioritizing the construction of Kejriwal’s residence over the people’s needs during the pandemic, has raised the political heat in the city. With elections scheduled for February 2025, these attacks are likely to shape the narrative in the run-up to polling day.

Conclusion

The war of words between Arvind Kejriwal and Amit Shah, along with the mounting criticisms from the BJP, underscores the high stakes in the upcoming Delhi elections. Allegations of corruption and mismanagement on both sides point to an intensely competitive battle, with both parties preparing for a heated contest in the months ahead. As the Delhi election date nears, political dynamics in the city will continue to evolve rapidly.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Arvind Kejriwal’s sharp criticism of Amit Shah following a gang violence incident and the BJP’s counterattack over corruption accusations form the core of the current political battle in Delhi. This ongoing exchange, particularly the controversy surrounding the Chief Minister’s official residence, is expected to significantly impact the narrative in the run-up to the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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