AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal likened the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February next year, to a ‘dharamyudh’ similar to the Mahabharata. Addressing district-level office bearers in Chandni Chowk, Kejriwal said divine forces and public support are with AAP, just as they were with the Pandavas in the epic.
AAP vs BJP: A Battle of Resources and Values
Kejriwal drew a parallel between the BJP’s resources and power to the Kauravas, stating, “They have immense money and power like the Kauravas, but God and the people are with us.” He emphasized that AAP’s victory in the mayoral elections, despite the BJP’s efforts to take control, is proof of divine and public backing.
He urged party workers to approach the elections as if he himself were contesting all 70 seats. “Don’t focus on the candidate nominated; treat it as if I am contesting,” he instructed, promising not to grant tickets to relatives, friends, or acquaintances.
AAP’s Achievements Highlighted
During his address, Kejriwal listed the achievements of his government, including building 10,000 kilometers of roads in Delhi’s colonies, a feat he claimed the BJP has not matched in 20 states under its rule.
He also touted six welfare initiatives, free electricity, water, education, healthcare, pilgrimage, and bus travel for women. Kejriwal accused the BJP of aiming to take control of Delhi to end these services, stating, “The BJP should tell us what the Central government has done for Delhi in the last 10 years and why people should vote for it.”
AAP: A Party of Limited Resources but Strong Will
Kejriwal acknowledged that AAP is a small party with limited resources compared to the BJP’s vast funds and power. However, he criticized the BJP for lacking the will to serve Delhi’s people, saying, “They have never done anything for Delhi because they lack the intent to serve.”
The Delhi Assembly elections are shaping up to be a high-stakes battle, with AAP positioning itself as the people’s party against a resource-rich BJP.