Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a rare criticism of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal during his first rally for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on 5 February. The comments come despite Congress and AAP being allies in the INDIA Alliance and contesting together in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Gandhi’s Criticism of Kejriwal:
- Unfulfilled Promises:
- Gandhi accused Kejriwal of failing to deliver on promises to tackle pollution, corruption, and transform Delhi into a global city.
- He likened Kejriwal’s assurances to PM Narendra Modi’s “false promises.”
- Pollution and Inflation:
- Gandhi claimed that under Kejriwal’s administration, pollution levels have worsened, and inflation in Delhi is soaring.
- Caste Census Issue:
- Gandhi criticized AAP’s silence on the caste census, pledging that Congress would conduct a caste survey if it comes to power in Delhi.
Kejriwal’s Response:
Arvind Kejriwal dismissed Gandhi’s remarks, stating he would not engage in a war of words. Kejriwal remarked on X (formerly Twitter), “While Rahul Gandhi is fighting to save Congress, I am fighting to save the country.”
Context and Stakes:
- The Congress has struggled in Delhi, failing to win a single seat in the last two assembly elections, while AAP has maintained dominance since 2013.
- Rahul Gandhi emphasized the achievements of the Congress under Sheila Dikshit’s leadership, promising a revival of Delhi’s progress under Congress governance.
- The attack highlights growing friction between the two parties despite their alliance at the national level.
Election Dynamics:
- This assembly election sees Congress aiming to regain relevance in a city where it once ruled for 15 years.
- The BJP, AAP, and Congress will now engage in a high-stakes contest to secure control of Delhi.
Gandhi’s rally underscores Congress’ renewed push to re-establish its foothold in Delhi, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle.