The political landscape in Delhi has taken a sharp turn with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's public criticism of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, a key ally in the INDIA bloc. At a rally in Seelampur, Gandhi equated Kejriwal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing both of making unfulfilled promises and remaining silent on critical issues like the nationwide caste census and economic disparities.
Gandhi highlighted the need for a caste census, questioning Kejriwal's commitment to backward and minority communities. He alleged that both PM Modi and Kejriwal failed to address inflation and foster economic equality, asserting that the poor were becoming poorer while the rich benefited disproportionately.
In a pointed attack, Gandhi accused Kejriwal of avoiding the contentious Adani bribery case, in which the industrialist was charged with paying significant bribes to secure solar energy contracts. He criticized Kejriwal's governance in Delhi, claiming that promises of a "clean Delhi" had given way to rising corruption, pollution, and inflation.
Kejriwal responded to Gandhi’s remarks via Twitter, stating that while Gandhi was focused on saving the Congress, his own battle was for the nation. The escalating tensions come as AAP has suggested consulting INDIA bloc partners about potentially excluding the Congress from the alliance, following a recent complaint filed by the Congress accusing Kejriwal of misleading the public.
Meanwhile, major Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Samajwadi Party, have expressed support for AAP in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, leaving Congress politically isolated in the capital.
The political stakes are high as Delhi gears up for elections on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. AAP is vying for a third consecutive term, while the BJP seeks to end its 27-year hiatus from power in the city. The Congress, having been out of power since 2013, is attempting a comeback, but the internal rift with AAP threatens to weaken its position further.
Gandhi framed the contest as a battle of ideologies, contrasting his vision of protecting the Constitution with what he described as efforts by the BJP, RSS, and their allies to undermine it. He emphasized his commitment to defending Indians of all religions and castes against divisive politics.
This sharp exchange underscores the fragile dynamics within the INDIA bloc and raises questions about the alliance's ability to present a united front against the BJP in Delhi and beyond.
