BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri, in a strongly-worded response on Sunday, refuted AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's claim that he is the BJP's candidate for the Chief Minister’s post in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Dismissing the claim as "completely baseless," Bidhuri emphasized his unwavering dedication to serving the people as a committed party worker and criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for what he called a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at distracting voters.
In a detailed letter issued to address the growing speculation, Bidhuri categorically denied harboring any personal ambitions for the Chief Minister’s position. He stated, "The party has given me so much over the years, and I have no claim or desire for any position. Kejriwal has consistently indulged in spreading baseless and misleading propaganda about me. Let me make it abundantly clear—I am not a contender for any post within the party or the government. My sole focus remains on serving the people and upholding the principles of the BJP."
Bidhuri also pointed out that AAP’s campaign tactics, including the release of posters portraying him as the BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate, implicitly acknowledge the BJP’s growing popularity in Delhi. He said, "By bringing my name into the conversation, Kejriwal has indirectly admitted that the BJP is poised to form the government in Delhi. This is nothing but an act of desperation, as he senses the growing dissatisfaction among Delhi’s citizens with his government’s performance. The people of Delhi are tired of unfulfilled promises and governance marred by controversies."
Highlighting the alleged failures of the Kejriwal-led government, Bidhuri accused AAP of presiding over a range of scandals and mismanagement. He cited public grievances such as the liquor scam, the education scam, the healthcare scam, and controversies like the Sheesh Mahal expenditure issue. He also pointed to broken infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads and widespread complaints about dirty drinking water, as glaring examples of governance failure. "Delhi’s citizens are yearning for change. They want to escape the clutches of corruption and inefficiency that have defined the AAP government. They are looking forward to the BJP providing honest, capable, and effective governance," Bidhuri asserted.
The BJP leader went on to describe how the Kejriwal administration had failed to deliver on promises across critical sectors such as water supply, electricity, education, and healthcare. He alleged that AAP’s governance had been riddled with inefficiency and accused the party of misleading the public with tall claims that were not backed by results. "People have witnessed the reality of AAP’s promises, and they are no longer willing to be taken in by empty words," Bidhuri said.
Bidhuri’s letter is seen as a response to escalating political tensions in the lead-up to the Delhi elections, with both the BJP and AAP trading barbs over governance and public trust. While AAP has sought to position itself as a party of progressive reforms, Bidhuri’s remarks underscored the BJP’s narrative of accountability, transparency, and the need for a change in leadership in Delhi. The statement reflects the BJP’s strategy to capitalize on perceived discontent with the Kejriwal administration and present itself as the only viable alternative to deliver on the aspirations of Delhi’s citizens.
