Kejriwal Asserts Honesty, Calls for Ousting BJP at Major AAP Rally
In a fiery address at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a blistering critique of the BJP-led central government, declaring that 140 crore Indians will unite to remove what he termed a "dictatorial regime." This rally marked AAP's first significant public gathering in Delhi since its defeat in the 2025 assembly elections, drawing senior party leaders and supporters.
Historic Verdict and Allegations of Political Targeting
Kejriwal pointed to the February 27 verdict in the liquor policy case as a historic moment that vindicated him, asserting he remains "kattar imandar" (staunchly honest) despite corruption allegations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He thanked the judge for delivering a "bold verdict" in an "atmosphere of fear," alleging the case was meticulously monitored to target AAP functionaries and dismantle the party politically.
Challenging his opponents, Kejriwal stated: "During my tenure as chief minister, I signed numerous files, but no contractor or vendor can claim I ever demanded a bribe. I earned my honesty, and I will quit politics if anyone proves otherwise."
Criticism of BJP's Governance and Unfulfilled Promises
The AAP leader accused the BJP government of widespread decline, claiming sectors like airlines, railways, banking, education, and healthcare have deteriorated over 12 years. He highlighted issues in Delhi, such as broken roads, contaminated water, and disrupted power supply, and cited unfulfilled promises, including:
- Failure to deliver Rs 2,500 per month to women
- Non-regularization of bus marshals
- Removal of thousands of employees, including DTC staff and mohalla clinic workers
Kejriwal argued that during high inflation, the government has eliminated jobs instead of creating them, and he questioned priorities by noting collapses of bridges and roads post-inauguration.
Broader Allegations and Political Strategy
Expanding his attack, Kejriwal targeted Modi over paper leaks in competitive exams, air pollution, and alleged corruption in Gujarat. He urged the Centre to act against illegal liquor sales, drug issues, and questionable land deals if serious about combating corruption. The AAP chief framed his arrest as a message to discourage honest individuals from politics, saying it aimed to intimidate educated youth and ordinary citizens.
A banner at the rally read, "Ek saal, Dilli behaal — yaad aa rahe Kejriwal," reflecting the party's claim that Delhi has worsened within a year of BJP taking office, with people missing Kejriwal's tenure as chief minister.
Support from Punjab CM and National Ambitions
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, addressing the rally via video conferencing, hailed the court verdict as a historic victory for truth in Indian politics. He asserted AAP's rise as a strong national force, predicting the party will win 100 out of 117 seats in Punjab's 2027 assembly elections, which he called the beginning of the end for authoritarian rule at the Centre.
Mann alleged injustice by the Union government, citing unpaid GST dues and Rs 1,600 crore in flood relief for Punjab, vowing to respond through democratic means. "Where Punjab moves, the nation follows," he said, emphasizing that AAP's struggle is to safeguard the Constitution and democratic values, not for any individual.
Kejriwal concluded by stating the rally signals the countdown for BJP's removal from office, rallying supporters to unite against what he described as a failing and oppressive regime.
