Amid rising tensions in the I.N.D.I.A alliance, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique of AAP’s governance, contrasting it with Congress’s achievements under Sheila Dikshit. He questioned Kejriwal’s silence on Adani and reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
BY PC Bureau
With remarks that might exacerbate divisions within the I.N.D.I.A bloc, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday unleashed a sharp critique against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, suggesting there is “no difference between him and…”
During his campaign kickoff for the Delhi Assembly elections in Seelampur, north-east Delhi, Rahul directly questioned Kejriwal about his stance on Gautam Adani, support for a caste census, and the removal of the 50 percent quota ceiling. He claimed that neither Kejriwal nor BJP could replicate the developmental achievements of Congress under Sheila Dikshit’s governance.
Rahul’s comments come amidst growing unrest within the Opposition alliance, following Congress’s lackluster performance in the Haryana and Maharashtra elections. This has led to calls for a leadership overhaul from the Trinamool Congress, criticisms over Congress’s perceived inertia in revitalizing the alliance, and some factions showing support for AAP in the upcoming Delhi polls.
In another segment of his speech, Rahul Gandhi attacked both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal for their handling of inflation. “Inflation is at its peak. The poor are getting poorer, while the rich are getting richer. Ambani and Adani market for PM Modi. Have you ever heard PM Modi or Arvind Kejriwal criticize Adani? We don’t want a nation of billionaires,” he stated at the “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rally in Seelampur, Delhi, according to ANI.
He further accused BJP and RSS of undermining constitutional values and spreading hatred. “We traveled 4000 kilometers from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to safeguard the Constitution,” Gandhi said, underlining the necessity for love to conquer hatred in India. He also criticized the sway of billionaires, saying, “Ambani and Adani have essentially bought the country and control all businesses.”
Rahul also targeted Kejriwal’s administration in Delhi, accusing him of not fulfilling promises like cleaning up the city or making it resemble “Paris”, while pointing out the increase in pollution and inflation.
Both Congress and AAP are contesting the Delhi elections independently. Rahul urged voters to probe Kejriwal on critical issues like reservations for backward classes and caste census, promising that a Congress victory would bring back the development seen in the past, which he asserts neither Kejriwal nor BJP can achieve.
