Sachdeva highlighted that Kejriwal has consistently declared his salary as a legislator as his sole source of income. He questioned the substantial increase during a time when many faced financial hardships due to the pandemic. Further scrutiny of Kejriwal's declared incomes revealed fluctuations: ₹1,62,976 in 2021-22, ₹1,67,066 in 2022-23, and ₹7,21,530 in 2023-24. Sachdeva emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the public deserves an explanation for these anomalies.
In response, the AAP defended Kejriwal, underscoring his background as a former Indian Revenue Service officer and a three-time Chief Minister. The party portrayed him as a leader committed to simplicity and public service, noting that he neither owns a personal house in Delhi nor a car. AAP countered the BJP's allegations by pointing to the assets of Kejriwal's political opponent, Parvesh Verma, who reportedly possesses wealth amounting to ₹89 crore, significantly surpassing Kejriwal's declared assets. The party accused the BJP of hypocrisy and demanded clarity regarding the sources of Verma's substantial wealth increase.
This exchange occurs in the context of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The financial declarations of candidates have become a focal point, influencing public perception and political discourse. The BJP's allegations aim to cast doubt on Kejriwal's financial integrity, while AAP's rebuttal seeks to highlight perceived double standards within the BJP ranks.