Kejriwal's remarks come in the aftermath of AAP's significant electoral defeat in the Delhi assembly elections, where the BJP secured a majority, marking its return to power in the capital after nearly three decades. This loss has prompted introspection within AAP, with Kejriwal attributing the defeat to alleged collusion between the BJP and Congress, suggesting a concerted effort to marginalize AAP's influence in Delhi politics.
During his address, Kejriwal criticized the BJP for allegedly neglecting the legacies of Bhagat Singh and Ambedkar. He claimed that both the BJP and Congress have failed to honor these figures appropriately, accusing the BJP of removing their portraits and the Congress of remaining silent on such actions. He stated, "Bhagat Singh used to say that merely removing the British was not enough; the structure of society had to change. Otherwise, brown rulers would replace the British. This is exactly what has happened. Today's rulers are worse than the British." This rhetoric underscores his stance that the current political leadership has strayed from the foundational principles envisioned by India's freedom fighters.
The recent electoral setback for AAP has been significant. The BJP's victory, securing 47 out of 70 seats in the Delhi assembly, ended AAP's decade-long governance in the capital. Notably, both Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, lost their constituencies, highlighting a dramatic shift in the political landscape of Delhi. The BJP's campaign capitalized on allegations of corruption against AAP leaders, including Kejriwal's arrest on bribery charges, which he and his supporters have consistently denied, labeling them as politically motivated.
Kejriwal also addressed issues concerning public welfare schemes initiated during AAP's tenure. He accused the BJP-led administration of undermining initiatives such as the free bus ride scheme for women in Delhi. According to Kejriwal, bus conductors have been instructed to deny free pink tickets to women unless they download a specific application, a move he perceives as a deliberate attempt to restrict the scheme's accessibility. He argued that such actions reflect a broader strategy to dismantle pro-people policies established by AAP, thereby eroding the social welfare framework that the party had worked to build.
The former Chief Minister's allegations extend to a broader narrative of political collusion and subversion of democratic principles. He has accused the BJP of engaging in 'Operation Kamala,' a term referring to the alleged poaching of opposition legislators to destabilize non-BJP state governments. Kejriwal claimed that the BJP had attempted to bribe AAP legislators in Delhi, offering substantial sums to induce defections. He asserted that these tactics are part of a systematic effort to undermine opposition parties and establish uncontested political dominance.
In his speech, Kejriwal also reflected on the motivations behind AAP's formation, emphasizing that the party's inception was driven by a commitment to uphold the ideals of social justice, equality, and true democracy, as envisioned by Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh. He lamented that traditional political parties have reduced these icons to mere symbols, failing to implement their visions in governance and policy-making. Kejriwal reiterated AAP's dedication to these principles, vowing to continue the struggle for a political system that genuinely serves the people and honors the sacrifices of India's freedom fighters.
The political dynamics in Delhi have undergone a significant transformation with the BJP's recent electoral victory. The BJP's return to power in the capital is seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate its influence across various states, especially after its need for coalition support in the previous national elections. The party's success in Delhi is attributed to its focus on issues resonating with the middle-class electorate, promises of infrastructural development, and leveraging allegations of corruption against AAP leaders to sway public opinion.