Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would fall short of a majority in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, opening the path for the Opposition INDIA bloc to assume power on June 4. Kejriwal, speaking from the AAP headquarters after being granted bail in an alleged liquor policy case, accused PM Modi of pursuing a ‘one nation one leader’ agenda and warned that if re-elected, top opposition leaders would be jailed.
Kejriwal stated, “In the last 20 hours since my release from jail, I have consulted with poll experts and the public, and it appears that the BJP will not form the government.” He added, “The NDA’s government will not be formed after June 4… Their seats are decreasing in Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, UP, Delhi, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. It is also speculated that they may only get 220-230 seats. The INDIA government will come to power at the center.”
The Delhi CM accused PM Modi of leaving no stone unturned to crush the Aam Aadmi Party, citing the imprisonment of four top AAP leaders. He criticized the Prime Minister’s anti-corruption stance, claiming that while PM Modi claims to fight corruption, all the alleged thieves are in his party. Kejriwal also questioned PM Modi’s commitment to fighting corruption, contrasting it with his own actions in removing and jailing corrupt ministers in his government.
Kejriwal further alleged that if the BJP wins the national elections, all opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Uddhav Thackeray, and Tejashvi Yadav, would be imprisoned. He accused PM Modi of pursuing a ‘one nation one leader’ mission, suggesting that his government would arrest every opposition leader.
He also raised questions about the BJP’s leadership, particularly regarding PM Modi’s age. Kejriwal noted the BJP’s practice of retiring leaders above the age of 75 from political responsibilities and questioned whether PM Modi, who would turn 75 in September, would step down and hand over the reins to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In response to Kejriwal’s remarks, Amit Shah clarified that there is no such provision in the BJP’s constitution regarding the retirement of leaders at a certain age. He reaffirmed that PM Modi would complete his term and continue to lead the country, dismissing Kejriwal’s assertions.
BJP Chief JP Nadda criticized Kejriwal and the opposition, accusing them of misleading the country and seeking excuses for their anticipated failure in the elections. He reaffirmed PM Modi’s leadership and stated that there is no confusion within the BJP regarding its leadership.
Kejriwal also predicted the replacement of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath within two months following the Lok Sabha results, alleging that the top BJP leadership was sidelining veteran leaders.
Additionally, Kejriwal promised statehood status for Delhi under the INDIA bloc government, ensuring that the Lieutenant Governor would be chosen from the people of Delhi, unlike the current LG, whom he claimed hailed from Gujarat.
