'Publicity, Drama, Scams': BJP Alleges CM Kejriwal Put Delhi Governance Model On 'Ventilator'

The statements come in the wake of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at properties associated with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday criticised the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, asserting that its focus on "publicity, drama, and scams" has placed the city's governance model on the metaphorical "ventilator". This statement comes in the wake of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at properties associated with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.

The ED's actions targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's secretary, Bibhav Kumar, and AAP Rajya Sabha MP and treasurer ND Gupta, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board's (DJB) tendering process.

Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi countered the AAP's response, listing alleged scams under the Kejriwal government and asserting that those who once projected themselves as "outright honest" are now "synonymous with corruption". Lekhi criticised Kejriwal for evading ED summons and questioned AAP leader Atishi about the Delhi Chief Minister's appearance before the probe agency.

At a press conference held at BJP's Delhi headquarters, Lekhi emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to recovering every looted penny from the government exchequer and welcomed the ED's actions, stating that the probe agencies were exposing corruption within the AAP.

"All the rubbish allegations which were brought against him, he faced everything, from the trial court to the Supreme Court. That's the way you face up. That is called adherence to the law and order, governance and the Constitution of this country. You don't lie and behave in this manner,” Lekhi said.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva echoed Lekhi's sentiments, claiming that the AAP, including Kejriwal, was involved in corruption, particularly related to the excise policy and the Delhi Jal Board. Sachdeva welcomed the investigation, asserting that it aligns with Prime Minister Modi's commitment to uncovering the truth.

The ED has issued five summons to Kejriwal in connection to an alleged Delhi excise policy scam, all of which have been skipped by the AAP national convenor. Lekhi criticised Kejriwal's "non-compliance", contrasting it with Prime Minister Modi's approach when faced with allegations during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.