ABP Exclusive — ‘Double Engine Govt Is Dangerous’: Kejriwal Cautions Delhi Voters, Makes 4 Big Poll Promises

Arvind Kejriwal called the BJP's 'double engine govt' model 'dangerous' as he claimed that the party would discontinue all initiatives of the AAP govt in Delhi. He also addressed allegations against himself and the party.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal in an exclusive interview with ABP News.

Source : ABP LIVE

In an exclusive interview with ABP News, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday issued a stark warning to Delhi voters about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), terming the prospect of a "double engine government" as "dangerous." Kejriwal cautioned that if the BJP were to come to power in Delhi, all welfare schemes initiated by the AAP government would be discontinued.  

Criticising the BJP's governance model, he said, "The BJP governs 20 states. Where is free electricity? Where are good schools? What is the state of government hospitals? If they come to power in Delhi, all these facilities will be shut down."  

He further remarked, "If you vote for them in Delhi, the city will face long power cuts, and the free electricity scheme will end. The condition of schools will deteriorate, hospitals will return to their earlier poor state, Mohalla Clinics will be closed, and the free bus service for women will stop. All the progress made over the past 10 years will come to a halt."  

#WATCH | दिल्ली की जनता इस बार किन मुद्दों पर वोट करेगी?

देखिए संदीप चौधरी के साथ @ArvindKejriwal की EXCLUSIVE बातचीत https://t.co/smwhXUROiK#SeedhaSawaal #SandeepChaudhary #ArvindKejriwal #AamAadmiParty #Delhi #Politics #ABPNews pic.twitter.com/5OUp3Cbtga

— ABP News (@ABPNews) December 6, 2024

Outlining his vision for Delhi, Kejriwal listed four priorities, including transforming Delhi’s roads to match European standards, ensuring clean and continuous water supply, and cleaning the Yamuna River. He acknowledged that the promises remained unfulfilled citing the COVID-19 pandemic and legal hurdles posed by "fake cases" as the reasons.  

“I want to improve Delhi’s roads on par with European standards ensuring they are clean, well-painted, and horticultural. I want to have the Yamuna cleaned. I want to ensure that Delhi’s homes receive clean water 24/7. I made these promises and could not fulfill them due to the COVID pandemic and legal troubles posed by fake cases,” he said.

“We have made a fresh promise to give Rs 1,000 per month to women aged above 18,” he added.

‘Awaiting People’s Certificate’: Arvind Kejriwal On Returning As Chief Minister After Delhi Election

Speaking to ABP News, Arvind Kejriwal expressed confidence in his party’s victory in the upcoming assembly elections. He asserted that the AAP is seeking votes based on its governance record.

When asked whether he would take up the role of Chief Minister again or opt for a mentoring position if the party wins, Kejriwal responded, “When I resigned, I had said that I would only return as Chief Minister if the people of Delhi voted me back to power. If the public believes I am honest, they should vote for me. If they think I am dishonest, they shouldn’t. I am awaiting the people’s certificate.”

#WATCH | अगर दिल्ली में आम आदमी पार्टी की जीत होती है तो मार्गदर्शक की भूमिका में होंगे या CM बनेंगे केजरीवाल ?

देखिए abp न्यूज़ पर @ArvindKejriwal EXCLUSIVEhttps://t.co/smwhXUROiK#SeedhaSawaal #SandeepChaudhary #ArvindKejriwal #AamAadmiParty #Delhi #Politics #ABPNews pic.twitter.com/iKsPILFIWj

— ABP News (@ABPNews) December 6, 2024

Arvind Kejriwal On Prison Ordeal, Corruption Allegations

Reflecting on his 177 days in prison, Kejriwal recounted his ordeal. “I was kept in isolation, which was mentally challenging. My health deteriorated, and I lost weight. For insulin, I had to approach the court. My medications were stopped for 15-20 days, and it was only after the court's intervention that I received proper medical attention,” he shared.  

Kejriwal credited the Bhagavad Gita for helping him cope during his imprisonment. “I often remembered my parents while in jail. I stayed alone in the cell throughout the day. Reading the Gita gave me strength,” he said.  

The former chief minister dismissed allegations of corruption against him, calling them baseless. “All the cases against me are fake, aimed at tarnishing my image. BJP is playing a game of mudslinging because they cannot match our governance record,” he asserted.  

Addressing law and order issues in the capital, Kejriwal criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah, under whose purview Delhi's policing falls. “The law and order situation in Delhi is deteriorating. On behalf of the people of Delhi, I appeal to the Home Minister to take concrete steps to improve security,” he urged.  

Defending AAP MLA Naresh Balyan, Kejriwal alleged police bias. “He was threatened, and when he lodged a complaint, the police arrested him instead of apprehending the gangster involved,” he claimed.  

#WATCH | दिल्ली में कानून-व्यवस्था और नरेश बालियान की गिरफ्तारी पर क्या बोले AAP, राष्ट्रीय संयोजक केजरीवाल

देखिए संदीप चौधरी के साथ @ArvindKejriwal की EXCLUSIVE बातचीत https://t.co/smwhXUROiK#SeedhaSawaal #SandeepChaudhary #ArvindKejriwal #AamAadmiParty #Delhi #Politics… pic.twitter.com/tG6r6DUk9L

— ABP News (@ABPNews) December 6, 2024

Kejriwal also took a swipe at the Centre’s healthcare scheme, arguing that the AAP government’s free healthcare for all was more inclusive. “Under their scheme, only treatments up to Rs 5 lakh are free, and even then, there are numerous conditions. We have made healthcare free for everyone without restrictions,” he said.  

He concluded by reiterating his focus on completing pending projects, including improving the functioning of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), where he claimed salary delays had been resolved.