Kejriwal's Rare Praise For Sheila Dikshit As He Slams BJP's Parvesh Verma: ‘Trying To Buy Democracy For Rs 1,100’
Delhi Election 2025: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal praised former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit as he accused the BJP of distributing money and gifts to voters in the New Delhi constituency.
Delhi Election 2025: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and candidate from the New Delhi seat, Arvind Kejriwal, on Saturday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly distributing money and gifts to voters while making a rare acknowledgment of former Chief Minister and Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit.
Addressing voters, Kejriwal said, "This is an assembly of government officials, where decent, educated, and peace-loving people reside. Before me, Sheila ji used to contest from here. She was a good lady, a decent lady, and fought elections with dignity. But this time, they (BJP) have turned it into an open game of money, which is not right. They are distributing Rs 1,100, trying to buy people's votes with Rs 1,100. I want to ask you, is this right? Should votes be bought for Rs 1,100?"
#WATCH | Before me, Sheila (Dikshit) ji used to contest elections, she was a good woman, she contested elections with dignity. The money they are distributing this time is not right. They want to buy your votes for Rs 1100... vote for whoever you want but don't vote for the one… pic.twitter.com/R2B202QpCR
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025
Kejriwal further alleged that the BJP was distributing blankets and sheets to woo voters, even in areas where senior bureaucrats reside. "This is wrong. They are distributing Rs 1,100, blankets, and sheets. You will be shocked to know that in Kidwai Nagar, where additional secretary-level officers live, they are distributing sheets. Several videos have surfaced where officers are seen saying, ‘Will you buy us with a sheet? Will you bribe us with a sheet for our vote? What kind of mindset is this? What kind of person is this?’" he said, in an attack on BJP candidate Parvesh Verma.
Taking a jibe at the BJP, Kejriwal urged people to accept the gifts but not sell their votes. "They are giving blankets, jackets, sarees. My advice is, take whatever they give, it's your own money that they have looted. They are even distributing shoes. But do not sell your vote to anyone. Our vote is precious. We are not people worth Rs 1,100. Our vote represents Indian democracy, and they are trying to buy it for Rs 1,100. What is his aukat (worth)? Just wait, after February 5, you won't even see his face around here," he remarked.
Kejriwal also told voters that they were free to choose any candidate except the one allegedly involved in vote-buying. "Don't vote for me if you don’t want to. Vote for whoever you like, but don’t vote for the one trying to buy votes for Rs 1,100," he added hinting at Parvesh Verma.
FIR Against Parvesh Verma Over Alleged MCC Violation, BJP Candidate Denies Allegation
Earlier this week, the Returning Officer for the New Delhi constituency directed Delhi Police to register an FIR against BJP candidate Parvesh Verma for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The order was issued after videos emerged showing Verma distributing shoes to voters at the Valmiki Temple near Mandir Marg Police Station. The complaint, filed by advocate Rajnish Bhaskar via WhatsApp, alleged that Verma was distributing shoes to electors in the temple premises. The complainant also submitted two videos purportedly showing the BJP leader handing out shoes to women.
Citing Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the letter noted that any gift, offer, or promise by a candidate or their agent constitutes a corrupt practice. The Returning Officer directed an immediate investigation and sought an action taken report at the earliest.
Parvesh Verma, who is contesting against Kejriwal and Congress's Sandeep Dikshit in the New Delhi seat, refuted the allegations.
In a statement, Verma claimed that he had only honoured sanitation workers at the Valmiki Mandir by placing shoes on their feet as a mark of respect for their hard work. "No shoes were distributed. Only a few shoes were offered as a mark of respect towards the sanitation workers," an aide of the BJP leader stated.
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