In a fiery exchange of words, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's assertions regarding its "succession plan", particularly concerning the Prime Ministerial position after incumbent Narendra Modi's "retirement". BJP MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, in a sharp retort, addressed Kejriwal's recent comments, suggesting that the Delhi CM's remarks might have been influenced by external factors.
According to news agency ANI, Trivedi stated, "We would like to say one thing whether it was the effect of his alcohol or the place he had gone to. One thing came out of his mouth correctly. He said that PM Modi would become the Prime Minister and after that so and so would be made the Prime Minister. For this, I want to thank him that today he has accepted that Narendra Modi is going to become the Prime Minister of India again."
"Sometimes a person does not have complete control after drinking alcohol, then the right thing comes out. Not only this, he also started telling the succession plan that who would remain after PM Modi..." he remarked.
Trivedi further critiqued Kejriwal's political journey highlighting the alleged contradictions in his stance over the years. "They talked about 20 years ahead and what has happened to their situation in 10 years. 10 years ago, he (Arvind Kejriwal) said I will not enter politics, all, I will not take support from Congress, I will not take a car, a bungalow, or security... How much have you changed in 10 years? After 20 years will you even exist or not? In 10 years, he has shown how dangerous and distorted can the experiment of new politics be," remarked Trivedi.
Trivedi emphasised the need for stable and experienced leadership, advocating for the continuity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance. "Therefore, at the stage where India stands today, it is not the time to experiment with any new politics. It is time to bring a strong nationalist government under the leadership of tried and tested PM Narendra Modi," he asserted.
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Kejriwal's assertions regarding the BJP's electoral prospects and his own party's role in forming the government came up in his first press conference since his release from Tihar Jail on interim bail. In a rally, Kejriwal proclaimed, "The BJP will not return to power and said the INDIA bloc will form the government on June 4. In the last 20 hours after release from jail, I talked to poll experts and people and got to know the BJP is not going to form the government", as quoted by PTI.
Kejriwal's remarks extended to predictions about the BJP's leadership transition, alleging, "Modi ji is turning 75 on September 17 next year. He had made the rule that people aged 75 will be retired... He will retire next year. He is seeking votes for making Amit Shah the prime minister."
"...These people ask the INDIA alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years...LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September...If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfil Modi's guarantee?..." he remarked, as quoted by ANI.
Additionally, Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government during his recent incarceration, asserting, "The chief minister's post is not important for me. I did not step down as the chief minister because a conspiracy was hatched to force me to resign on a fake case."
On the other hand, speaking to PTI, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva remarked, "Arvind Kejriwal should think about himself. BJP will take the decision for the party. He used to say - we will resign on being accused, won't take an official bungalow, vehicle or security. He should talk about his own behaviour."