Delhi Minister Atishi addressed ABP Shikhar Sammelan on Friday stressing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) ongoing struggle against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She emphasised that the challenging times are not just for the people of Delhi and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal but for the nation's democracy as a whole. Atishi expressed concerns over recent events, particularly the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister, alleging the BJP's orchestrated campaign against the opposition.
Responding to speculations about Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal becoming the next Chief Minister of Delhi, Atishi emphasised support for Arvind Kejriwal. She asserted, "Arvind Kejriwal was the CM, is the CM, and will remain the CM... The people of Delhi have unequivocally expressed their preference for him to continue as the CM. Even amidst concerns about his arrest, the people of Delhi were clear that Arvind Kejriwal should remain in office."
The remark was in reference to the AAP's 'Man Bhi Kejriwal' campaign. She alleged misuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and remarked, "It is very important that the BJP formula (to topple governments) does not succeed. Otherwise, it is Kejriwal today, tomorrow they will jail Mamata (Banerjee), MK Stalin, and Pinarayi Vijayan. They will send all Opposition CMs to jail and topple their governments."
Atishi On 'Operation Lotus' In Delhi And Punjab
Atishi accused the BJP of employing agencies like the CBI and ED to target the opposition. She pointed out the BJP's modus operandi, stating, "Wherever the BJP wins elections, they form the government. In states where they lose, they resort to buying MLAs and subsequently form the government."
Commenting on the recent developments in Punjab, Atishi spoke about AAP MLA Sheetal Angural joining the BJP. She claimed a deeper insight into BJP's political maneuvers, stating, "Operation Lotus has happened in several states... We will provide details revealing who gave money, when, where, and how. It's well-known that the BJP indulges in horse-trading, buying MLAs after elections to secure power."
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Atishi On Punjab Excise Policy
Notably, the BJP has sought an investigation into Punjab's excise policy amid central agency investigations into the Delhi Liquor policy case. On whether Punjab will now witness political turmoil similar to the national capital, Atishi remarked, "It doesn't matter. If they want to jail us they can jail us over school classrooms, Mohalla clinics, DTC buses, Guava and mango trees. The problem is not about our policies, the issue is PM Narendra Modi thinks if there is an Opposition leader who can challenge him, it is Arvind Kejriwal. This fear has driven them to jail all leaders of AAP."
AAP's 'Kejriwal Ko Ashirwad'
On AAP's 'Kejriwal Ko Ashirwad' WhatsApp campaign, the Delhi Minister remarked, "If you go to the streets of Delhi, especially women and elderly want to bless Arvind Kejriwal... Thousands of people are crying for him. For those who want to give their love and blessings to him, the WhatsApp number is available for them. Arvind Kejriwal's family will take these messages to him when they visit them during custody."