Delhi Elections: Arvind Kejriwal accuses Congress of aligning with BJP

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), sharply criticized Congress, accusing the party of "collaborating" with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to defeat AAP.

In a video address on Thursday, Kejriwal claimed, "Congress is not contesting elections in Delhi to win, but they are collaborating with the BJP so that AAP loses."

दिल्ली में सभी कांग्रेस समर्थकों से मेरी अपील- https://t.co/JuQLYqEzGi

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 30, 2025

Kejriwal referred to a recent interaction with Congress supporters, in which he was told about internal divisions within the party. He emphasized that Congress, despite a strong chance, lost the Haryana elections due to infighting.

"A few days ago, some people came to meet me, who were supporters of Congress since inception. Even though they said they would vote for Congress, they were also disappointed. They told me that Congress leaders are involved in infighting. They lost the Haryana elections that were in their corner," he explained.

Appealing to Congress voters, Kejriwal urged them to support AAP, stating that Congress leaders rarely criticize BJP, yet often target AAP. He further warned that if BJP comes to power, it would dismantle welfare programs introduced by the AAP government, such as mohalla clinics and free bus services for women.

"They told me that Congress leaders don't say a word against BJP leaders, but they are only busy criticising AAP. I told them that I had worked for them as well and not only for AAP. I told them I provided free electricity and made government schools better. I told them if they vote for Congress, the BJP will form the government (in Delhi). They will shut mohalla clinics, and free bus services for women. I appeal to every Congress supporter that if they vote for Congress, the BJP will benefit. If BJP comes to power, you will not get any facilities provided by our government," Kejriwal appealed.

Kejriwal's remarks came amid the ongoing controversy over his claims about the Yamuna water being "poisoned." He criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for rejecting his explanation and sending him a notice. Kejriwal accused Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar of playing politics, alleging he "wants a job post-retirement."

Addressing the Election Commission, Kejriwal defended his comments, asserting that his remarks about the water were made "in furtherance of an imperative public duty." He also pointed out that the concerns he raised should not be seen as an offence, arguing that failing to acknowledge them would set a dangerous precedent, undermining state accountability.

With the Delhi elections scheduled for February 5 and results expected on February 8, 699 candidates are contesting for the 70 assembly seats.

Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, has struggled in the last two elections, failing to secure any seats. Meanwhile, AAP has dominated the 2015 and 2020 elections, winning 67 and 62 seats respectively, while BJP secured only 3 and 8 seats in these elections.