Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the BJP during a press conference on Sunday, accusing the party of prioritizing its “billionaire friends” over public welfare. He alleged that taxpayer money is being funneled into loans for billionaires, which are later waived off, and advocated for these funds to be used for the betterment of ordinary citizens.
BJP Accused of Waiving Billionaire Loans
Kejriwal stated that the loan- waiver of ₹50,000 crore made by the BJP-led central government have been extended to two billionaires associates. “One person’s loan of ₹46,000 crore and another’s ₹5,000 crore were waived. All of this is tax payers’ money that could have gone to Delhi” free electricity, free healthcare, and free water supply,” he added.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener, compared this with the party’s response, highlighting that “every single paisa” should be used for public good, and not for the rich individuals.
#WATCH | Delhi: AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says, “…On one hand, there is the BJP model where your money is given as a loan to billionaire friends and it is waived off after 2-3 years. The other is the Aam Aadmi Party model which includes 24-hour electricity, free… pic.twitter.com/syPxpEb5yg
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025
BJP vs. AAP Welfare Models
Kejriwal described what he termed the two contrasting models of administration, namely:
- BJP’s Model:
- Uses public funds to provide loans to billionaires.
- Writes off these loans later, leading to a loss for the taxpayers.
- AAP’s Model:
- Provides 24-hour electricity and free electricity for the underprivileged.
- Ensures round-the-clock free water supply.
- Offers free healthcare at mohalla clinics and government hospitals.
- Delivers high-quality, free education through world-class facilities.
He stated that the AAP’s welfare model first considers the citizen’s basic life needs, and which also guarantees transparency and accountability in public funds.
Battle of Ideologies in Delhi Elections
Kejriwal called the Delhi Assembly elections a “decisive battle of ideologies” while the February 5 Assembly elections are about to take place. He urged the citizens to determine how their taxes should be utilized—whether for public welfare or to benefit the wealthy.
“Even the poorest of the poor pay taxes. When a beggar buys a matchbox, or a hungry (poor) person buys food, it generates government revenue. This money belongs to the people and should be used for their benefit,” Kejriwal emphasized.
The AAP president further described the importance of these elections for building the country’s future. It’s not just about saving Delhi from the BJP, it’s about saving the country,” he claimed.
High-Stakes Battle in Delhi
With the February 5 elections just around the corner, campaigning has touched the fever pitch with all the major political parties trying hard to get the attention of the electorate in Delhi. The AAP, led by Kejriwal, is seeking a third consecutive term, riding on the success of its governance model in the capital.
In the meantime, the BJP and Congress are putting extra efforts to resist the AAP’s gaining strength. While the BJP focuses on nationalistic rhetoric and developmental promises, Congress is trying to regain its lost ground in Delhi.
Delhi’s Political Landscape
Election will take place on 5th February in a one-phase regime and 8th February will be declared for the results. AAP’s consistent performance in the last two terms, with significant initiatives in education, healthcare, and public utilities, serves as its primary campaign pillar.
But Kejriwal continues to be assured about AAP’s prospects, claiming that people of Delhi are very much in favour of tangible benefit of AAP government’s actions. Nevertheless, in order to turn the tide, the BJP is looking to exploit the anti-incumbency sentiments as well as national issues in a swinging effort.
Kejriwal’s Call to Action
Concluding his statements, Kejriwal requested Delhi people to decide responsibly and on the basis of which the model of governance of Delhi would benefit the citizens. The elections are between the future of this city and the future of the Republic. The public have a right to decide whether they should be paying their taxes to billionaires or to themselves,” he declared.
As Delhi residents gear up to line up for the ballot box, the electoral contest holds the potential of being a referendum of paradigms of governance. The result will not only decide which party governs the city, but also what, and how, to discuss within the country.
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