Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday remarked that Anna Hazare must have found “some relief from pain” following the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections.
He noted that Hazare had long endured the consequences of AAP’s alleged misconduct.
Addressing media queries, Modi said, “The party born out of the movement against corruption got involved in corruption. It became such a party of the country whose Chief Minister and Ministers went to jail on corruption charges. Those who used to give themselves certificates of honesty turned out to be corrupt. This was a big betrayal with Delhi.”
Modi said he had listened to Hazare's remarks earlier in the day, which criticised AAP for controversies involving "liquor and money." He observed that AAP had defamed the national capital.
“The liquor scam defamed Delhi. The scams in schools and hospitals troubled the poorest of the poor, and on top of that, their arrogance was so much that when the world was dealing with Corona, these people were building 'Sheesh Mahal'," Modi asserted.
Hazare, a noted social activist and anti-corruption crusader, had earlier expressed dismay over the party's trajectory. He emphasised the importance of political candidates maintaining a blemish-free character and lamented AAP’s involvement in financial scandals.
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"I have been saying for a long time that while contesting the election — the candidate must have a character, good ideas, and have no dent on image. But they (AAP) didn't get that. They got tangled in liquor and money — his (Arvind Kejriwal) image was dented because of it and that's why they are getting fewer votes in the election," Hazare said to mediapersons.
He added, "People saw that he (Arvind Kejriwal) talks about character but gets involved in liquor. In politics, allegations are made. One has to prove that he is not guilty. The truth will remain the truth...When a meeting was held, I decided that I would not be part of the party — and I have remained away from that day."
The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a resounding mandate in the Delhi polls, reclaiming power after 27 years. Several AAP leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, lost from their strongholds.
The BJP won 48 out of 70 seats, while AAP managed only 22, a significant decline from its 2020 tally of 62 seats. Hazare's criticism and Modi’s comments add further scrutiny to AAP’s recent performance and governance record.
Also read: 'Was saying for long...AAP didn’t understand': Hazare slams Kejriwal
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