Ahead of the much-anticipated Delhi assembly elections in early 2025, Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced that there would be no alliance in the national capital.
The declaration, made during a press conference, set the tone for the party’s independent approach to the upcoming polls.
Kejriwal, who served as the Chief Minister of Delhi before, confirmed that the AAP would contest the elections without seeking any alliances, despite the many political speculations circulating. His statement left no ambiguity regarding the party’s strategy.
With the elections fast approaching, Kejriwal’s decision highlights his confidence in the party’s strength and the broad support base that AAP has cultivated over the years in Delhi.
At the same press briefing, Kejriwal also addressed another pressing issue – the recent attack on him during his 'padyatra'. The incident involved a liquid being thrown at him, which could have potentially been harmful.
Though the liquid did not cause any harm, the AAP leader took this opportunity to criticise Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kejriwal expressed his disappointment, stating that he expected Shah to take action after he had raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi.
Instead, Kejriwal found himself on the receiving end of an attack, which he called alarming, even if it was harmless in nature.
The AAP leader emphasised that he had raised the issue of law and order on multiple occasions, but little had been done to address the growing concerns.
He criticised the Home Minister for failing to tackle the rising crime rates, which, according to Kejriwal, had become a serious threat to the residents of Delhi. “It could have been a serious incident,” Kejriwal said, highlighting the need for better security measures in the city.
Kejriwal also spoke out on the arrest of his MLA, Naresh Balyan, by the Delhi Police. He defended Balyan, claiming that the MLA was a victim of gangsters who had been threatening him for ransom.
Balyan, according to Kejriwal, had made a formal complaint to the police about being harassed by members of the Nandu Gang. This case, Kejriwal argued, was a reflection of the worsening law and order in the capital.
He further stated that the law enforcement agencies had failed to ensure safety, and crime had reached alarming levels, with gangsters now openly operating within Delhi.
“The law and order situation has worsened in the last two or three years. I have been the Chief Minister of Delhi. Today, people are living in fear,” Kejriwal expressed.
He added that, despite his earlier hopes that the situation would improve, it now seemed as though Delhi was under the control of criminal elements. His words were a clear indication of the dissatisfaction with the current administration and the state of governance in Delhi.
The AAP leader has long been vocal about his concerns regarding the law and order situation in Delhi. His criticism has often been directed towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whom he accuses of neglecting the capital’s security.
Kejriwal’s harsh remarks also extended to the government's handling of crime in Delhi. In a post on X, Kejriwal questioned Shah directly, asking what actions would be taken to curb the rampant crime in the city.
"Will crime in Delhi decrease by stopping me? Will open shootouts stop? Will the women of Delhi be safe? Will the traders of Delhi be secure?" Kejriwal asked, addressing his concerns about public safety in the capital.
The attack on Kejriwal during his padyatra was not without controversy. Police reports indicate that a bus marshal named Ashok Jha attempted to throw water at Kejriwal while he was interacting with the public.
The assailant was swiftly apprehended by the police, and investigations into the motive behind the incident are underway. However, Kejriwal’s party has accused the BJP of orchestrating the act, claiming it was part of a larger scheme to discredit him and his political campaign.
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