In a sharp critique during a rally in northeast Delhi's Seelampur, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi targeted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of making false promises akin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The remarks come amidst ongoing tensions between the Congress and AAP, allies under the INDIA bloc.
Rahul Gandhi drew parallels between Kejriwal and Modi, alleging that neither has shown commitment towards implementing a nationwide caste census.
He claimed both leaders had failed to address the issue of reservations for backward communities, further asserting that they remained silent on critical matters affecting the marginalised sections of society.
Gandhi accused Kejriwal and Modi of failing to control inflation despite their assurances. He argued that their policies were leading to increased inequality, with the poor growing poorer and the wealthy becoming wealthier.
Bringing up allegations against industrialist Gautam Adani, Gandhi questioned Kejriwal's silence over the bribery charges involving contracts in the solar energy sector. He reiterated that the Congress would prioritise equality and ensure fair opportunities for minorities and the underprivileged if voted to power.
The Congress leader also criticised Kejriwal's promise to transform Delhi into a "clean and modern" city, saying corruption, pollution, and inflation had worsened under his governance.
Gandhi alleged that Kejriwal’s "clean Delhi propaganda" during the Sheila Dikshit administration had not materialised. He pledged that a Congress government would tackle these issues effectively.
Relations between the Congress and AAP have been strained since their alliance during the Lok Sabha elections, where neither party won a single seat in Delhi. Adding to the discord, AAP recently hinted at consulting other INDIA bloc members to consider removing Congress from the coalition.
Rahul Gandhi emphasised a battle of ideologies in the country, claiming one side sought to protect the Constitution while the other aimed to destroy it. He accused the BJP and RSS of violating the principles enshrined by BR Ambedkar and promoting division among communities.
Gandhi pledged to stand against hatred and protect every Indian, regardless of caste or religion.
Arvind Kejriwal responded to the criticisms in a tweet, stating that Gandhi had "abused" him but refrained from countering his remarks. Kejriwal said his focus remained on saving the nation, whereas Gandhi's efforts were aimed at "saving the Congress".
The political landscape in Delhi remains charged as the city gears up for the Assembly elections on February 5, with results due on February 8. AAP is vying for a third consecutive term, while the BJP is aiming to return to power in the capital after 27 years.
The Congress, which last governed Delhi from 1998 to 2013, is striving to regain its lost ground.
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