Synopsis
Arvind Kejriwal criticizes the double-engine government concept, fearing it may harm the poor and middle class. He also raises concerns about election commission bias and violence against AAP workers, emphasizing the need for integrity in democracy.Key Takeaways
- Kejriwal denounces the double-engine government.
- Concerns raised over election commission's integrity.
- Allegations of violence against AAP workers and journalists.
- Call for law enforcement accountability.
- Women campaigning for AAP facing threats and assaults.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday criticized the idea of a double-engine government and claimed that it would run over everyone in its path.
During a press conference, Kejriwal condemned the double-engine government, asserting, "It is evident that if such a government gains power, it will crush everyone beneath its wheels -- the poor, the middle class, and all others."
He also launched a fierce critique against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, accusing him of partiality.
"People have made significant sacrifices to uphold free and fair elections, yet the manner in which the Election Commission has capitulated to the BJP raises alarming doubts. It appears as though the Election Commission has become irrelevant," he stated.
Kejriwal further questioned whether the CEC was being offered a lucrative post-retirement opportunity, saying, "Rajiv Kumar is set to retire at the end of this month. What inducement has he been given to jeopardize democracy? Is it a governorship? Or perhaps the presidency? Is there any position that surpasses the dignity of the nation itself?"
He urged Kumar to uphold his integrity, stating, "I implore Rajiv Kumar to fulfill his responsibilities and resist the temptation of a position. He has dedicated 40-45 years of service to the nation. Do not forsake democracy for personal interests."
He also expressed alarm over the alleged persistent assaults on his party's volunteers and journalists in the national capital.
"Citizens throughout Delhi, and indeed the entire country, are questioning the root of this violence. A pressing inquiry on everyone's mind is -- what is fueling this aggressiveness?"
He alleged that AAP supporters and the populace were being overtly intimidated and pressured to join the BJP.
"In recent days, we have witnessed a surge of attacks on individuals, AAP workers being assaulted, and the public being coerced. They are being told to either align with the BJP or face repercussions. There are open altercations, violence, and this occurs while the police merely observe, seemingly powerless," he remarked.
Challenging the police's role, he stated, "Some ask law enforcement why they are not intervening, and they respond, 'There is an order from above.' So, who is the police apprehensive of?"
Kejriwal also highlighted the issue of alleged police mistreatment of journalists.
"For the first time, we are witnessing such blatant assaults on journalists during an election period. Just yesterday in Delhi, seven journalists were attacked -- one suffered a head injury, and another was detained by police overnight. Alarmingly, the assailants were released, while journalists covering the situation were arrested," he said, emphasizing that this incident transpired only a kilometer from Parliament.
Further accusing the central government of inciting violence against AAP's female representatives, Kejriwal stated, "Women campaigning door to door are facing assaults. In recent days, our vehicles have been damaged, and our campaign materials confiscated. The public has now resolved to counter this thuggery."
