During the ‘Janata ki Adalat’ rally, the former chief minister of Delhi made bold statements while launching a scathing attack on the NDA government

New Delhi witnessed a dramatic display of political theatrics on October 6, 2024, as former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal boldly declared his intention to campaign for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. This unexpected statement emerged during the second “Janata Ki Adalat” rally at Chhatrasal Stadium, where Kejriwal took the opportunity to launch a scathing critique of the Prime Minister and his NDA government.

At the rally, Kejriwal challenged PM Modi to implement free electricity in all NDA-ruled states before the elections in Delhi, saying, “There is an election in Delhi in February, I ask him to make electricity free in 22 states. I promise I will campaign for him in Delhi elections.” This proclamation shocked many attendees, given the typically contentious relationship between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Kejriwal’s speech was not limited to promises of support; he also addressed serious concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the national capital. Drawing comparisons to Mumbai in the 1990s, he asserted, “We used to hear about underworld rule in Mumbai; the same has happened in Delhi. Bullets are being fired daily, and there is a lot of crime. What was the BJP doing? They are only busy in stopping the work of the Delhi government.”

The former chief minister painted a grim picture of Delhi, claiming that the city’s police force has become ineffective in maintaining law and order. “The law and order has deteriorated. The Delhi police is with them,” he added, insinuating that the authorities were more interested in political manoeuvring than in protecting citizens.

Kejriwal’s accusations didn’t stop there; he further slammed the BJP for what he termed “anti-poor” policies. He highlighted recent decisions to remove bus marshals and data entry operators and to halt the salaries of home guards in Delhi. “Ladies are hassled in buses of Delhi, and there would be pickpockets. We brought in bus marshals, but they stopped it,” he lamented, pointing to the negative impact these changes have had on public safety.

The political tension was palpable as the rally unfolded, with Kejriwal using the platform to vocalise the grievances of Delhi residents. His comments come at a time when the capital faces numerous challenges, including rising crime rates and public dissatisfaction with the current state of governance.

Meanwhile, the BJP has been quick to respond to Kejriwal’s bold claims and criticisms. On October 4, former Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel led a protest against Kejriwal, accusing him of “unauthorised occupation” of a government bungalow assigned to an AAP MP. This incident added fuel to the fire, intensifying the ongoing political rivalry between the two parties.

Following his resignation as Delhi’s chief minister, Kejriwal vacated his official residence and moved to the bungalow of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, located at 5 Ferozeshah Road near Mandi House. This transition has drawn attention, particularly amidst accusations of mismanagement and alleged violations of protocol.

As the political landscape heats up ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections in February 2025, the dynamics between Kejriwal, Modi, and the respective parties continue to evolve. Kejriwal’s pledge to support Modi, coupled with his critique of the NDA government, signals a unique and complex shift in Delhi’s political theatre.

With the elections on the horizon, both parties will need to navigate a charged atmosphere, balancing promises to voters with the realities of governance. Kejriwal’s dual approach—both endorsing and challenging Modi—reflects a strategy aimed at consolidating support while addressing pressing concerns facing Delhi residents.

As the capital gears up for the election, citizens will undoubtedly watch closely to see how these developments unfold. The AAP and BJP are poised to engage in an intense battle for the hearts and minds of Delhi’s electorate, with law and order, public welfare, and economic policies at the forefront of the conversation.

In a city characterised by political fervour and a history of tumultuous governance, the upcoming elections promise to be a pivotal moment for both Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with each aiming to secure their legacy in the national capital.