Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal praised the resilience of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers, asserting that no political party in India’s history has faced as much harassment as AAP. Speaking at a gathering of the party’s Mandal-level office bearers in Pitampura, Delhi, he encouraged them to intensify their efforts to secure all 70 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.
Kejriwal highlighted the critical stakes for Delhi’s future, claiming that the BJP is intent on undermining the progress achieved under AAP’s administration. He expressed confidence that AAP could win a larger mandate than in previous elections and urged party unity, dismissing any internal conflicts.
The event was attended by senior AAP leaders, including former ministers Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and CM Atishi, as well as Rajya Sabha MPs Sandeep Pathak and Sanjay Singh. The gathering welcomed Satyendar Jain, who had just been released on bail after two years in jail over alleged money laundering charges, with a standing ovation from party workers.
Kejriwal called on party members to approach the upcoming elections with the same fervor and patriotism as freedom fighters, drawing parallels between the electoral battle and India’s struggle for independence. He invoked the names of historical figures like Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the cause.
He criticized the BJP for attempting to disrupt the advancements made in Delhi through legal actions against AAP leaders and administrative hurdles imposed by the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Kejriwal stated that the BJP’s aim was to weaken the party by imprisoning its leaders, but he credited the unity and dedication of AAP workers for the party’s resilience.
In a sharp critique of the BJP’s governance, he claimed that no party has faced as much harassment as AAP, pointing to the deteriorating conditions in Delhi, such as garbage accumulation and poor maintenance of roads and sewage systems. He accused the BJP of engaging in “dirty politics” that harms the city and its residents.
Kejriwal also highlighted how various social welfare schemes were stalled by the BJP, only to be revived by AAP, asserting that the BJP’s goal is to dismantle AAP’s achievements to prevent questions about their governance in other states.
He condemned the BJP’s divisive politics as a betrayal of national interests and emphasized that AAP has set a governance benchmark in areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He expressed concern for the citizens, stating that the election’s outcome would directly affect their quality of life, particularly regarding electricity rates and access to essential services.
Kejriwal concluded by discussing an open letter he has written to the people of Delhi, outlining the stakes of the upcoming election and calling for continued support for AAP’s vision. He urged party members to distribute this letter to every household in Delhi from October 20 to 29, expressing confidence in winning additional seats compared to the last election.
Manish Sisodia and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi echoed Kejriwal’s sentiments, stating that the BJP’s attempts to weaken AAP through arrests have failed to diminish the spirit of its grassroots volunteers. Gopal Rai remarked that the BJP underestimated AAP leaders, comparing Kejriwal to Arjun, who would not fall into their traps.