Like there is only Putin in Russia…they want only Modi in India: Delhi CM Kejriwal

Standing atop a car along with his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal said, “I told you I would be back soon… When I went to jail, everyone was worried about what would happen to the Rs 1,000 per month (honorarium for women)… I want to tell all my mothers and sisters that I am here now, I will start (it) soon…”

Hitting out at the BJP for arresting him and denying him insulin in jail, he added, “… I was thinking why was I arrested? I am a small person and have a small party… My only fault is that I constructed schools, hospitals, roads, mohalla clinics… I gave you free medicines… but they did not give me insulin for 15 days in Tihar despite several requests… I’m now alive because of all your prayers and blessings…”

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with wife Sunita Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann offers prayers at Navagraha Mandir (Express Photo By Amit Mehra)

The CM held the roadshow in support of AAP’s East Delhi candidate Kuldeep Kumar, who is up against BJP’s Harsh Malhotra. The Assembly constituency of Krishna Nagar, which has an old association with the RSS, comprises a trader community and a Punjabi population. In the 2020 Assembly polls, AAP’s SK Bagga won the seat.

Calling the Supreme Court’s decision of giving interim bail ‘god’s miracle, Kejriwal issued an appeal ahead of the Lok Sabha election in Delhi: “Friends, we have to end this dictatorship… these people (BJP) are asking for 400 seats… ander se pata chala ye Russia ke tarah samvidhan badalna chahte hain… Like there is only Putin in Russia… they want only Modi in India…”

He then went on to accuse the BJP and the Prime Minister of wanting to change the “Constitution”. He said, “… Whichever state I go to, I ask for votes based on the work we have done in Delhi. But they (BJP) ask votes in the name of mangalsutra… because they have not done anything in the last 10 years…”

Harpal Singh, a hotel owner and resident of Krishna Nagar, nodded his head in agreement. “Things will change now… the BJP is finished not only in Delhi but the entire country… people are tired and angry with the BJP…”

alling the Supreme Court’s decision of giving interim bail ‘god’s miracle, Kejriwal issued an appeal ahead of the Lok Sabha election in Delhi

Among the crowd were several women from nearby localities like Shanti Mohalla, Geeta Colony, Trilokpuri and Kanti Nagar. Pooja Devi, 65, a resident of Trilokpuri said, “… what has Modi done for the people of Delhi? Nothing… BJP does not even give ration on time… Kejriwal has done a lot of work in schools, hospitals and colonies… We are getting free electricity and water.”

Kejriwal, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the victory of the INDIA bloc: “Surveys show the Modi government is not coming back on June 4… in Delhi, they will lose all seven seats… The INDIA bloc will form the government at the Centre and AAP will be part of it…”

“… God has given me 21 days. I will roam the country day and night, work 24 hours to end this dictatorship… mera tan, mann, dhan or mere sharir ka katra katra aur khoon ka ek ek katra, mere zindagi ka ek ek pal me desh ke naam hai…,” he added.

Mohan Lal, 53, who runs a lassi and cold drink shop, expressed skepticism at the statement. “He has got bail for just 21 days… let’s see what he does to change the politics of Delhi… we are all BJP supporters… His release does not matter a lot in Krishna Nagar…”

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal visited the Hanuman Temple, and the Shiv and Navgrah temples in Connaught Place and held a roadshow in South Delhi’s Mehrauli in support of party candidate Sahiram Pahalwan.

At one of the temples, a priest, on condition of anonymity, termed Kejriwal’s visit a “political affair”. A supporter of BJP’s ‘Ram Mandir’ cause, he said he only sees Modi as the “sole capable leader to lead the country right now”.

KN Joshi, a priest, claimed that while the Delhi CM frequented the Hanuman Mandir before, it was his first visit to the Shiv temple nearby. “(Former Deputy CM) Manish Sisodia was a regular at this temple even before the foundation days of AAP… Temples are not political spaces, we welcome everyone, be it from AAP, BJP, Congress,” he added.

Meanwhile, temple workers seemed rather disinterested in the whole affair. Kiran, a sweeper who had been there since morning, accused all political parties of overlooking “jhuggi jhopdi people”. “We have been living in huts for years, drinking non-potable water… what have they done for us so that we should care?” she asked.