Atishi Claims BJP Aims to Dismiss Delhi Government Through Backdoor
Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to dismiss the democratically elected government of Delhi through the back door, Senior AAP leader and Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi on Sunday made a dramatic allegation. Her observations came after President Droupadi Murmu forwarded a memorandum from BJP MLAs to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting the dismissal of the Aam Aadmi Party government. This is a battle of political one-upmanship, which further underlines the growing friction between the BJP-ruled central government and the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP in Delhi.
BJP’s Alleged Conspiracy
Atishi has attacked BJP publicly for its reported attempt to “backdoor remove” the AAP government in Delhi, allegedly because it was defeated at an attempt to dislodge it through polls. She said, “Wherever the BJP does not win elections, it tries to buy MLAs, tries to form a government through the backdoor.” She accused BJP of “trying to undermine democracies across states by buying MLAs and trying to “backdoor remove” governments which the party could not defeat at polls”.
It was a failed attempt by the BJP to “buy” AAP MLAs in Delhi, according to Atishi. She said due to the integrity of the AAP legislators, theBJP’s plans are foiled and hence, she feels, the BJP is now “onto a new conspiracy” to topple the Kejriwal government by seeking imposition of President’s Rule.
Response and Defiance by AAP
Charging the BJP-ruled central government with these alleged actions, Atishi delivered an impassioned statement, daring the former to impose President’s Rule in Delhi: “If BJP indulges in a conspiracy to bring down the government of Arvind Kejriwal, the people of Delhi will give a befitting reply in future elections, making it disappear from the whole city.”
Atishi further claimed that the people of Delhi are well aware of the political situation and who is sincerely working for their benefit. She highlighted the popularity of Arvind Kejriwal, who, according to her, has gained the trust and love of the Delhi electorate with his different public welfare schemes.
Achievements Under the Kejriwal Government
Atishi then cited some headline achievements of the Kejriwal government, which she thinks will save AAP in the election.
24-hour free electricity to Delhi’s residents seems to be one of the most important hallmarks of the policy being framed by AAP in Government.
Quality education reforms-phones in particular for the youngest children of government schools. The most interesting thing is how Kejriwal’s government has taken up education infrastructure and facilities seriously.
Established Mohalla clinics, which have provided free healthcare services to the residents.
Facilitated religious pilgrimages by senior citizens at the expense of the government.
According to Atishi, it is such programs which have resulted in Kejriwal enjoying such a long tenure of popularity. She stated that these services make a difference in the life of the people and therefore Kejriwal comes across as a leader who delivers on promises he makes.
Response of the BJP and Political Strategy
While the BJP has not reacted to the accusations levelled by Atishi, it is evident that the party has persisted with its attempt to dent AAP’s supremacy in Delhi. Though it has only eight MLAs in Delhi’s Assembly, it is trying to project itself before the people as an alternative before the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in the state. However, Atishi says if the BJP attempts to topple the AAP government, they will have to pay a political price in the next elections.
Atishi added that not only is the BJP trying to unseat the Kejriwal government, but it is also doing so at the cost of losing Delhi voters. In her estimation, President’s Rule and drastic measures to remove a popularly elected government would boomerang and leave them with zero in future elections. “BJP presently has eight out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. I say with confidence that they will get zero seats after the elections,” she said again.
The Ramifications of the Allegations in Coming Elections
Atishi’s powerful rhetoric is aimed at mobilizing the AAP voter base and is intended to send a strong message to the BJP that any attempt to subvert the democratic process in Delhi will be resisted by its people. This tussle between the two will make the electorate in Delhi lean towards or away from one or the other camp, depending on how well their respective candidates position themselves as true representatives of the people.
Atishi also hinted that Arvind Kejriwal would again emerge as Delhi’s Chief Minister if elections were held today or in the next few months. According to her, the AAP has been able to return to power continuously due to its relentless efforts toward practical governance, which includes the provision of basic amenities to the public. For many residents, it is clear that the Kejriwal government has a good record regarding electricity, education, healthcare, and welfare for senior citizens, standing as a clear testament to the commitment to improving their lives.
Conclusion
The continuous political tussle between AAP and BJP in Delhi revealed the multi-dimensional relations in the governance of the capital. Atishi accused the BJP of trying to dismiss the Kejriwal government through indirect means, adding fuel to the fire in the rival relations between both parties. While AAP continues to defend its record, the way in which this battle is going to play out is still unclear, but one thing is for sure: it is the people of Delhi who are again going to play a pivotal role in deciding the political fate of their city.
For now, the Arvind Kejriwal government remains very much in place, with Atishi and other AAP leaders limbering up to take on the BJP anew in the political arena. Whether these accusations of conspiracy will resonate or not is a thing only time will know.
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