Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stirred controversy on Thursday by alleging that a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader admitted the arrest was aimed at derailing progress in the capital. Speaking to reporters while reviewing road infrastructure in Delhi University’s North Campus, Kejriwal shared details of a recent conversation he had with the BJP leader regarding his ‘motivated’ arrest in the Delhi liquor policy scam.
“The response that I got left me shocked and surprised beyond belief,” Kejriwal stated. He recounted asking the leader, “What did you achieve by arresting me?” to which he claimed the answer was that “at least Delhi’s progress has been derailed and halted.”
Accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, close associate Manish Sisodia, and other senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, Kejriwal’s comments came during an inspection of road conditions following heavy rains in the city. He emphasized that his government would expedite pending and stalled projects upon his return from prison, asserting, “Even in prison, I was in action mode.”
Kejriwal’s remarks were part of a broader strategy to communicate his commitment to developmental work in the city, despite his recent legal challenges. The road inspection coincided with a two-day special session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, during which new seating arrangements were introduced. Under the new arrangement, CM Atishi occupies the Number 1 seat, while Kejriwal, now a legislator, has been assigned the Number 41 seat.
An official clarified the reason for the seating change, stating that Kejriwal’s reassignment reflects his current status after stepping down as Chief Minister. This arrangement marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the Delhi Assembly, underscoring the challenges faced by the AAP leadership amid ongoing controversies.
As the situation evolves, Kejriwal’s allegations against the BJP and his determination to resume governance will likely dominate political discourse in the capital.