In a scathing broadside against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal launched a fierce attack today, Sunday, June 29, 2025. Addressing a public gathering at Jantar Mantar, where AAP was protesting the alleged demolition of slums in Delhi by the BJP, Kejriwal accused the ruling party of failing to deliver on its promises despite returning to power after a 25-year hiatus. He asserted that instead of focusing on governance and public welfare, the BJP was preoccupied with political vendettas, citing ongoing legal cases against his party’s prominent leaders.

Kejriwal’s sharp criticism highlights the escalating political tensions in the national capital, as the AAP, currently in opposition in the Delhi government, seeks to hold the BJP accountable for its actions and policies. The protest at Jantar Mantar served as a platform for AAP to voice concerns of marginalized communities and reiterate its commitment to their welfare, contrasting it with the BJP’s alleged priorities.

Kejriwal’s Direct Challenge: “Voted for Work, Not FIRs”

The core of Arvind Kejriwal’s indictment revolved around the BJP’s perceived inaction on public issues and its alleged focus on political targeting. He pointed out the irony of the BJP’s return to power after a quarter-century, only to continue its “tradition” of attacking AAP.

“The BJP has come [to power] after 25 years. For 25 years, they were abusing us, and they are still abusing us,” Kejriwal stated, referencing the FIRs (First Information Reports) filed against top AAP leaders. “Still, there’s an FIR against Manish Sisodia. An FIR against Satyendar Jain.”

He then directly challenged the BJP’s mandate: “You were voted to do some work for the people. You were not voted to file FIRs. You were not voted to play FIR-FIR (a game of filing complaints).” This stark contrast drawn by Kejriwal aimed to underscore his party’s focus on governance versus what he painted as the BJP’s politically motivated actions.

Kejriwal further alleged that the BJP “does not want to run the government” and “has no intention” of doing so, suggesting that their primary agenda was not public service but something else entirely. “Their loot has begun,” he claimed, hinting at corruption or mismanagement under the current administration.

Slum Demolitions: A Flashpoint for Protest

The immediate trigger for today’s significant AAP protest at Jantar Mantar was the alleged demolition of slums in Delhi by the BJP-led government. Slum resettlement and the rights of informal settlements have long been sensitive issues in Delhi, with political parties often taking opposing stances. AAP, having built its political identity on advocating for the common man and marginalized communities, naturally took up this cause.

Jantar Mantar, a traditional site for protests and demonstrations in the capital, provided an apt backdrop for this confrontation. By bringing the issue of slum demolitions to this prominent public space, AAP aimed to amplify the voices of affected residents and draw broader public and media attention to the issue. This move aligns with AAP’s grassroots approach and its history of mobilizing public support against perceived injustices.

Political Implications and Future Outlook for Delhi

Arvind Kejriwal did not shy away from issuing a strong political warning to the BJP regarding the future of Delhi politics. He reiterated his party’s resilience against the BJP’s attacks and predicted a bleak future for the saffron party in the capital if their current approach continues.

“These people abused us for 25 years. There was a little peace for 10 years (referring to AAP’s previous terms in power),” Kejriwal remarked. He then issued a dire warning: “If this continues, after 5 years, the BJP will not come to power in Delhi for the next five years either.” This statement reflects Kejriwal’s confidence in AAP’s ability to retain public support in Delhi and highlights the ongoing electoral contest between the two major parties in the capital.

The political landscape of Delhi has been dominated by a fierce rivalry between the AAP and the BJP. While AAP has successfully formed governments in Delhi multiple times, the BJP remains a formidable opposition, controlling the municipal corporations (until their unification) and having a strong presence in the Lok Sabha seats. This ongoing tussle for political supremacy often manifests in public accusations, protests, and legal battles.

The issues raised by Kejriwal, such as alleged governmental inaction and focus on political vendettas, are likely to be central themes in AAP’s campaign narrative as Delhi heads towards future municipal and assembly elections. The party will undoubtedly continue to highlight what it perceives as the BJP’s failures in governance and its alleged anti-poor policies, particularly concerning urban development and slum rehabilitation.

Addressing Public Welfare vs. Political Warfare

Kejriwal’s speech emphasized a stark choice: a government that focuses on public welfare and addresses the needs of its citizens versus one that engages in constant political warfare, marked by accusations and legal battles. He sought to portray AAP as the party genuinely committed to improving the lives of ordinary Delhiites, contrasting it with a BJP he claimed was consumed by political rivalry.

The allegations against Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, both key AAP leaders who have faced legal challenges, are a sensitive point for the party. Kejriwal’s consistent defense of his colleagues and his portrayal of these cases as politically motivated attempts to destabilize his government are integral to his political narrative.

The coming months will likely see an intensification of this political struggle in Delhi. With the monsoon season approaching, issues like urban planning, disaster management, and the welfare of vulnerable populations will come to the forefront, providing new battlegrounds for political discourse. The AAP will continue to leverage its strong public connect and protest mechanisms to press its agenda and challenge the BJP’s governance in Delhi.

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