December 23, 2024: In a strong attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released a detailed 'charge sheet' (aarop patra) on Saturday, accusing the Kejriwal-led government of widespread corruption and breaking promises made to the people of Delhi.
Addressing the media at the Delhi BJP office, BJP MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that the charge sheet outlines several cases of corruption within the AAP government. He particularly criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for failing to fulfill key promises, including the provision of free medical services, water, and electricity. Thakur emphasized that despite these pledges, residents of Delhi continue to pay for these essential services.
Thakur also pointed to what he termed "the most corrupt ministers" in India, referring to the eight AAP ministers and 15 party MLAs who have faced legal action, with some even jailed. "Kejriwal ji, you claim to be number one, but in what area are you number one? Delhi has the costliest water rates in the country, is the most polluted capital in the world, and your ministers are the most corrupt," Thakur remarked, highlighting what he sees as the failures of the AAP administration.
The BJP also ramped up its criticism by alleging that AAP accepted $1.6 million in funding from Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), an organization led by the Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. "AAP took $1.6 million from SFJ, and Pannun himself has admitted to this. The party has also received support from Khalistani groups during the Punjab elections. Furthermore, AAP is providing security to illegal Rohingya immigrants," the BJP's charge sheet claimed.
Thakur accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy, referencing his past promises. "Kejriwal said he would never take support from Congress, but he did. He said he wouldn't live in a bungalow, yet he built himself a luxurious one. He claimed he wouldn’t use an expensive car, but chose the most expensive one," Thakur said.
The release of the charge sheet comes as Delhi's legislative assembly elections approach, with the current 70-member assembly set to complete its term on February 23, 2025. Polls are expected to take place before that date, with both the BJP and AAP gearing up for a high-stakes election battle.
As the political temperature rises in the capital, the BJP’s move aims to intensify scrutiny of Kejriwal’s leadership, while also seeking to rally public sentiment against the ruling party.