Targeted by BJP for efforts to serve Delhi people: Kejriwal
Launching the ‘Jan Sampark’ campaign, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday released an open letter to the people of Delhi, outlining the alleged political motivations behind his recent arrest and accusing the BJP of attempting to obstruct the Capital’s progress.
The campaign, which runs until October 29, is strategically timed ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for February next year. “People have been asking why I was arrested and what led to it. I’ve been answering these questions in person, but to reach every Delhiite, I’ve written a letter to address their questions,” Kejriwal said.
AAP workers will distribute this letter door-to-door until October 29, ensuring that every household receives it, Kejriwal added.
In the letter, Kejriwal described his arrest as a politically motivated move designed to stall the progress his government has made for the people of Delhi. Denying any corruption charges, he said, “Everyone knows I have never engaged in corruption. So why was I arrested? Because the work we are doing for Delhi, the services we are providing, have threatened their political dominance.”
Open letters will be distributed till Oct 29
The people of Delhi have many questions regarding my arrest, and to address those questions, I have written a letter. Our party workers will go door to door with this letter till October 29 so that the people can get answers to their questions. —Arvind Kejriwal, Former CM
He added that in the 22 states governed by the BJP, they couldn’t provide the same services that AAP offers in Delhi. “People in those states have started asking difficult questions — why is electricity free in Delhi, but not in Gujarat?” Kejriwal asked.
Kejriwal claimed that the BJP’s growing fear of AAP’s national influence, especially after their victory in Punjab, led to his arrest. “After our win in Punjab, they realised that if they didn’t stop us, AAP would spread across the country, threatening their political future,” he said.
He also accused BJP leaders of using the Lieutenant-Governor’s office to delay key initiatives, citing the two-year hold-up in approving the mohalla clinic project and the installation of CCTV cameras. “It was only after immense pressure, including a 10-day sit-in protest by me and my cabinet, that we could proceed with the mohalla clinic file,” Kejriwal stated.
He also shared a harrowing account of his time in jail, alleging attempts to harm his health by stopping his insulin injections.
“As a diabetic, I need insulin four times a day, but they stopped my medication. This could have caused serious health issues, even death,” he said emotionally.
Since his release, Kejriwal noted that many key projects were deliberately stalled during his imprisonment, including road repairs and hospital services. “They halted medicines in hospitals and paused free testing services. But the moment I was released, I resumed work on these projects with full force,” he told the public.
Kejriwal accused the BJP of planning to dismantle the services and progress made under his government. “The BJP stalled the Farishtey scheme for months, and we had to secure a Supreme Court order to restart it. If they take power, they will end this and other programmes designed to serve Delhiites,” he warned.
Kejriwal also predicted that if the BJP gains control of Delhi, it would mark a return to the pre-AAP era of frequent power cuts and poor services.
Reflecting on his arrest and the imprisonment of his colleagues, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, Kejriwal affirmed that their sacrifices were made for the people of Delhi. “We didn’t go to jail for ourselves. If we hadn’t worked for you — if we hadn’t provided free services — none of us would have been arrested. But we have no regrets. Our lives are dedicated to the service of this country and its people,” he added.
