On foundation day, Kejriwal defends AAP’s governance, takes aim at critics

With Assembly elections in the Capital just months away, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, while addressing party workers on the party’s foundation day on Tuesday, said, “They have been writing us off for 12 years, but here we are.”

Saying that the party’s foundation day coincided with the Constitution Day, party convener Arvind Kejriwal highlighted its governance achievements and resilience in the face of criticism.

Kejriwal emphasised AAP’s role in delivering a new governance model, pointing to its work in Delhi and Punjab. “We’ve shown that governments can run with honesty, offering free electricity, water, quality education and healthcare while maintaining a budget surplus,” he said. He also spotlighted the party’s ability to modernise infrastructure without compromising fiscal responsibility.

Reflecting on the party’s foundation, Kejriwal linked AAP’s formation to Constitution Day, suggesting divine intervention. “God must have thought the Constitution was in danger and decided a party was needed to protect it,” he remarked.

Despite setbacks in the Haryana Assembly elections in October, Kejriwal stressed AAP’s expanding footprint, now governing Delhi and Punjab, with representations in Gujarat, Goa and even Kashmir. He took a jab at the BJP over its criticism of AAP’s welfare schemes, saying, “Those who mocked our so-called ‘freebies’ are now replicating them. During Gujarat elections, even the Prime Minister had to build a classroom for a photo op. Education has become central to politics because of us.”

Addressing the challenges faced by the party, Kejriwal mentioned the arrests of leaders like Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Sanjay Singh and himself, asserting that such obstacles have only made AAP stronger. “Every six months, they claim AAP is finished. Yet, we continue to prove them wrong,” he said.

Recounting his priorities, Kejriwal reflected on being asked about losing elections. “I’m not worried about myself. I’m worried about the 18 lakh children in our government schools and their parents, who have started dreaming of a better future.”

As AAP enters its 13th year, Kejriwal reaffirmed the party’s mission, emphasising that millions of people in the country are eager to contribute to the nation’s progress. “You showed the way, and we came together to build this party. In the upcoming elections, we will fight with all our energy and ensure victory,” he told party workers.