Arvind Kejriwal, in his first media briefing post-release from prison, asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party is not only targeting Opposition figures but also leaders within their own ranks. Kejriwal alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pushing forward a “one nation, one leader” agenda and is aiming to terminate the political careers of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as well.
“The political careers of Advani, Murli Joshi, Shivraj Chauhan, Vasundhara Raje, Khattar, Raman Singh have been extinguished, and Yogi Adityanath is next in line. If he (PM Modi) emerges victorious, he will replace the UP Chief Minister within two months,” Kejriwal stated.
“Our nation has a rich history, and whenever a dictator attempted to seize power, the people thwarted his efforts. Once again, a dictator is attempting to undermine democracy. I have come to appeal to the 140 crore citizens,” he further added.
In his address, he specifically mentioned Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as the masterminds behind a political takeover within the BJP. He referred to the party’s practice of changing chief ministers in various states before assembly elections to limit their power. Additionally, he issued a warning that if the BJP-led NDA comes to power after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, all opposition leaders, including Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin, would be imprisoned.
“They will imprison opposition leaders and eliminate them… Our ministers, such as Hemant Soren (former Jharkhand CM), and ministers from Mamata Banerjee’s party (Trinamool Congress), are already in jail… If the BJP wins again, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Uddhav Thackeray (UBT Chief), and other opposition leaders will also be imprisoned,” stated Mr. Kejriwal.
On Friday, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to the Delhi Chief Minister, allowing him to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. The court questioned the timing of his arrest just before the elections and instructed the Enforcement Directorate to investigate Mr. Kejriwal after the voting concludes.
“The fact that he was there for one-and-a-half years… he could have been arrested before or after the election as well. Regardless, a difference of 21 days should not matter,” remarked the court.
The release of Mr. Kejriwal has been celebrated by the opposition INDIA alliance, in which the Aam Aadmi Party plays a significant role.