Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeling the Centre’s Ordinance on control over the administrative services in the national Capital as “Hitlerism and dictatorship.”
Speaking at a mega rally held at Ramlila Maidan, Kejriwal warned that the Ordinance, if implemented in Delhi, would also be imposed in other States governed by the Opposition parties, such as Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. He called for an immediate halt to such measures.
Addressing the crowd gathered at Ramlila Maidan, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was founded and where three successive Kejriwal Governments were sworn in, the Delhi Chief Minister criticised Prime Minister Modi for expressing his disbelief in the Supreme Court’s decisions.
Kejriwal stated that such a stance was unprecedented in the 75 years of India’s Independence and accused the Prime Minister of having excessive ego. He expressed concern that democracy was deteriorating in the country and referred to it as “taanaasahi” (autocracy).
Kejriwal stressed the urgency of stopping the Ordinance and asserted that if Modi’s actions were not curbed now, similar Ordinances would be introduced in every State ruled by Opposition parties in the future.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, senior AAP leaders, and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal were also present on the occasion.
Following the introduction of the Ordinance, Kejriwal has been reaching out to leaders of non-BJP parties to rally their support against the measure.
He aims to defeat the Centre’s attempt to replace the Ordinance with a Bill when it is presented in Parliament.
During his speech, Kejriwal called upon the people to compare his eight years of governance with Modi’s 21 years and questioned the BJP’s track record in hindering progress. He accused the central Government of obstructing initiatives undertaken by the Delhi Government, including the construction of schools and hospitals, free yoga classes, and free medical tests.
Kejriwal further alleged that Modi had sold the nation to his associates while the country grappled with unemployment and inflation.
Referring to the arrests of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, Kejriwal claimed that their detention was an attempt to impede the progress of the Delhi Government. However, he assured the audience that there were many individuals within the party who would continue the good work that was started by the two now incarcerate leaders of the AAP.
Kejriwal concluded his speech by highlighting the significance of Ramlila Maidan in shaping the country’s political landscape. He asserted that just as a successful anti-corruption movement had originated from this very location 12 years ago, the current movement to safeguard democracy in the country and the Indian Constitution would also triumph.