The political atmosphere in Delhi has heated up as AAP national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of conspiring to delete Purvanchali names from the electoral rolls ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, expected in early 2025.
Kejriwal’s Allegations Against BJP
In a press conference on Friday, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP was targeting Purvanchali voters to diminish their electoral influence. He further claimed that BJP President JP Nadda had recently compared Purvanchalis residing in Delhi to Rohingyas during a parliamentary session.
“I want to assure the people of Purvanchal that we will not let anyone remove your names from the voter list. We respect you and are committed to ensuring you lead a dignified life. If BJP people come to your house, don’t provide them with your name or voter ID card. They might use this information to cut your name from the rolls,” Kejriwal said.
BJP’s Counterattack
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal dismissed Kejriwal’s accusations, asserting that AAP was attempting to spread confusion to divert attention from its likely defeat in the upcoming elections.
“Kejriwal and his leaders have united to mislead the people of Delhi at any cost. During the COVID-19 crisis, Kejriwal abandoned the people of Purvanchal, while BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana provided extensive support. The people of Purvanchal know who genuinely works for their upliftment and who sees them merely as voting machines,” Khandelwal told media.
Political Significance of Purvanchalis
Purvanchalis, comprising a significant portion of Delhi’s population, play a pivotal role in deciding election outcomes. AAP has traditionally garnered substantial support from this group, contributing to its landslide victory in the 2020 Assembly elections, where it secured 62 out of 70 seats, leaving BJP with just eight.
Looking Ahead
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, both AAP and BJP are intensifying their campaigns, with Purvanchali voters emerging as a key demographic battleground. While AAP vows to protect the community’s electoral rights, BJP aims to counter the narrative by highlighting its governance track record and support during crises.
The issue underscores the high-stakes contest for control of the Delhi Assembly, with both parties striving to sway public opinion in their favor.