New Delhi [India], February 18: BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has hit back at AAP leader Atishi’s recent criticism of the BJP’s governance in Delhi. Khandelwal dismissed concerns over the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate, stating that BJP workers are confident a loyal member will eventually take the role, while opposition parties, like AAP, are distracted by issues within their own ranks.
Speaking to ANI, Khandelwal remarked, “BJP workers are not worried about this (Delhi’s Chief Minister face) because we know that a loyal worker will become the Chief Minister of BJP, but the opposition parties are very worried about this. They could not manage their own house but are looking at the house of others. I think if they (opposition parties) organize their scattered family, then it will be in their interest.”
This response follows remarks by AAP leader Atishi, who questioned the BJP’s clarity on governance in Delhi. Atishi had asked, “I want to ask the BJP to decide whether they are running the government or not. When there are power cuts, the BJP people say that Atishi is the caretaker CM, she is responsible for this, but when the machine comes to Yamuna, they say that the BJP and LG are running the government. They should decide whether they are running the government or not…”
Atishi also accused the BJP of lacking a vision or plan for Delhi. She remarked, “BJP cannot run the government in Delhi, Narendra Modi knows that not even one of his 48 MLAs can run the government. He can only loot the money of the people of Delhi.” She also criticized the BJP for failing to appoint a Chief Minister despite having 48 elected legislators. “Even after 10 days, PM Modi can’t trust the 48 selected legislators, and make one of them a CM,” Atishi added.
Additionally, Atishi took aim at the BJP’s tenure in the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD), accusing BJP councillors of corruption. “After being in power for 15 years in the Delhi Municipal Corporation, all the BJP Councillors looted the people and the MCD,” she said.