- Allegation Against BJP:
- AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the BJP plans to end free education in Delhi government schools if it comes to power.
- He stated, “If a wrong button is pressed [referring to voting for BJP], your children’s government schools will be shut down.”
- Warning to Voters:
- Kejriwal highlighted the financial burden on families if forced to enroll children in private schools, estimating costs at Rs 5,000–10,000 per child per month.
- He compared the potential scenario to Uttar Pradesh, alleging that government schools under CM Yogi Adityanath have deteriorated.
- Context of Delhi Assembly Elections:
- The elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8.
- AAP, which has dominated Delhi politics in recent years, is competing against the BJP and Congress.
Yogi Adityanath’s Counterattack
- Criticism of Kejriwal’s Leadership:
- UP CM Yogi Adityanath accused Kejriwal of mismanaging Delhi, calling it a “garbage dump.”
- He claimed that Delhi roads and infrastructure are far inferior to those in Noida and UP.
- Bangladeshi Infiltrators Allegation:
- Adityanath alleged that AAP leaders facilitated Aadhaar cards for Bangladeshi infiltrators using machines from their homes.
- He accused Kejriwal of harboring Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants, allegedly contributing to civic issues in Delhi.
Electoral Landscape in Delhi
- AAP’s Dominance:
- AAP swept the last two assembly elections, winning 67 seats in 2015 and 62 seats in 2020, while BJP lagged with 3 and 8 seats, respectively.
- Congress has been unable to secure a seat in the last two elections after previously ruling Delhi for 15 years.
- Election Stakes:
- With 699 candidates vying for 70 seats, the elections will be a litmus test for both AAP and BJP.
This heated exchange between Kejriwal and Adityanath reflects the intensifying battle for Delhi’s governance, with education and infrastructure at the forefront of campaign agendas.