Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit launched a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over their letter to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it contradictory to their earlier anti-RSS stance.
Dikshit accused AAP of hypocrisy, claiming that the party’s actions revealed ideological similarities with the BJP. “On one side, they say that RSS’ ideology is anti-national and on the other side, you write to them with questions. With this one letter to RSS, it is clear that besides BJP, if there is one party which has Sanghis, then it is Aam Aadmi Party,” Dikshit said.
The Congress leader also referred to Kejriwal’s past comments about his family’s connections to the RSS, questioning the party’s intentions. “Why have they written to RSS? You ask for an answer from someone who is connected to you. Earlier too, he (Arvind Kejriwal) had said that his father had a connection with RSS,” Dikshit added.
Kejriwal’s Letter to RSS Chief
Arvind Kejriwal recently addressed a letter to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, posing several questions about the actions of the BJP and its impact on democracy. The letter raised concerns about BJP’s practices, including vote-buying and alleged attempts to suppress votes from Dalit and Purvanchali communities.
Kejriwal asked Bhagwat if the RSS supports BJP’s actions, stating:
“Whatever wrong BJP has done in the past; does RSS support it? BJP leaders are openly distributing money. Does RSS support buying votes? Dalit and Purvanchali votes are being cut on a large scale. Does RSS think this is right for democracy? Does RSS not think that BJP is weakening democracy?”
AAP Responds
AAP National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar defended the party and expressed hope that the BJP would adopt healthier political practices in the new year. She suggested that BJP-ruled states should consider implementing welfare schemes pioneered by AAP, such as free electricity and water.
Speaking to media, Kakkar said, “…Hoping BJP would also do healthy politics this year… They would also adopt Arvind Kejriwal’s welfare schemes such as free electricity, free water in their (BJP ruled) 20 states… would not intercept our new guarantees, such as Rs 2,100 per month for women, free treatment for senior citizens… would support us in every public welfare scheme…”
Political Tensions Rise
The exchange has further heightened political tensions as the Delhi Assembly elections draw closer. While AAP claims to represent progressive governance, the opposition parties continue to question its credibility and motives, suggesting contradictions in its approach to governance and alliances.