Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader, responded sharply to Amit Shah's remarks questioning the appropriateness of a chief minister running a government from jail. The Union Home Minister had earlier raised concerns over ministers or chief ministers holding office while incarcerated for serious criminal charges. Kejriwal, who was imprisoned in connection with the liquor policy scam case, fired back at Shah, claiming that the case against him was politically motivated and framed by the Centre.
In a tweet, Kejriwal explained, “Under a political conspiracy, when the central government framed me in a false case and sent me to jail, I ran the government for 160 days from jail.” He went on to challenge the BJP minister, asking, “Should a person who includes criminals of serious crimes in his party, gets all their cases dismissed, and makes them ministers, deputy chief ministers, or chief ministers, also be required to resign from his position?”
Kejriwal’s comments were in response to Shah’s defence of the new bill, which proposes that ministers in custody for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges should be removed from office. Shah had questioned the propriety of such ministers or chief ministers continuing to run the government while in jail. Kejriwal countered by raising the issue of politicians within the BJP who were allegedly involved in corruption but were allowed to continue in positions of power.
Kejriwal also took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the AAP government, particularly during the time when he was running the administration from jail. He noted that despite being incarcerated, Delhiites continued to receive essential services like uninterrupted water and power, free medicines, and healthcare services. He compared this to the present state of Delhi under the BJP government, stating that such services were no longer effectively managed.
Kejriwal was arrested in March 2024 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case, becoming the first sitting chief minister to be taken into custody. Despite being in jail, he continued to lead the Delhi government until he was granted bail.
The controversy comes amid the ongoing political rivalry between AAP and BJP, with both parties accusing each other of corruption. BJP has defended the government's actions, claiming that the opposition is resisting efforts to bring morality into politics. The new bill, which is part of the BJP's push to hold politicians accountable, has sparked debate, with opponents claiming that it is a politically motivated move targeting opposition leaders. As this legal and political drama continues to unfold, Kejriwal’s response has only fueled the ongoing battle between AAP and BJP, making it a critical moment in India’s political landscape.
