Former members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have criticized Arvind Kejriwal’s strategy of offering “revadis” or freebies in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections. Prominent among the critics is Mayank Gandhi, a former AAP leader, who accused Kejriwal of straying from the party’s founding principles due to political ambition. Gandhi expressed discontent, stating that the AAP was formed to foster alternative politics, but under Kejriwal’s leadership, it has worsened into what it originally sought to replace.
Gandhi accused Kejriwal of compromising the party’s initial values by aligning with previously criticized individuals, claiming the party has abandoned key principles. He voiced concern over the leadership’s tendency to dismiss independent thinkers, quoting Kejriwal allegedly saying he wanted “obedient” followers rather than “people with brains” in the party. Disillusioned, Gandhi quit politics in 2015 and now focuses on working with farmers.
Drawing comparisons to the political climate during India’s Emergency period, Gandhi suggested that the AAP has deceived the public, similar to past betrayals. He also critiqued Maharashtra’s political scene as lacking in ethics and integrity, asserting that the country’s hunger for power is detrimental.
On the issue of freebies, Gandhi warned of potential dangers, citing Venezuela’s economic collapse as a cautionary tale. He implied that Kejriwal’s reliance on such tactics might ultimately prove counterproductive, referencing the proverb, “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.”
Meanwhile, Kejriwal has initiated a 15-day campaign to promote six free services offered by his government and counter criticism from the BJP, which dubbed them “revadis” and called for their termination. The AAP government emphasizes services like free electricity, water, quality education and healthcare, free bus travel for women, and senior citizens’ pilgrimages. As Delhi prepares for elections early next year, the AAP has rolled out its initial list of candidates, aiming to replicate its success from the 2020 elections, where it clinched 62 out of 70 seats.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/those-who-live-by-the-sword-die-by-it-ex-aap-member-slams-kejriwal-over-revadi-culture
Category : India
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Publish Date: 2024-11-22 19:19:00
