Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal responded sharply on Wednesday to Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who labeled AAP as the ‘vipaksh’ (Opposition) during a Congress poll event in Delhi. Kejriwal asserted that the public perceives the BJP and Congress as collaborating against AAP in the upcoming elections.

“Shri Gehlot ji, you made it clear that AAP is the opposition to Congress in Delhi, while remaining silent on the BJP. People believe that AAP stands against both Congress and BJP, with the latter two appearing to work together against us. Until now, this alliance between you has been more of a secret; today, you’ve made it public. Thank you for this clarification on behalf of the people of Delhi,” Kejriwal wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, Gehlot stated that AAP is indeed Congress’s opposition and remarked on the changing political landscape in Delhi. He expressed confidence that Congress’s campaign has improved and suggested that the results this time would be different, stating, “The chances of Congress forming the government in Delhi are increasing, and I believe this is necessary for the country as well.”

On Wednesday, Congress also unveiled its “Jeevan Raksha Yojana,” promising free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh if elected in Delhi. Gehlot emphasized that this scheme underscores the party’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of Delhi residents. The party’s campaign slogan, “Hogi Har Zarurat Puri, Congress Hai Zaroori,” was prominently featured during the announcement, reflecting Congress’s pledge to ensure essential services for all.

The proposed scheme aims to provide comprehensive health coverage for families, including medical expenses related to critical illnesses, hospitalizations, and treatments.

Additionally, earlier on Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress—another key ally in the INDIA coalition—extended its support to AAP for the Delhi elections, following an endorsement from the Samajwadi Party a day prior.

Kejriwal expressed his gratitude towards the Trinamool Congress and its leader Mamata Banerjee, saying, “TMC has announced its support for AAP in the Delhi elections. I am personally grateful to Mamata Didi. Thank you, Didi. You have always supported and blessed us in both good and challenging times,” he posted on X.

Polling for the 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled for February 5, with votes to be counted on February 8.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Wednesday accused BJP leader Parvesh Verma of handing out cash to women in New Delhi, the constituency represented by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

During a press conference, Atishi claimed that Rs 1,100 was distributed to women from slum areas at Verma’s residence in Windsor Place, with their voter ID details being recorded. She stated, “The BJP is distributing money and checking voter cards in the New Delhi assembly constituency, where Arvind Kejriwal is a candidate.

Today, Parvesh Verma was caught red-handed giving out money at his official residence, money he received as an MP. Women from various slums in the New Delhi area were called there and handed Rs 1,100 in an envelope,” ANI reported her as saying.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had alleged that women voters in his constituency were being paid Rs 1,100 for their votes. “I have just returned from several areas in my New Delhi Vidhan Sabha constituency, and everywhere I went, people told me that these individuals are openly buying votes, paying Rs 1,100 for each vote. People said they would take the money but wouldn’t vote for them,” he posted on X.

Kejriwal also hinted that the BJP might declare Parvesh Verma as their chief ministerial candidate, questioning whether the people of Delhi would want such a leader.

In response to the accusations, Parvesh Verma stated that the money was distributed as part of a campaign by ‘Rashtriya Swabhiman’, an NGO founded by his late father, former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma.

“I see the struggles faced by women that Arvind Kejriwal has ignored for 11 years. They have been suffering, so I decided to support them with Rs 1,100 per month. Unlike Arvind Kejriwal, I am not distributing liquor; I am glad to be able to help people,” he said.

Verma added that the Rashtriya Swabhiman has been actively involved in community support, including redevelopment efforts in villages affected by disasters. Elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are scheduled for February next year.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday hit out at the Congress, accusing it of disrespecting B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, both during his life and after his death.

During a press conference held at his official residence at 5 Kalidas Marg, he also claimed that Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, opposed Ambedkar’s inclusion in the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Adityanath’s comments came in the wake of a controversy sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha last week. Surrounded by ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Asim Arun, the Chief Minister emphasised that the purpose of the press conference was to reveal what he called the unethical and unconstitutional actions of Congress and other opposition parties against Ambedkar.

“Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, the formulation of the Constitution, and the foundational years of an independent India. Despite facing numerous societal challenges, he achieved the highest accolades in law, finance, and economics. His contributions to the nation are unmatched, and he is deeply revered by every Indian,” Adityanath stated.

He contrasted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) respect for Ambedkar with the Congress party’s history of disrespect. Adityanath highlighted the BJP’s initiatives to honor Ambedkar’s legacy, including memorials in significant locations like Mhow, Nagpur, Mumbai, and London, where Ambedkar pursued his studies.

“Under BJP leadership, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s time to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, we have made every effort to uphold Ambedkar’s ideals. In stark contrast, the Congress has consistently insulted him and minimised his contributions,” he asserted.

Adityanath pointed to examples of Congress’ alleged negligence, including its initial hesitance to include Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee, crediting Mahatma Gandhi for securing Ambedkar’s position.

He also recalled an incident during the UPA regime when a textbook depicted a derogatory cartoon of Ambedkar being prodded by Nehru, which was withdrawn only after widespread protests, leading to an apology from then HRD Minister Kapil Sibal.

The Chief Minister claimed that the Congress worked to defeat Ambedkar in elections, including the 1952 general elections for the Mumbai North constituency and the 1954 by-elections.

He alleged that even Nehru campaigned against Ambedkar to ensure his loss, asserting that the Congress consistently aimed to silence the voices of Dalits and marginalized communities.

Adityanath also criticised the Congress for not granting national honors to Ambedkar during his lifetime, stating, “It was only when a government supported by the BJP came to power that Ambedkar was finally awarded the Bharat Ratna.”

He further emphasised the BJP’s commitment to realizing Ambedkar’s vision through programs aimed at benefiting Dalits and marginalized groups, reiterating the party’s dedication to preserving Ambedkar’s legacy while accusing the Congress of ongoing disrespect and divisive politics.