At an election rally in Khanna on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took aim at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, mocking the idea of “work from jail” in reference to Kejriwal’s legal troubles.
Singh, campaigning for BJP’s Fatehgarh Sahib candidate Gejja Ram Valmiki, remarked, “I’ve heard of ‘work from home,’ but this is the first time I’m hearing of ‘work from jail.’” His comments were directed at Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the excise policy scam, which led to his arrest in a money-laundering case.
Highlighting the need for moral accountability, Singh stated that leaders should resign if facing serious allegations. “Kejriwal was jailed in the liquor scam, yet he insists on continuing as chief minister and claims he will work from jail,” Singh said.
The Supreme Court has granted Kejriwal interim bail until June 1, with a directive to return to jail on June 2, coinciding with the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
Singh also criticized Kejriwal for betraying the principles of the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare. He accused Kejriwal of using the movement’s success for political gain, despite Hazare’s advice against forming a political party.
Referring to Kejriwal’s lifestyle choices, Singh accused him of hypocrisy, citing the transformation of the chief minister’s residence into a lavish ‘sheesh mahal’ using public funds, despite Kejriwal’s earlier promise to avoid government accommodations.
Singh further condemned the alleged assault on AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal by Kejriwal’s aide at the chief minister’s residence. “She was badly beaten, and Kejriwal remained silent for 15 days. Does such a person have the right to continue as chief minister?” Singh asked.Turning his attention to Punjab, Singh questioned the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, suggesting that his alignment with Kejriwal raised concerns about his own governance. “When his leader Kejriwal can be like this, what must his [Mann’s] situation be? God knows!” Singh remarked.
Punjab’s 13 Lok Sabha seats are set to go to the polls on June 1.
