What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to skip the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) summons on Thursday has ignited fervent debates and discussions throughout the National Capital. Kejriwal, who contends that the summons is politically motivated, finds himself in a quandary, expressing uncertainty about whether he’s considered a “witness or an accused.”
In an effort to gauge the public sentiment regarding their Chief Minister and the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), The New Indian team ventured into the heart of Delhi, engaging with residents in areas like Civil Lines and Delhi University.
The team posed probing questions, delving into the authenticity of corruption charges against the AAP and whether it is, as Kejriwal asserted in his letter to the ED, indeed a politically motivated move against him and his party.
A resident of central Delhi, Arun, asserted with conviction, “He is not fair; that’s why he skipped the summon. Something fishy is going on, and he’s evidently afraid. It’s a corrupt party, which is why Kejriwal didn’t show up. He’s giving everything for free, turning us – Delhiities into beggars.”
Another local, Atul Sahu, stated, “Arvind Kejriwal ran away from the ED for elections. If he is genuine, then he should appear in front of the ED. AAP is bound to get zero seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.”
When asked about Kejriwal’s assertion that the summon is politically motivated, Atul, expressing skepticism, stated, “He is a liar. AAP doesn’t fulfil any of their promises.”
Atul’s wife, Reshmi, a housewife, criticised AAP’s commitments regarding pollution, alleging that the CM had been untruthful in an attempt to save himself. She remarked, “This time too he is lying and trying to save himself. Just look at Delhi’s pollution. They said if we formed the government in Punjab, we would solve the parali problem, but nothing has happened, so far.”
A third resident, Akshit Guar, a student, shared his perspective, opining, “I believe he is not the perfect candidate for CM. He still works in a corporate style, as if he’s doing a 9-5 job. ‘Naukari chhod kar satta me to aaye lekin kaam karna nhi aata’ (He left his job for power but doesn’t know how to work).”
A fourth resident, Kishore, who is a businessman hailing from Civil Lines, voiced his views, affirming, “The truth is out now. His party is corrupt. They initially encouraged people to make videos of those taking bribes, but now, they themselves are involved in corruption. They’re selling liquor at reduced prices. AAP shouldn’t come to power again.”
The AAP National Convenor received the ED summon on October 30 in connection with the liquor policy scandal, which has already led to the arrests of three AAP leaders — Satyender Jain, Sanjay Singh, and notably, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
Sisodia’s bail was denied by the Supreme Court in a recent hearing earlier this week
Note: This article is based on interviews and reflects the views of individuals at the time of the interviews. Election outcomes may vary.
