Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has faced criticism from opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, for likening AAP ministers Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. In a tweet on Sunday, Kejriwal framed AAP’s battle against the ruling BJP as the “second freedom struggle” and drew parallels between Sisodia, Jain, and the martyr Bhagat Singh.
Sisodia, accompanied by a large number of AAP supporters, protested outside the CBI office where he was being questioned. The opposition, particularly BJP leader Tiwari, denounced the comparison, stating that it tarnished the legacy of Bhagat Singh and other freedom fighters. Tiwari argued that Kejriwal and his ministers were sullying the names of these heroes by equating them with a jailed minister and an accused in a liquor scam.
Tiwari accused Kejriwal’s government of evading questions about corruption in the excise policy and highlighted their absence at the Gandhi Jayanti program, contrasting it with Sisodia’s prompt visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial upon receiving the CBI summons. He dismissed the idea that the timing of the CBI summons was linked to the Gujarat election campaign, emphasizing the need for transparency and cooperation in investigations.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also criticized Kejriwal’s comparison, describing it as unfortunate and asserting that no individual could match the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh. He emphasized the inappropriateness of comparing corruption-accused ministers with the revered freedom fighter.
Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Chairman of All India Kisan Congress and Bholath MLA, demanded an unconditional apology from Kejriwal, considering the comparison sacrilegious and an insult to Bhagat Singh. Khaira accused Kejriwal of audaciously equating his allegedly corrupt ministers with the great martyr.
The controversy arose as the CBI summoned Sisodia for questioning regarding alleged corruption in the excise policy. Kejriwal had previously recommended Bharat Ratna for Satyendar Jain, and AAP leaders claimed that the case against Sisodia was fabricated to hinder his campaigning in Gujarat. Sisodia, refuting the allegations, declared his commitment to Bhagat Singh’s ideals and expressed readiness to face arrest while continuing AAP’s campaign.
