Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal was criticised by his political mentor, Anna Hazare, for his alleged involvement in the Delhi Liquor Policy case. This prompted Hazare to urge voters against supporting leaders under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
BIG BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Anna Hazare urges voters to not vote for people who are facing ED investigations 🔥🔥
Anna said Kejriwal is committing corruption due to alcohol influence and such individuals should not be re-elected for Nation's future ⚡
Anna is popular across India. He… pic.twitter.com/Q3Y3iRgQkU
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) May 13, 2024
During an address in Ralegan Siddhi on the election occasion, Hazare emphasised the importance of voting for candidates with clean records and integrity. He condemned Kejriwal for his alleged role in the Delhi Liquor Policy case and advised voters to refrain from electing individuals tainted by corruption allegations.
“Today is a festival of democracy. Everyone should participate in polling and vote for candidates who are honest and have integrity. Vote for those candidates who have clean images and don’t have ED after them,” Hazare stated, expressing his disappointment in Kejriwal’s alleged involvement in the scandal. He accused Kejriwal of succumbing to corruption due to his alcohol addiction and urged voters not to re-elect such individuals into power.
Anna Hazare Ji urges people not to vote for #ArvindKejriwal who's facing ED investigation.#KejriwalIsNewRahul pic.twitter.com/4X51PqU5o5
— Shivam 🚩 (@bharathiyae) May 13, 2024
Anna Hazare’s criticism of Arvind Kejriwal is not a recent development. Hazare expressed his disappointment after Kejriwal’s arrest in March in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy case. ‘It’s disheartening to see Arvind Kejriwal, who once stood with me against liquor, now formulating liquor policies. Kejriwal’s arrest is a consequence of his own actions,’ Hazare lamented, underscoring the stark change in Kejriwal’s stance.
Initially joining Hazare’s anti-corruption movement in 2011 with a notable pledge to refrain from entering politics, Kejriwal eventually founded his political party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in 2012. Collaborating for about three years within the anti-corruption movement spearheaded by India Against Corruption (IAC) from 2010 to 2013, their partnership soured when Kejriwal decided to pursue a political path, while Hazare continued his activism. Consequently, Hazare has consistently voiced criticisms against Kejriwal since then.
Hazare’s appeal to the voters to prioritise candidates with clean records is a testament to his unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in public office. He stressed the need for voters to scrutinise candidates and make informed decisions, underlining the importance of ethical leadership in governance.
Anna Hazare’s address to the voters was not just a call to action but a reminder of the weight of their decisions. He invoked the sacrifices of countless individuals who fought for India’s independence, highlighting the crucial role of responsible voting in preserving democratic principles.
“Today, every citizen has” the right to vote. Many people have sacrificed their lives, suffered imprisonment, and faced execution for this country. From 1857 to 1947, for 90 years, people sacrificed their lives to gain independence for this country. If we want to maintain this independence, then the responsibility of the voters is significant,” Hazare asserted, stressing the fundamental role of vigilant voters in ensuring the integrity of democracy.
