In the midst of a recent surge of opposition figures migrating to the BJP, Union minister Anurag Thakur articulated that while the party remains a magnet for adversaries, it unequivocally rejects the inclusion of Aam Aadmi Party stalwarts Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain, entangled in grave allegations of malfeasance.
In the aftermath of Kejriwal’s temporary release from incarceration in connection with the liquor imbroglio, Thakur expounded in a late-night discourse with PTI on Friday that Delhi’s Chief Minister, Kejriwal, remains ensnared in the accusations and is slated to return to confinement post-June 1 to confront adjudication. He censured Kejriwal for purportedly “subverting” the constitutional order by retaining his post despite incarceration pending trial on weighty charges in the liquor licensing case.
Thakur contended that the populace has witnessed his purported malpractice and would no longer extend their endorsement, as his alleged transgressions now lay bare before them. Kejriwal, upon his release from Tihar Jail on Friday evening following Supreme Court intervention, implored the electorate’s backing in forthcoming electoral contests.
“The likes of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, or Satyendar Jain will perpetually remain persona non grata in the BJP. They shall perpetually remain ineligible for ingress into the BJP,” Thakur informed PTI when probed about their potential ingress into the ruling party at the national level, akin to several erstwhile opposition figures despite a dearth of ideological alignment.
“He (Kejriwal) remains unacquitted or exonerated of the charges against him. The allegations persist, and legal proceedings shall persist against him. He presently enjoys a reprieve amid electoral exigencies for a span of 15-20 days. Yet, this respite is provisional, laden with sundry stipulations, precluding him from accessing or perusing files pertinent to his case, opining on the allegations leveled against him, attending the secretariat, or engaging with individuals implicated in the liquor controversy. Post-June 1, he must recommence his custodial sojourn,” he elaborated to PTI.
“To those exuberant at Arvind Kejriwal’s emancipation, it appears as though the opposition seeks succor from a mere twig before succumbing to the abyss. However, their fate remains unchanged,” the Union minister contended. When queried about the prospect of Kejriwal garnering public sympathy post-incarceration, Thakur rebuffed, citing public cognizance of his imputed misconduct.
“The populace has witnessed the Enforcement Directorate summon him on nine occasions, yet he evaded compliance. Such conduct arouses suspicion. After eluding the summonses nine times, he faced detention, yet continues to equivocate. I assert today, expeditious adjudications are imperative to expunge corruption from our nation,” he asserted.
Thakur, vying for re-election in the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh for the fifth consecutive term, further underscored that “if anyone has assailed constitutional precepts, it is Arvind Kejriwal.” “Even the architects of our constitution could scarcely have envisaged a scenario wherein a chief minister and deputy chief minister stand accused of corruption, yet obstinately cling to their offices,” he remarked.
Kejriwal asserted on Saturday that all opposition luminaries, including West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC doyenne Mamata Banerjee, would face incarceration should the BJP regain ascendancy. He further prognosticated the BJP’s ebbing power, foretelling the imminent formation of an INDIA bloc government.