Narendra Modi on Arvind Kejriwal
Narendra Modi's views on Arvind Kejriwal are predominantly framed in the context of political competition, especially regarding the administration of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Prime Minister has publicly taken sharp rhetorical aim at Kejriwal, contrasting his own government's development work with the Delhi government's alleged expenditures and conduct.
Modi has accused Kejriwal of misusing taxpayer money and creating personal opulence, famously contrasting his own lack of personal asset creation with a 'sheeshmahal' (palace of mirrors) allegedly built by Kejriwal. This rhetoric often appears during election cycles or in response to specific governance issues raised by the Delhi Chief Minister's office.
Furthermore, Modi has expressed strong disapproval of Kejriwal's conduct in official meetings, notably rebuking him for breaking protocol by live-streaming an in-house discussion during the COVID-19 pandemic. These instances underscore a relationship defined by political contestation and public disagreement over governance style and priorities.
Context
Narendra Modi, as the Prime Minister of India and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is in direct political rivalry with Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi. This rivalry is significant because Delhi represents a key political battleground where the BJP is not in power at the local level, making Kejriwal a primary opposition figure in the capital.
Their interactions often manifest in parliamentary debates or during high-level meetings concerning centrally-funded schemes or crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Modi's criticism also stems from the fact that Kejriwal's administration often challenges the Modi government's policies and priorities, turning local governance into a national political contest.
Actions Taken
- Rhetorical attack/Election campaigningLaunched a sharp attack on Arvind Kejriwal by contrasting the building of over 4 crore homes for the poor with the alleged creation of a 'sheeshmahal' by the Delhi Chief Minister.
- Political strategy/Accountability pledgePledged to table the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Arvind Kejriwal administration, suggesting it would expose alleged scams like the 'shishmell scam' and 'liquor scam'.
- Inter Governmental conduct criticismRebuked Arvind Kejriwal during a meeting with Chief Ministers for breaking protocol by live-streaming an in-house discussion on the COVID-19 situation, a breach Kejriwal later apologized for.
Key Quotes
Mai bhi koi 'sheeshmahal' bana sakta tha. Lekin mere liye toh mere desh wasiyon ko pucca ghar mile, yahi ek sapna tha.
It is Modi's second guarantee that in the first session of the legislative assembly BJP will table the KAG report.
Yah hamari jo parampara hai hamare jo protocol hai uske bahut khilaf ho raha hai ki koi mukhyamantri aisi in-house meeting ko live telecast kare. Yah uchit nahin hai.
Comparison
- Governance Focus: Modi frequently contrasts his administration's focus on large-scale national housing schemes (4 crore homes) with an alleged focus by Kejriwal on personal luxury ('sheeshmahal').
- Accountability: Modi has promised to expose alleged financial irregularities of the Kejriwal government via the CAG report, positioning the BJP as the proponent of fiscal responsibility against the AAP.
- Conduct in Meetings: Modi publicly reprimanded Kejriwal for deviating from official protocol during a COVID-19 review meeting, highlighting a difference in perceived adherence to governmental procedure.
Sources5
PM Modi Slams Arvind Kejriwal: 'I Built 4 Crore Homes, Not a Sheeshmahal'
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.