Political Tensions Rise Between AAP and BJP Over Delhi Chief Minister's Role

Political Clash Over Chief Minister's Authority

A heated political debate unfolded on Sunday as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed regarding the influence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with AAP alleging that her husband is acting on her behalf.

Saurabh Bharadwaj, the AAP Delhi chief, accused the BJP of sidelining experienced leaders to place a 'rubber stamp' Chief Minister in charge. He claimed that official meetings were being led not by CM Rekha Gupta but by her spouse, Manish Gupta.

In response, the BJP pointed out that during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure, officials referred to Sunita Kejriwal as 'Madam CM'.

Bharadwaj criticized Manish Gupta's involvement in government affairs, calling it a 'mockery of democracy' and questioned the legitimacy of his directives to government officials.

During a press conference, Bharadwaj stated, “Babasaheb Ambedkar provided us with democracy, but the BJP has introduced governance by slip of paper. In the past, seasoned leaders who dedicated years to their parties were appointed as Chief Ministers. However, the BJP's recent choices tell a different story.”

He provided examples from various states to support his argument, mentioning leaders like Vasundhara Raje Scindia in Rajasthan and Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, who have been overlooked in favor of unexpected candidates.

Bharadwaj remarked, “This trend started with Manohar Lal Khattar and has continued through Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and now Rajasthan. A name is drawn from a slip, and that individual is named CM. This 'parchi mukhyamantri' practice is now prevalent.”

On Saturday, Leader of Opposition Atishi questioned Manish Gupta's participation in an official meeting with senior officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Public Works Department (PWD), and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).

Bharadwaj reiterated his criticisms today.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva countered AAP's claims, stating that having family members present during discussions is neither unusual nor illegal.

Sachdeva dismissed AAP's allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, suggesting that AAP's coordinated attack stems from a 'power struggle' between Atishi and Bharadwaj.

“If AAP opposes family involvement, why did officials refer to Sunita Kejriwal as Madam CM when Arvind Kejriwal was in office?” he questioned.