Delhi Election 2025: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and candidate from the New Delhi seat, Arvind Kejriwal, on Saturday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly distributing money and gifts to voters while making a rare acknowledgment of former Chief Minister and Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit.
Addressing voters, Kejriwal said, “This is an assembly of government officials, where decent, educated, and peace-loving people reside. Before me, Sheila ji used to contest from here. She was a good lady, a decent lady, and fought elections with dignity. But this time, they (BJP) have turned it into an open game of money, which is not right. They are distributing Rs 1,100, trying to buy people’s votes with Rs 1,100. I want to ask you, is this right? Should votes be bought for Rs 1,100?”
Kejriwal further alleged that the BJP was distributing blankets and sheets to woo voters, even in areas where senior bureaucrats reside. “This is wrong. They are distributing Rs 1,100, blankets, and sheets. You will be shocked to know that in Kidwai Nagar, where additional secretary-level officers live, they are distributing sheets. Several videos have surfaced where officers are seen saying, ‘Will you buy us with a sheet? Will you bribe us with a sheet for our vote? What kind of mindset is this? What kind of person is this?’” he said, in an attack on BJP candidate Parvesh Verma.
Taking a jibe at the BJP, Kejriwal urged people to accept the gifts but not sell their votes. “They are giving blankets, jackets, sarees. My advice is, take whatever they give, it’s your own money that they have looted. They are even distributing shoes. But do not sell your vote to anyone. Our vote is precious. We are not people worth Rs 1,100. Our vote represents Indian democracy, and they are trying to buy it for Rs 1,100. What is his aukat (worth)? Just wait, after February 5, you won’t even see his face around here,” he remarked.
Kejriwal also told voters that they were free to choose any candidate except the one allegedly involved in vote-buying. “Don’t vote for me if you don’t want to. Vote for whoever you like, but don’t vote for the one trying to buy votes for Rs 1,100,” he added hinting at Parvesh Verma.