Delhi, January 29, 2025 – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a sharp dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during a rally in Patparganj, accusing the party of corruption and misgovernance. In his speech, he directly targeted Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, alleging that he “ran away after the liquor scam.” His remarks have intensified the ongoing political battle in Delhi ahead of the upcoming elections.

Rahul Gandhi’s Attack on AAP

Addressing a large crowd in East Delhi’s Patparganj, Rahul Gandhi accused AAP of misleading the people of Delhi. He highlighted the Delhi liquor policy scam, a case that has put the AAP government under scrutiny.

“Manish Sisodia, who was once the face of AAP’s education and governance model, ran away after the liquor scam. AAP claims to be the party of honesty, but their leaders are caught in corruption cases,” Rahul Gandhi said while addressing party workers and supporters.

The Congress leader further alleged that the Kejriwal-led government had betrayed the trust of Delhi’s citizens, emphasizing that the opposition must unite against AAP’s alleged misuse of power and corruption.

Understanding the Liquor Scam Allegations

The Delhi liquor scam surfaced in 2022, leading to high-profile arrests, including that of Manish Sisodia. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have alleged that the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 was manipulated to benefit private players, resulting in massive losses to the exchequer.

Key allegations include:

  • Unfair advantages to private liquor vendors in exchange for financial benefits.
  • Irregularities in policy formulation that bypassed standard procedures.
  • Kickbacks and money laundering involving AAP-linked individuals.

While AAP has denied all allegations, claiming it is a politically motivated attack by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, Rahul Gandhi’s remarks indicate that the Congress is not ready to let the issue fade away.

Political Reactions to Rahul Gandhi’s Statement

AAP’s Response

AAP leaders were quick to respond to Gandhi’s allegations. Saurabh Bharadwaj, a senior AAP minister, dismissed the remarks, stating, “Rahul Gandhi should focus on his party’s revival rather than attacking AAP. We have delivered quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Delhi, while Congress is struggling for relevance.”

BJP’s Take

The BJP has used Gandhi’s remarks to highlight AAP’s internal conflicts. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra stated, “Even their former allies are calling out AAP’s corruption. This proves that AAP’s so-called clean governance is a myth.”

Congress’ Strategy in Delhi

With the Delhi elections approaching, Congress is making a calculated move to reclaim lost ground. The party has suffered electoral setbacks in Delhi since 2013, with AAP emerging as the dominant force. However, Congress aims to capitalize on AAP’s controversies to regain voter confidence.

Impact on the Upcoming Delhi Elections

The Delhi Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections are expected to witness a fierce triangular contest among AAP, BJP, and Congress.

  • AAP’s Challenge: The party must defend its governance model amid corruption allegations.
  • BJP’s Strategy: The ruling party at the Center will continue to target AAP over corruption and law-and-order issues.
  • Congress’ Comeback Plan: With Rahul Gandhi’s aggressive campaign, Congress is attempting to re-establish itself as a serious contender in Delhi politics.

Conclusion

Rahul Gandhi’s sharp criticism of AAP at the Patparganj rally has added fuel to the already charged political atmosphere in Delhi. While AAP remains on the defensive, BJP and Congress are using this opportunity to consolidate their voter base. As the election season heats up, the political landscape of Delhi is set for a high-stakes battle.

Stay tuned to Focus Global News for the latest updates on Delhi’s political developments and election trends.