Kejriwal Under Fire for His Lavish Motorcade
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Synopsis
Chandigarh, March 5 (NationPress) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) criticized the curfew-like situation for farmers while AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal was given a grand welcome with over 100 vehicles for a Vipassana session in Hoshiarpur.
Key Takeaways
- SAD condemned restrictions on farmers in Chandigarh.
- Kejriwal was escorted by over 100 vehicles for his retreat.
- Criticism arose from various political leaders regarding Kejriwal's large motorcade.
- Cheema highlighted farmers' unmet demands and lack of compensation.
- Membership drive for SAD is nearing completion.
Chandigarh, March 5 (NationPress) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday criticized the curfew-like conditions imposed on farmers, preventing them from reaching the state capital to protest, while Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal received a grand welcome with an escort of over 100 vehicles for a Vipassana retreat from here to Hoshiarpur.
Senior Akali Dal figure Daljit Singh Cheema demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann clarify this situation, stating, “The chief minister should explain why Kejriwal was welcomed like a head of state when he lacks any constitutional authority and has no ties to Punjab.”
Kejriwal drew severe criticism from various political factions for his large motorcade, with BJP leader Tarun Chugh commenting, “Arvind Kejriwal has arrived in Punjab with the ulterior motive of exploiting the state... What justifies a cavalcade of 100 vehicles accompanying him? How is he conducting meetings with government officials? He may direct AAP members, but Kejriwal, currently on bail, should not be guiding government personnel.”
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal likened Kejriwal’s entourage to that of US President Donald Trump. “Kejriwal, who often criticizes VIP culture, is now protected by a security detail larger than that of Donald Trump,” she posted on X.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal and his spouse are in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur for a 10-day meditation course at the Dhamma Dhaja Vipassana Centre, which commenced on Wednesday.
In response to this visit, Cheema, a former Akali Dal minister, questioned why the Chief Minister had previously invited farmers for discussions only to insult them by storming out when reminded of past commitments made by him and Kejriwal regarding their concerns.
Cheema highlighted that while farmers' rights are overlooked, neighboring state Rajasthan has announced a bonus of Rs 150 per quintal on wheat. “Farmers in Punjab have yet to receive the promised minimum support price for moong and maize, and compensation for repeated crop failures has also not been disbursed.”
He further criticized the Chief Minister for attempting to distract from farmers' demands by launching an alleged campaign against corruption and drugs. “The reality is that corruption has become systemic under the AAP government, while the political connections in the drug trade have led to a significant rise in addiction and overdose fatalities.”
Cheema also announced that the membership drive for SAD is nearing its conclusion, with 20 lakh membership forms already collected and an additional 10 lakh anticipated shortly.
Kejriwal had previously visited the Dhamma Dhaja Vipassana Centre in Anandgarh on December 20, 2023, just a day before his scheduled appearance before the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy case.
