BJP Criticizes AAP's Kejriwal for Prioritizing Politics Over Public Welfare
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Synopsis
In a recent press conference, BJP's Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva accused Arvind Kejriwal of prioritizing political ambitions over public welfare by blocking the Ayushman Bharat scheme, emphasizing his focus on corruption.
Key Takeaways
- BJP's Virendra Sachdeva criticizes AAP.
- Kejriwal accused of prioritizing political motives.
- Delhi and West Bengal refuse to implement Ayushman Bharat.
- Union government offered substantial healthcare funding.
- Public response anticipated in upcoming elections.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) In a heated press conference on Tuesday, the chief of Delhi BJP, Virendra Sachdeva, criticized the Delhi government, accusing AAP's National Convener, Arvind Kejriwal, of placing political ambitions above the welfare of the public and asserted that he has opted for dirty politics instead of serving the people.
Pointing fingers at Kejriwal, Sachdeva claimed, “In 34 cities, the Ayushman scheme is benefiting millions. However, two states, Delhi and West Bengal, have chosen not to adopt it. The common thread between these two administrations is their selfishness, ego, and a blatant disregard for public welfare. They exist for their own interests, while the populace suffers, and they remain indifferent.”
Wishing everyone a happy Makar Sankranti, Sachdeva also praised the residents of Odisha for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which he claimed had been previously hindered by the former government.
Emphasizing the BJP’s legal efforts to enforce Ayushman Bharat in Delhi, he noted, “Our ministers approached the court, which questioned why a program aimed at improving public welfare is being obstructed.”
“The core issue is that this is the Prime Minister’s initiative. Kejriwal is not interested in ensuring that the citizens of Delhi remain healthy or that their families receive free medical treatment. His focus is solely on corruption and dirty politics,” Sachdeva asserted.
Sachdeva further lambasted the AAP government for its inconsistent stance on central initiatives. “I’ve heard of duplicitous snakes, but now I observe one. The Ayushman Bharat scheme is detrimental to Delhi but favorable for Punjab because there are no elections in Punjab.”
He also charged the Delhi administration with rejecting the PM-ABHIM scheme, which was designed to enhance healthcare facilities in the capital.
Sachdeva's comments came after Delhi Health and Family Welfare Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated in a court affidavit that the AAP government did not implement the scheme because residents of the national capital enjoy “superior” benefits under local government initiatives, claiming that adopting the central scheme would degrade the existing health programs.
Sachdeva remarked, “The Union government offered Rs 2,400 crore to bolster Delhi’s healthcare, but Kejriwal’s health minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, submitted an affidavit rejecting it. This funding could have established public laboratories, emergency wards, and crucial health services, but Kejriwal opted for dirty politics instead of prioritizing the people.”
In closing, Sachdeva cautioned, “Kejriwal’s duplicity will not be overlooked. The public will respond accordingly in the forthcoming elections.”
The BJP also presented a clip from a 2020-21 budget address where former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia suggested implementing Ayushman Bharat, casting doubt on the government’s current position.
