Is Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Challenging Kejriwal in Punjab?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rekha Gupta strongly criticizes Kejriwal for unfulfilled promises.
- The drug crisis in Punjab remains a major concern.
- Gupta accuses AAP of fostering VIP culture.
- Political accountability is highlighted in Gupta's statements.
- There is mounting pressure on AAP over previous commitments.
Ludhiana, June 15 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday unleashed a strong critique against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for failing to deliver on their commitment to provide Rs 1,000 monthly to women in Punjab.
During a press conference at the BJP office, CM Gupta condemned the Punjab government for its unfulfilled promise to combat the drug crisis, highlighting that 'chitta' (heroin-based drug) is readily available near schools and in every neighborhood across the state.
“A state that deserves a Bullet Train has been reduced to Chitta Express,” remarked the Delhi Chief Minister.
CM Gupta's assertive stance against AAP in Punjab seems to be a strategic move to open a new front against Kejriwal and the opposition party in Delhi, particularly as their leaders are exerting pressure on her administration regarding 'unfulfilled' electoral promises and civic matters.
Addressing AAP National Convenor directly, CM Gupta stated: “My questions are directed at Kejriwal, not Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, as the latter is merely a front; the real decisions in the border state are being made by the AAP National Convenor.”
“Those who made grand promises in Delhi and fled to Punjab are now drumming up false assurances. I want to ask them — where are your commitments?” she urged. “Dear Arvind Kejriwal ji, please honor your pledges... One of your major promises was to give Rs 1,000 monthly to the women of Punjab. It’s been three-and-a-half years now.”
CM Gupta pointed out that while AAP leaders in Delhi have been protesting over BJP’s promise of Rs 2,500 to women, they refuse to address their own long-standing commitment of Rs 1,000 to Punjab women.
“Not a single rupee has been disbursed to Punjab women in three-and-a-half years. The promise of paying MSP to farmers remains unfulfilled, and efforts against drugs and spurious liquor have also diminished,” she added, listing the alleged failures of the Mann government in Punjab.
Targeting Kejriwal and AAP for fostering a VIP culture, CM Gupta emphasized: “Kejriwal had promised not to promote VIP culture during the anti-corruption movement, yet Punjab taxpayers' money is being squandered on lavish convoys for AAP leaders and former Delhi ministers currently stationed here.”
Moreover, she questioned Kejriwal's absence from Delhi post-election loss, stating: “You have neglected the people of Delhi and are engaging in corruption in Punjab. Is your presence here motivated by the desire to reap the benefits of power in this agricultural state?”
CM Gupta accused the AAP government in Punjab of anti-farmer policies, asserting that ruling party leaders are colluding with the builders' lobby to seize poor farmers’ lands.