Kejriwal Acknowledges Speaker Goel's Request to Step Back from Electoral Politics
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New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated on Thursday that the party has agreed to Ram Niwas Goel's request for retirement from electoral politics owing to health issues.
Kejriwal mentioned that the party has chosen not to nominate Goel for the upcoming Assembly elections based on his appeal.
He also took a jab at BJP leaders who have been critical of the AAP-led Punjab government for the alleged decline in law and order, referencing the recent attempt on the life of Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.
"I commend the Punjab Police for preventing a significant incident and urge BJP leaders and the media to also shed light on the worsening law and order situation in Delhi, particularly the dangers faced by women, children, and business owners due to shootouts and killings," remarked Kejriwal.
Earlier, Speaker Goel, aged 76, who has served as an AAP legislator representing the Shahdara constituency in two terms, sent a letter to Kejriwal expressing his intention to retire.
"We attempted to persuade Goelji to remain. He has been a father figure to all of us. Yet, respecting his wishes, we have accepted his choice," stated Kejriwal.
In his correspondence with Kejriwal, Goel expressed, "After years of dedicating myself to the citizens of Delhi, I believe this is the appropriate time to retire from active politics and devote time to my family. Nevertheless, I will continue to support the party in a non-political role."
While welcoming former councillor and ex-legislator Jitender Singh Shunty, a Padma Shree Awardee, into the AAP, Kejriwal mentioned that individuals like Shunty will enhance the welfare-focused politics driven by the AAP government.
Shunty, who previously held the Shahdara seat as a BJP legislator in 2013, is the founder of the NGO Shaheed Bhagat Singh Seva Dal, which assists in the cremation of unclaimed bodies.
Upon joining Team Kejriwal, Shunty stated, "Shaheed Bhagat Singh is both my and Kejriwal's hero, and I could not refuse this invitation to serve the people, even in their passing."
Shunty, known as the 'Ambulance Man', claims to have facilitated honorable cremations for 70,000 deceased individuals in Delhi. His contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic also garnered him significant acclaim.
