Controversy Surrounds Kejriwal's Luxurious Convoy During 10-Day Vipassana Retreat in Punjab
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Synopsis
As Arvind Kejriwal embarks on a ten-day Vipassana meditation retreat in Punjab, he faces backlash from BJP and AAP MP for alleged misuse of public resources and promotion of VIP culture.
Key Takeaways
- Kejriwal faces criticism for deploying state resources for personal use.
- His ten-day Vipassana retreat follows a significant electoral defeat.
- Concerns raised about the cost of his security details funded by taxpayers.
- Allegations of 'VIP culture' contradicting his previous stance.
- Political analysts suggest the visit is a strategic move amid internal party challenges.
Hoshiarpur, March 5 (NationPress) As the former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrived in Punjab for a ten-day Vipassana meditation retreat, both the BJP and AAP MP Swati Maliwal raised concerns regarding the alleged misuse of government resources and public funds. They criticized the AAP leader for fostering a VIP culture and utilizing state machinery for personal benefits.
Kejriwal’s ten-day Vipassana session in Hoshiarpur holds particular importance as it comes merely a month after the AAP's defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections. The AAP chief is scheduled to engage in Vipassameditation activities from March 5 to March 15.
The dispute intensified due to his “lavish security detail” during this period, funded by taxpayers, with a convoy that included ambulances and fire brigades alongside luxurious vehicles en route to the meditation center.
Former DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal shared footage of Kejriwal's convoy, questioning, “Whom is he afraid of?”
“Kejriwal, who has criticized the VIP culture, is now traveling with a security detail larger than that of Donald Trump. A prestigious state like Punjab has been reduced to a means for fulfilling his own indulgences,” Maliwal remarked in a post on X.
Delhi Minister and BJP figure Manjinder Singh Sirsa also condemned Kejriwal for the “maharaja-style treatment” in Punjab, questioning the necessity of such security while attending a retreat meant for self-reflection.
He further asserted that Kejriwal’s convoy included opulent vehicles such as Land Cruisers, with security managed by Punjab police commandos.
Sirsa claimed that AAP is now exposed, revealing its true nature, and noted that over fifty large vehicles accompanied Kejriwal to the meditation center, including Land Cruisers valued at ₹2 crore.
“Arvind Kejriwal, who once posed as a common man in a WagonR, is now traveling in a lavish convoy of bulletproof Land Cruisers, accompanied by more than 100 Punjab Police commandos, jammers, and ambulances—like a VIP Maharaja—all for Vipassana, a retreat intended for tranquility! If power was his test, he has failed spectacularly,” he expressed in a post on X.
He also questioned the rationale behind the Punjab government financing the security detail for Kejriwal’s ‘Vipassana’. “What sort of ‘Vipassana’ necessitates a grand security parade funded by Punjab taxpayers? Even CM Bhagwant Mann isn’t in the convoy!” he stated.
Kejriwal’s meditation retreat in Punjab coincides with growing speculation about his potential entry into the Rajya Sabha from the state. Additionally, rumors of internal discord within the party’s Punjab unit continue to surface, although the party has categorically denied them.
Political analysts suggest that Kejriwal’s ten-day visit is strategically timed to confront these internal issues and set the groundwork for revitalizing the party following the Delhi setback.
