BJP and Congress Criticize Kejriwal's 'Royal' Vipassana Journey in Punjab
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Synopsis
Kejriwal's Vipassana retreat in Punjab has drawn fire from BJP and Congress, who criticize him for the extravagant security detail, calling it hypocritical and arrogant. Leaders question how he can represent the common man while traveling in luxury.
Key Takeaways
- Kejriwal's Vipassana retreat faced backlash from BJP and Congress.
- Critics highlighted the extravagant security measures he employed.
- Political opponents accused him of hypocrisy regarding his common man image.
- Significant state expenditure was questioned by BJP leaders.
- Congress leaders criticized his self-indulgence post electoral defeat.
Hoshiarpur, March 5 (NationPress) Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's Vipassana retreat in Punjab has sparked intense backlash from both the BJP and Congress, who accused him of hypocrisy and arrogance due to the 'extravagant' VIP security detail accompanying his ten-day Vipassana retreat.
Kejriwal arrived in Hoshiarpur on Tuesday to participate in a Vipassana retreat, a meditation practice aimed at self-transformation through self-observation.
However, the sight of a substantial security convoy and luxury vehicles accompanying him has ignited political controversy, as critics question how a leader who claims to represent the “common man” can travel with such opulence.
Delhi BJP leader and minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, “What is the purpose of such Vipassana where instead of simplicity and introspection, there is ego and show-off in a convoy of 50 vehicles? This false simplicity of Arvind Kejriwal is mere theatrics. How can someone engulfed in corruption and arrogance grasp the true essence of Vipassana?”
In a video message, Sirsa criticized Kejriwal further, noting, “The scene was worth witnessing. There was a large convoy of over fifty vehicles, including Land Cruisers valued at Rs 2 crore each. More than a hundred police and commandos were present. An ambulance and even fire brigade vehicles were part of the entourage. And he went there seeking peace?”
He raised concerns over the significant state expenditure, adding, “Lakhs are being spent from Punjab's treasury. The entire Hoshiarpur is being awakened, and over 100 commandos are assigned for his security. What kind of peace is this?”
Sirsa also ridiculed Kejriwal's previous image, recalling how he once portrayed himself as a “common man” by using a WagonR. “Now, even for Vipassana, he requires over 100 commandos and 50 vehicles. Is this necessary for meditation?”
The Congress party also criticized the AAP leader for engaging in 'self-indulgence' following the electoral defeat in Delhi.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari stated to IANS, “Perhaps he couldn't cope with the defeat. He sought Vipassana for peace and his health. Winning and losing is part of politics. If you travel with a convoy of 100 cars, the criticism from Congress is entirely warranted.”
Senior Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit was even more scathing, accusing Kejriwal of being addicted to power and luxury.
Speaking to IANS, Dikshit remarked, “Kejriwal is so enamored with power. I would assert that he is indulging in luxury and remains trapped in it.”
Further highlighting the contrast, he noted, “Mallikarjun Kharge is also a national party president, yet he does not travel with such a vast convoy. Kejriwal still believes he is some kind of king or emperor. Even after losing in Delhi, he has yet to awaken from his delusion.”
