Did Anupam Kher Just Take a Jab at Kejriwal During Delhi CM Interview?

New Delhi, May 31 (NationPress) A humorous moment unfolded on Saturday at an event celebrating the first 100 days of the Rekha Gupta administration, where actor Anupam Kher, conducting the interview, brought up the notorious cough of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"I can’t resist mentioning this. I just watched you speak for a long time, and not once did you cough," Kher remarked, provoking enthusiastic applause from the audience and leaving CM Gupta amused.

He explained that he referred to the cough because over the years, residents of Delhi have become accustomed to it – a subtle jab at Kejriwal’s tendency to cough during public addresses to elicit sympathy.

"I apologize for bringing it up, but you have not coughed, nor has anyone else in the audience of 2,000," he continued, as applause erupted from Delhi Cabinet Ministers and BJP MPs present.

Kher added, "This is a significant achievement that we aren’t witnessing any coughs in Delhi."

Joining in on the jovial banter, the Chief Minister replied, "We will manage the situation in Delhi, but I am more concerned about Punjab."

This remark implied a critique of the supposed use of “lies” and “cough” tactics by AAP leaders to mask governance issues in Punjab under the current AAP rule.

Kher expressed that he was posing questions on behalf of countless Delhiites, based on feedback received from a friend residing in the city.

After the podcast-style interview with the Chief Minister, Kher mentioned to IANS, "There was a sparkle of sincerity in her eyes as she detailed numerous initiatives undertaken in her first 100 days, focusing on health, pollution control, sanitation, and women's welfare."

He sensed her commitment to serving the public in the near future and appreciated her recollection of her accomplishments to date.

Earlier during the event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Delhi Chief Minister highlighted her government’s achievements over the past 100 days in the health sector, including the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which has registered 3 lakh eligible citizens for health insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh.

"Through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana for seniors over 70, more than 1.5 lakh individuals have been registered, and around 600 beneficiaries have already accessed its benefits," the Chief Minister stated, emphasizing that the BJP does not make promises it cannot fulfill.

She further outlined plans to establish 1,139 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and procure 300 dialysis machines.

Criticizing the previous administration’s ineffective health strategy, she noted, "We face a shortfall of 20% in doctors, 30% in nurses, and 40% in paramedical staff. Currently, there are only 0.42 hospital beds available per 1,000 residents in the city. We are committed to raising this number to over one bed per 1,000 residents."

In terms of education, she pointed out the Cabinet's approval of a bill to regulate private school fees. "We will soon issue an ordinance to enforce this," she declared, highlighting her government’s efforts to involve parents in fee-setting discussions.

Regarding transportation, she noted the introduction of 460 electric DEVI public transport buses and the formulation of an EV policy. On environmental concerns, she announced her government’s focus on pollution control in the Yamuna and plans to install smog guns on high-rise buildings.

Moreover, she outlined initiatives aimed at the prompt rollout of the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, providing Rs 2,500 in financial assistance to women, the establishment of creches for women workers, and measures for enhancing women's safety.