Salman Khurshid Clashes with Kejriwal: ‘Rahul Gandhi is Leading to Save the World, While You are Grounded’
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Synopsis
In a heated exchange, Congress leader Salman Khurshid rebutted Arvind Kejriwal’s claims about Rahul Gandhi, emphasizing Gandhi's global leadership versus Kejriwal's local focus. As Congress and AAP vie for influence in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, tensions rise within the opposition coalition.
Key Takeaways
- Salman Khurshid defends Rahul Gandhi's global leadership.
- Dispute between Congress and AAP intensifies.
- Upcoming Delhi Assembly elections will see both parties competing independently.
- Rahul Gandhi criticizes Kejriwal's governance during a rally.
- Opposition coalition faces fractures with rising AAP support.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Tuesday reacted to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s claim that Rahul Gandhi’s struggle is aimed at preserving his party, while his own battle is to safeguard the nation.
In a conversation with IANS, Khurshid stated, "Rahul Gandhi is at the forefront of a movement to save the world, having reached a global platform, whereas he (Arvind Kejriwal) remains confined within the borders of our country."
Khurshid also addressed remarks made by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, suggesting support for AAP in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The veteran Congress leader reassured, "There is no cause for concern. Our leaders are in command. Those who require a fresh message and those we need to unite with will certainly be included."
This statement comes at a crucial time, as Congress and AAP, both key players in the INDIA coalition, are in fierce competition for the Delhi elections. AAP representatives have even called for the expulsion of Congress from the coalition.
Despite previously collaborating in the Delhi Lok Sabha elections, both parties are now contesting the Assembly elections set for February 5 independently.
Adding to the tension, Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Kejriwal during a rally in Seelampur on Monday, accusing the AAP leader of adhering to “PM Modi’s strategy of propaganda and false promises” amidst increasing issues of pollution, corruption, and inflation in the capital.
Kejriwal retorted, asserting, “Today Rahul Gandhi ji arrived in Delhi. He hurled a lot of insults at me. However, I will refrain from commenting on his remarks. His struggle is to preserve Congress, whereas my fight is to protect the nation.” This clash emerges in a context of escalating disputes within the Opposition coalition, with various members—including Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT)—voicing their support for AAP over Congress, potentially leaving the grand old party feeling increasingly marginalized.
