Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has openly criticized former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his government's excise policy and opening of liquor shops, stating that Kejriwal had “gone astray” from his original principles. Hazare, who was a key figure behind the anti-corruption movement that led to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), expressed his disappointment over Kejriwal's governance, particularly regarding the expansion of liquor vends in Delhi.

Hazare, known for his staunch opposition to alcohol, stated that he had initially refrained from commenting on Kejriwal’s leadership because he believed the AAP leader was doing a good job. However, things took a turn when Kejriwal’s government started issuing liquor licenses and expanding alcohol sales, which Hazare believes led to public resentment and political downfall.

Anna Hazare’s Criticism of Arvind Kejriwal

Speaking to reporters, Hazare said, “The earlier CM (Kejriwal) was doing a good job and became Delhi chief minister thrice. I did not speak anything against him as he was doing a good job. But then, he slowly started opening liquor vends and issuing licences. Then I got upset.” His comments referred to the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, which had sparked controversy and eventually led to legal investigations against Kejriwal and his party.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged that there were irregularities in the policy, with accusations that undue benefits were given to liquor license holders. This issue became one of the primary reasons behind AAP’s political setback in the Delhi elections.

Rekha Gupta Becomes Delhi’s First Woman Chief Minister

Amid this political shake-up, the BJP secured a major victory in Delhi, ousting the AAP from power. Rekha Gupta, a senior BJP leader, was elected as the new chief minister, making history as the first woman to hold the position in Delhi. Anna Hazare welcomed her appointment, saying that Delhi has received a leader with "pure thoughts and deeds", which he believes is a step in the right direction.

Kejriwal and Hazare’s Political Journey

It is notable that Arvind Kejriwal was once a close associate of Anna Hazare during the India Against Corruption movement in 2011. The movement had aimed to fight corruption in government and led to mass protests across India. However, after Kejriwal decided to enter politics by forming AAP in 2012, his path diverged from Hazare, who remained committed to social activism without engaging in electoral politics.

Over the years, Kejriwal’s governance in Delhi was seen as pro-people with welfare initiatives, but the liquor policy controversy significantly tarnished his image. The BJP and other opposition parties targeted him for promoting alcohol consumption, alleging that the policy led to financial mismanagement and corruption.

Political and Legal Troubles for AAP

The Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 was eventually scrapped after allegations of corruption surfaced. Investigations by CBI and ED have intensified, and Kejriwal’s party has faced major setbacks, leading to his defeat in the recent elections. Many AAP leaders have also been questioned in the ongoing probe, which further damaged the party’s standing among voters.

As the BJP takes charge of Delhi, political analysts believe that the party will focus on restoring governance stability and regaining public trust. With Rekha Gupta as the new CM, the BJP has made a historic move by electing a woman leader, a decision that has received widespread appreciation.

Conclusion

Anna Hazare’s criticism of Arvind Kejriwal reflects the disillusionment of many former supporters of AAP, especially regarding corruption and governance issues. Kejriwal’s downfall, which was largely attributed to his excise policy and liquor store expansion, serves as a lesson for political leaders on maintaining public trust. Meanwhile, the BJP’s victory and Rekha Gupta’s rise mark a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape, signaling a shift in voter sentiment and expectations for clean and transparent governance.

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