‘Why Are RSS Workers Sidelined?’: Kejriwal Writes to Bhagwat, Cites BJP’s Preference for Defectors

In a scathing letter addressed to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Delhi’s former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener, Arvind Kejriwal, raised serious questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Kejriwal criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly inducting corrupt politicians from rival parties, thereby compromising the party’s integrity.

Kejriwal expressed his concerns over the RSS’s current role under BJP rule, stating, “The RSS, which once worked tirelessly for societal values, is now reduced to merely spreading the carpet during the BJP’s reign.” He added that RSS workers, who have devoted their lives to the organization, are being sidelined in favor of politicians switching over from other parties, especially Congress.

“I feel pity for the RSS workers who have dedicated their entire lives to the organization, but they are not getting poll tickets. On the other hand, tickets are being given to those who come from Congress and other parties,” Kejriwal said during his address. He further accused the Modi government of destabilizing state governments, claiming, “From March 2016 to March 2024, PM Modi has attempted to topple 13 state governments at least 15 times and succeeded in 10 cases.”

The AAP leader also reacted to the recent Delhi Municipal Standing Committee election, where BJP candidate Sundar Singh won the last vacant seat. Kejriwal criticized the electoral process, claiming it was manipulated by the BJP. “According to rules, only the mayor can convene a meeting of the MCD House, but the lieutenant governor changed it and directed an additional commissioner of the civic body to do it,” he said, adding that the notice required for such a meeting was not properly served.

Kejriwal accused the BJP of unethical practices, highlighting how the party had secured the standing committee seat despite AAP’s objections. “The AAP candidate Nirmala Kumari did not get votes, and the election was presided over by Additional Commissioner Jitendra Yadav in the absence of both the chief minister and deputy chief minister,” he noted.

In a direct reference to NCP chief Ajit Pawar, Kejriwal recalled how Prime Minister Modi had accused Pawar of being involved in a massive corruption case just days before aligning with him. “On June 27, 2023, PM Modi accused Ajit Pawar of corruption involving thousands of crores. Five days later, Pawar was made the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. I asked Mohan Bhagwat if he agrees with this double standard,” Kejriwal stated in his letter to the RSS chief.

Kejriwal’s letter marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political tussle between AAP and BJP. He questioned whether the RSS was complicit in the BJP’s actions or if it still adhered to its founding principles. He expressed concern over the party’s future, stating, “If the BJP continues on this path, it will destroy the credibility of not just itself but also the RSS.”

The letter and Kejriwal’s statements have intensified the political discourse, with the BJP dismissing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. The ruling party has yet to issue an official response to the accusations made in the letter to the RSS chief.

As the political battle heats up, the nation watches to see how the RSS responds to Kejriwal’s pointed questions and whether it will take a stand on the issues raised against the BJP leadership.