AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal hit the ground for the third consecutive day as he led a massive Padyatra in Vikaspuri on Friday. In a stirring address to the locals, Arvind Kejriwal expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Delhi for their unwavering support over the past decade. Speaking to an energised audience, he emphasised the positive impact of Delhi’s free essential services, which have become cornerstones of the AAP’s approach to governance, and urged citizens to remain vigilant against BJP’s plan to rollback these services.
As Arvind Kejriwal walked through the constituency, locals filled the streets with warmth and admiration. Crowds gathered enthusiastically, with supporters surrounding the AAP Convenor, while residents came forward to greet him personally, expressing their heartfelt wishes and hopes for another sweeping victory in Delhi.
Addressing a diverse gathering of residents, including a notable turnout of mothers and sisters, Arvind Kejriwal remarked, “For ten years, you have chosen to place your trust in us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” One of his key points focused on the substantial relief provided to Delhi households through free or low-cost electricity, which has been a defining achievement of his government. “Call anyone in Bihar; ask them about the ten hour long powercuts. People in other states often face 8-10 hours of power cuts, and electricity bills remain high. In Delhi, however, many households receive zero electricity bills. Even those who receive bills are saving a lot of money,” he shared. This initiative, he noted, has set Delhi apart, delivering financial respite to families at a time when energy costs are rising nationwide.
He added, “The BJP insults us, and Prime Minister Modi says, “Kejriwal is distributing free ki revdi, electricity should not be free.” Do you not think electricity should be free? If the BJP comes, they will stop free electricity. Don’t even think about giving them a chance, or they will stop it.”
Arvind Kejriwal also highlighted the importance of free public transport for women, which has allowed them to commute across the city with increased safety and independence. He asserted that the free bus service is “a basic right,” countering criticisms that these benefits are “revdi or handouts” as alleged by political opponents.
Drawing attention to the success of government schools and healthcare, he underscored the transformative effects these initiatives have had on public welfare. “Before our government, children were studying in dilapidated classrooms with broken roofs. Today, our public schools are exemplary,” he stated. He also commended the Mohalla Clinics, where free medicines and treatments have empowered communities and removed healthcare access barriers. “If, by mistake, you bring in a BJP government, they will ruin all the schools again. Medicines are free at Mohalla Clinics, treatments are free in hospitals; they will stop everything,” he said.
Reflecting on recent political challenges, Arvind Kejriwal described his brief imprisonment and the arrest of other AAP leaders as attempts to impede his administration’s progress. “For the past ten years, they have been trying to stop us. First, they tried through the Lieutenant Governor (LG), who obstructed our work, but we got it done. Then they put me in jail, Manish Sisodia in jail, Satyendar Jain and others too. They put us in jail not because we did anything wrong, but because they wanted to stop all the work in Delhi.”
He promised that, despite such obstacles, his commitment to the people of Delhi remains unwavering. “I am out now, and I have resumed work. Every road will be repaired, every sewer cleaned,” he assured, vowing to fulfil his promises.
Arvind Kejriwal urged the citizens to “stand firm and protect the benefits they now enjoy.” He warned that voting for BJP might lead to a reversal of these hard-won gains. “The choice is in your hands; under no circumstances should you let these services be compromised.”
In closing, Arvind Kejriwal extended Diwali wishes to the people, wishing them prosperity, health, and success. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive Delhi for all.
