“140 Crore People Will Uproot Dictatorial Government”: Arvind Kejriwal at Jantar Mantar

Arvind Kejriwal addressed a massive gathering at Jantar Mantar, presenting the rally as the start of a nationwide struggle against what he called an authoritarian government. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief said 1.4 billion Indians would ultimately unite to remove the current regime, accusing those in power of focusing only on politics while his party worked for public welfare.

Liquor Case and Court Relief

Kejriwal highlighted a recent court order in the Delhi excise policy case, stating that the allegations against him and other AAP leaders were found baseless. He argued that for years, televised debates and political speeches portrayed him as corrupt without evidence. According to him, the ruling cleared his image and exposed what he described as a politically motivated investigation.

He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had closely monitored the case to ensure he and his colleagues did not receive relief. The verdict, he claimed, was a strong rebuke to the BJP leadership.

Criticism of 12 Years of Modi Government

Kejriwal said people voted for Modi in 2014 hoping to end corruption scandals associated with the previous Congress-led government. However, he claimed that after 12 years, citizens still face poor infrastructure, pollution, unemployment and inadequate public services.

He accused the central government of weakening key sectors such as railways, banks, schools and hospitals, and said basic needs like clean water, proper roads and uninterrupted electricity remain unfulfilled.

Youth Issues and Paper Leaks

The AAP leader also criticised recurring examination paper leaks, saying they have destroyed the future of many young Indians. He mocked official outreach programs focused on exams, arguing that real reform is needed to protect students’ careers.

Infrastructure and Global Comparisons

Kejriwal compared Indian cities to global capitals, claiming that countries like the United States, Japan, France and Germany have modern infrastructure and cleaner environments. He said even developing nations have improved urban cleanliness and road quality, while many Indian cities still struggle with potholes and pollution.

He pointed to Beijing’s efforts to reduce pollution over the past decade, arguing that India has failed to make similar progress.

Direct Challenge on Corruption

Kejriwal challenged the Prime Minister to act against what he called larger corruption cases, alleging major financial irregularities and questioning land allocations to business groups. He insisted that if anyone could prove he demanded a bribe, he would leave politics.

Personal Integrity and Early Career

Recalling his career as an Income Tax officer, Kejriwal said he refused to accept bribes despite opportunities to do so. He claimed that during his tenure as Delhi Chief Minister, numerous investigations were conducted but failed to uncover any corruption.

Arrests and Political Pressure

Kejriwal alleged that activists and opposition leaders were being jailed to silence dissent. He argued that his own arrest was meant to discourage honest individuals from entering politics.

Delhi Governance and BJP Promises

He criticised the BJP-led Delhi government, claiming it failed to regularise bus marshals and did not fulfill a promise to provide ₹2,500 per month to women. He also alleged that thousands of workers were removed from jobs and that public services have deteriorated.

Call for Political Change

Concluding his speech, Kejriwal said the rally marked the beginning of a political shift. Referring to the anti-corruption movement that began at Jantar Mantar in 2011, he predicted another turning point in national politics.