Union Minister Smriti Irani has criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for what she termed as “double standards,” citing his contradictory remarks regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged corruption. Irani highlighted Gandhi’s contrasting stances on Kejriwal’s integrity, pointing out his expressions of solidarity with Kejriwal’s family in one instance while accusing him of corruption in another.
In her address, Irani referenced Gandhi’s remarks made in Telangana on July 2, 2023, where he alleged corruption within the Telangana government, implicating both the Chief Minister and his family. However, she juxtaposed this with Gandhi’s support for Kejriwal’s family while the Delhi Chief Minister faced charges related to the Delhi Excise Policy case and money laundering.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case, leading to his remand in custody for seven days. Irani seized upon this development to criticize Kejriwal’s alleged misuse of administrative powers, asserting that his actions contradicted the integrity he professes.
Irani raised questions about Rahul Gandhi’s credibility, asking whether his statements in Telangana accusing the ruling party of corruption or his silence regarding Kejriwal’s alleged misdeeds in Delhi reflected his true stance. She further pointed out the Congress’s previous accusations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding the Delhi liquor scam, underscoring the need for clarity regarding the party’s position.
Drawing attention to the court proceedings, Irani highlighted Kejriwal’s lawyers’ lack of objection to claims that certain liquor companies had framed the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy under Vijay Nair, appointed by Kejriwal himself. This, she suggested, indicated a tacit acknowledgment of wrongdoing within the AAP administration.
The Union Minister’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Kejriwal’s government and the broader political landscape’s polarization. Irani’s critique of Rahul Gandhi underscores the ongoing political discourse surrounding accountability and transparency within India’s political establishment.
The accusations levied by Irani against Gandhi and Kejriwal’s administration signal a continued focus on issues of corruption and governance, with political parties engaging in a war of words to shape public perception ahead of future elections. As the controversy unfolds, questions regarding leadership integrity and political credibility remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Comments