Anil Vij Criticizes Kejriwal's 'Kingmaker' Claim in Haryana Elections

BJP candidate Anil Vij dismissed AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s claims of playing a decisive role in Haryana elections, asserting AAP’s influence has faded. He referenced AAP’s origins and corruption issues. Voters are being encouraged to turn out for the October 5 elections with various campaigns and activities.

BJP candidate from Ambala Cantt Assembly seat, Anil Vij, on Saturday targeted Aam Aadmi Party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his claim of being a 'Kingmaker' in the Haryana elections, stating that AAP's influence has diminished in the country. "AAP ka diya Hindustan mei bujh chuka hai (AAP's influence has faded in the country). This party was born from Anna Hazare's movement, which never mentioned founding a political party. AAP formed when people united against corruption, and now, they are entrenched in corruption. The people of Delhi have already rejected AAP in the Lok Sabha elections. 'AAP ka diya bujh chuka hai, bujhe hue diye se shama roshan nahi ki ja sakti' (AAP's influence has faded, and a dimmed light cannot be rekindled)," said Vij.

Reportedly, Arvind Kejriwal claimed during a roadshow in Yamunanagar district of Haryana that AAP would play a decisive role, and no government could be formed without its support. On September 20, Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal stated that the Election Commission of India, along with the Chief Electoral Officer's office, has planned special measures to increase the voting percentage in the 15th Haryana Legislative Assembly General Election on October 5, compared to previous elections.

Agarwal mentioned that various SVEEP activities, such as slogan writing, painting, street plays, and poster making, are being used to encourage voters to cast their ballots. Additionally, he noted that the voters of Haryana are politically aware and have shown higher voting percentages compared to other states in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana is scheduled for October 5, with votes being counted on October 8 alongside those in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019, BJP became the single-largest party with 40 seats, whereas Congress secured 30 seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)