Kejriwal challenges RSS with 5 questions, calls out favouritism towards Modi

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener, Arvind Kejriwal, on Wednesday wrote a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, Mohan Bhagwat, posing five questions about the current state of affairs within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Prime Minister's retirement plan, and corruption.

The letter questions the RSS's stance on the 'political games' being played by the BJP. Kejriwal wrote, "The Prime Minister and Amit Shah themselves have publicly accused several leaders of corruption, only to induct them into the BJP shortly afterwards. For example, on 28 June 2023, Modi accused a party and one of its leaders of involvement in a Rs 70,000 crore scam during a public speech. Just days later, that party was dismantled, and a government was formed with the same leader, who had been labelled corrupt. The leader is now serving as Deputy Chief Minister. Did you or the RSS members ever envision such a BJP? Do you not feel disheartened witnessing this?"

Kejriwal further questioned, "Across the country, leaders from various parties are being coerced through enticements or threats from the ED and CBI. Their parties are being dismantled, and non-BJP governments are being toppled. Is this an acceptable approach for the country and its democracy? Do you or the RSS support acquiring power through dishonest means?"

The letter also addressed BJP President JP Nadda's earlier remarks, in which he suggested that the BJP no longer relies on the RSS. Kejriwal asked, "JP Nadda stated during the Lok Sabha elections that the BJP does not need the RSS. The RSS is, in many ways, the mother of the BJP. Has the son become so independent that he is now challenging the mother? I have heard that this statement by Nadda deeply hurt many RSS workers. India wants to know how his words resonated within the RSS."

Additionally, the letter referenced the BJP's retirement policy for leaders over the age of 75, noting that many senior leaders had stepped down as a result. However, Kejriwal questioned why this policy did not seem to apply to Prime Minister Modi. He wrote, "Together, you passed a rule that BJP leaders would retire after the age of 75. Many prominent leaders... have since retired. Now, Amit Shah claims this rule does not apply to Modi. Do you believe that the rule, which led to Advani's retirement, should not apply to Modi? Shouldn't the rule be the same for everyone?"