Congress’ Rashid Alvi accuses Arvind Kejriwal of BJP ties, ahead of Haryana Assembly polls

New Delhi [India], September 21 (ANI): Congress leader Rashid Alvi has responded sharply to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s statements about the upcoming Haryana elections, asserting that Congress will form the government without needing any support.

Alvi stated, “Congress party doesn’t need anyone in Haryana. Congress will form the government in Haryana and that too with a very large majority.”

Alvi alleged that Kejriwal’s recent bail might be linked to the BJP’s influence, implying a potential collaboration between AAP and the ruling party.

He said, “I am afraid that the BJP has directed its agencies to grant bail to Arvind Kejriwal so that he can campaign against Congress.”Alvi further argued that if AAP claims to hold the key to power, it raises suspicions about their political motives. He said, “If you are saying that the balance will be with me… then you will decide whether Congress government should be formed or BJP government.”

Kejriwal, however, maintains that AAP will play a crucial role in the formation of the next government in Haryana. He stated, “What did BJP give you? They have given only corruption, unemployment, and inflation. This time the whole of Haryana is demanding transformation.” He asserted, “Whichever government will be formed in Haryana, it will not be formed without AAP’s support. AAP is getting this many seats that the government will not be formed without its support.”

He added that these developments strengthen doubts about Kejriwal’s motives, suggesting that his bail may have been arranged to undermine Congress’s efforts in Haryana.

On Friday, September 20, Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal, said that the Election Commission of India, along with the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, has implemented special measures to increase the voting percentage in the 15th Haryana Legislative Assembly General Election on October 5, compared to the last election.

Voters are being encouraged to cast their votes through various SVEEP activities, including slogan writing, painting, street plays, and poster making. The Chief Electoral Officer further said that the voters of Haryana are politically aware.

In both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the voting percentage has consistently been higher than other states. “In the last Assembly elections, the voter turnout was 68.31 per cent. To further increase participation this time, it is the duty and right of every citizen, along with the Commission, to take part in the “Festival of Democracy – Pride of the State” during the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 by casting their valuable vote, as every vote contributes to a higher turnout,” he said.

Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. Votes will be counted on October 8 along with that in Jammu and Kashmir.