New Delhi, Feb 3: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday slammed the concept of a “double-engine government” and stated that it would crush everyone under its wheels.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal slammed the concept of a “double-engine government,” and alleged, “It has become clear that if such a government comes to power, it will crush everyone under its wheels — the poor, the middle class, everyone.”

He also launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, accusing him of bias.

“People have sacrificed a lot to ensure free and fair elections, but today, the way the Election Commission has surrendered before the BJP raises serious concerns. It feels as if the Election Commission does not even exist anymore,” he said.

Kejriwal further questioned whether the CEC was being offered a post-retirement position, stating, “Rajiv Kumar is retiring at the end of this month. What has he been promised that he is willing to put democracy at stake? Is it a governorship? Or even the presidency? Is there any post bigger than the country itself?”

Urging Kumar to act with integrity, he said, “I appeal to Rajiv Kumar to do his duty and not be swayed by the lure of a post. He has served for 40-45 years, and the country has given him a lot. Do not sacrifice democracy for personal gains.”

He also raised concerns over alleged repeated attacks on his party’s workers and volunteers, as well as journalists in the national Capital.

“People across Delhi, and even the entire country, are wondering what the source of all this is. The one question that is on everyone’s mind is — From where is this violence originating?”

He alleged that AAP workers and the public were being openly threatened and coerced into joining the BJP.

“In the last few days, we have seen increasing attacks on people, AAP workers being assaulted, and the public being threatened. They are being told to either join the BJP or face consequences. There are open fights, violence, and all this is happening while the police stand by, watching helplessly,” he said.

Questioning the role of law enforcement, he remarked, “Some people ask the police why they are not taking action, and they reply, ‘There is an order from above.’ So, who is the police scared of?”

Kejriwal also raised the issue of alleged police manhandling of journalists.

“For the first time, we are seeing such open attacks on journalists during an election. Yesterday in Delhi, seven journalists were assaulted — one had his head broken, and another was kept in police custody overnight. Shockingly, the attackers were let go, while journalists covering the incident were arrested,” he said, emphasising that the incident occurred just a kilometre away from Parliament.

Further accusing the Centre of instigating violence against AAP’s female workers, Kejriwal said, “Women who are campaigning door to door are being attacked. Over the past few days, our vehicles have been vandalised; and our campaign materials seized. The public has now made up its mind to defeat this hooliganism.”

New Delhi, Feb 3: With just two days left for the Delhi Assembly elections, BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra on Monday visited the Bijwasan Assembly constituency and launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the “dire” situation in the area.

Accompanied by BJP candidate Kailash Gahlot, Patra toured the Kapashera area and highlighted the severe water crisis, alleging that residents are being forced to buy water from “tanker mafias” due to the government’s failure to provide clean drinking water.

“There is chaos everywhere. These are not electric wires; these are water pipes… People have to buy water and also pay private water bills,” Patra told media, recalling how Arvind Kejriwal once promised to make Delhi the “Venice of India.” Instead, he said, the situation has deteriorated drastically.

Accusing the Kejriwal government of colluding with water mafias, Patra claimed that contractors linked to AAP leaders are controlling the water supply and illegally profiting from it.

“Mafia associates have set up tanks in their houses, supplying water to every home through private pipes and meters, which are not monitored by the Delhi Jal Board or the government,” he alleged.

According to Patra, residents are being forced to pay Rs 200-250 for basic water needs, while a separate tanker for drinking water costs an additional Rs 20 per household. He further alleged that the “money collected from these illegal operations is being funnelled directly into Kejriwal’s pockets.”

“The Delhi government has only engaged in fraud and scams. People don’t even have access to drinking water, yet private bills are being issued under the government’s nose. Water pipes hang like tangled wires, and the Delhi government is nowhere to be seen. Kejriwal’s illegal operations are thriving while he turns a blind eye,” Patra said.

With campaigning set to end later in the day, political parties are making their final appeals to voters, sharpening their attacks as they seek to gain an edge before Delhi heads to the polls on February 5.

Mumbai: Former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has criticised the Union Budget 2025, highlighting the absence of any specific allocations for Maharashtra despite it being the highest tax-contributing state.

Responding to the Union Budget in a social media post, Thackeray pointed out what he sees as a stark contrast between Bihar’s prominent mentions and Maharashtra’s complete omission. “Not a single mention of Maharashtra is an outright insult to the state that contributes the highest taxes, including one of the highest GST consistently,” he said.

The former minister questioned the budget’s approach to unemployment, noting that while the government speaks about income tax rebates, it fails to address how citizens can earn enough to qualify for these benefits. “When unemployment is at its highest, there’s no mention of a solution to it,” Thackeray remarked.

On infrastructure development, Thackeray criticised the government’s capital expenditure plans, alleging a “contractor-based economy” where “favourite contractors get contracts” resulting in “horrible roads” on major Maharashtra highways. He highlighted that while rupees 11.1 lakh crores was proposed last year, only rupees 10.1 lakh crores were actually spent.

Regarding aviation infrastructure, Thackeray questioned the government’s UDAAN scheme announcement for 120 new airports, specifically noting the omission of Pune’s new airport despite local demand and representation. He also raised concerns about previously launched airports that have since ceased operations.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also addressed everyday challenges facing citizens, including increased transport fares and food inflation. “The common person still grapples with a hike in State Transport Buses and auto rickshaw fare hike in Maharashtra. The people still face inflation in daily market buys like onion, tomato, potato,” he stated, questioning the government’s strategy to make essential items affordable without reducing farmers’ income.

In a pointed reference to BJP’s past promises, Thackeray sarcastically remarked on Bihar’s budget allocations, wondering if the state had received the rupees 1.25 lakh crores package promised by BJP in 2015 and subsequent promises made in 2024.