Social activist Anna Hazare has expressed satisfaction over Arvind Kejriwal’s defeat in the recent Delhi Assembly polls, according to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. However, Mr. Raut has raised questions about Mr. Hazare’s silence on corruption allegations against the Narendra Modi-led Union government, sparking a fresh political debate.
The BJP ended the dominance of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi by winning 48 out of 70 seats, with Mr. Kejriwal losing his New Delhi constituency. Addressing the media on Sunday (February 9, 2025), Mr. Raut criticised Mr. Hazare for not speaking out against corruption under the Modi government. “Where was Hazare when corruption occurred during Modi’s rule? The country is being looted, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a single industrialist. How can democracy survive in such a situation? What is the reason behind Hazare’s silence?” Mr. Raut questioned on Sunday (February 9, 2025).
He also spoke about the alleged irregularities in the electoral process, pointing to voter list discrepancies in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana. “There was a similar pattern of confusion in voter lists in Maharashtra and Delhi. These issues will likely arise in the upcoming Bihar polls as well,” he said. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further alleged that elections since 2014 have deviated from constitutional norms, with victories being secured through “manipulation and money power”.
Mr. Raut suggested that the Delhi poll results might have been different if the AAP and Congress had formed an alliance. He emphasised the need for Opposition unity to counter the BJP’s dominance.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hazare, speaking on Saturday (February 8, 2025) after the poll results, criticised Mr. Kejriwal for ignoring his advice. “I have always said a candidate’s conduct and thoughts must be pure, their life should be blameless, and they must embrace sacrifice. These qualities build trust among voters. I told this to Kejriwal, but he did not listen. He was overwhelmed by money power,” he said, referencing the AAP government’s controversial excise policy, which was later scrapped.
Published - February 09, 2025 11:24 pm IST
