In Gujarat, Kejriwal’s political moves keep the ruling BJP on its toes
The Hindu
Aam Aadmi Party chief’s gimmicks have drawn sharp criticism from other parties
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday invited a Dalit family from Ahmedabad to visit his house in New Delhi for dinner while the AAP would sponsor their air tickets.
What appeared as a smart political move to the Delhi CM was criticised while visiting the house of an auto-rickshaw driver for dinner in Ahmedabad’s Ghatlodia area, the Assembly constituency of Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
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Earlier this month, Mr. Kejriwal had taken a ride in an auto-rickshaw to reach one Vikrambhai’s residence amidst resistance from the Gujarat Police, who raised security concerns for the CM.
The move had triggered immense criticism as the CM drove the vehicle with the driver and policemen in the passenger-seat.
“Whether we accept or not, he has been making smart moves in Gujarat and sets the agenda that the BJP has to follow: be it in education and schools or in giving higher salaries to employees and now in dining with a Dalit family in Delhi,” a BJP legislator told The Hindu.
Mr. Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart and party colleague Bhagwant Mann on Sunday interacted with the Dalit community members in Ahmedabad.