Tue Jan 28 17:39:44 UTC 2025: ## Gandhi’s Attack on Kejriwal Exposes Rift in INDIA Opposition Bloc Ahead of Delhi Elections

**New Delhi, January 29, 2025** – The already strained relationship between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dramatically deteriorated, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launching a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Gandhi accused Kejriwal of being the architect of a major liquor scam and criticized his lavish lifestyle, echoing BJP’s criticisms of Kejriwal’s “sheeshmahal” (palace) residence. This public feud throws a spotlight on the widening chasm within the INDIA opposition bloc, of which both parties are ostensibly members.

Gandhi’s remarks, delivered at a rally in Delhi ahead of next week’s crucial state elections, targeted both Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, both of whom faced arrest and imprisonment on corruption charges before being granted bail. Gandhi contrasted Kejriwal’s current lifestyle with his humble beginnings, highlighting the alleged discrepancy between his initial promises of clean politics and the alleged liquor scam. He further emphasized the contrast by highlighting his own decision to vacate his official bungalow after suspension from Parliament.

Kejriwal swiftly retaliated, accusing Gandhi of simply repeating BJP talking points and suggesting a secret agreement between the Congress and the BJP. He questioned the silence of the Congress on alleged corruption cases involving the Gandhi family and the clean chit given to Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi.

The public spat underscores the deep-seated distrust between the two parties. Despite initial attempts to forge an alliance for the Delhi elections, disagreements over seat-sharing in previous elections, particularly in Haryana, led to the eventual decision to contest the upcoming elections separately. The current attacks are just the latest escalation in a long-running feud, with both sides trading accusations and allegations.

The upcoming Delhi elections are considered crucial for both AAP and the BJP. While AAP aims for a third consecutive win, the BJP, confident of halting AAP’s winning streak, is pulling out all the stops, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressing supreme confidence in their ability to defeat Kejriwal. The election results, expected on February 8th, will significantly impact the political landscape of both parties and the INDIA alliance.

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