Panaji: Delhi Leader of Opposition Atishi has described Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest as a “very difficult phase” for the Aam Aadmi Party, but insisted that it only strengthened their resolve to fight the BJP “till the last breath.”
Atishi said it was a difficult period both for the party and for her personally. Recalling the night Kejriwal was taken away by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, 2024, at around 9 pm, she said she went home with a sinking heart but a firm determination.
“When Arvind Kejriwal ji was arrested, I remember reaching home that night and thinking—whatever may happen now, we will fight against BJP till our last breath,” she said, responding to a question on whether she thought it was all over after his arrest.
Atishi said AAP, being a small party, is bound together not just by politics but by deep personal bonds. “We are friends, family, colleagues—we built this party together. When one after another leader went to jail, it was not only about the person who was arrested. We used to look at their families—I could see the health of Manish Sisodia’s wife deteriorating when he was in jail,” she recalled.
Speaking about Kejriwal’s arrest, she said that if he had intended to indulge in corruption, he would not have left the job of Income Tax Commissioner and dedicated himself to public life, even at the cost of his health.
“These days, I have heard of IRS officers opting for Voluntary Retirement Scheme because they have purchased hotels in London, Paris, or have properties abroad,” she commented.
“But here is a man who has sacrificed so much for this country, even his personal health,” she said, referring to Kejriwal. “And if BJP can accuse such an honest person of being involved in corruption, then I decided that I will fight against BJP till I have my last breath,” the Delhi LoP said.
Click here to watch her full interview: https://youtu.be/VgaHCrE6hsE
