Kejriwal’s Letter to RSS Chief Sparks Political Row with BJP
The New Year began with a heated political exchange as AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal penned a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. Kejriwal accused the BJP of voter suppression and vote-buying practices in Delhi, triggering a sharp reaction from the saffron party.
Kejriwal’s letter comes in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February, where 70 seats are at stake. He questioned whether the RSS condoned the BJP’s alleged “wrongdoings,” such as distributing money to buy votes and orchestrating the large-scale deletion of Purvanchali and Dalit voters from electoral rolls.
BJP’s Sharp Retort
BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi dismissed Kejriwal’s accusations as a publicity stunt aimed at grabbing media attention. He urged the Delhi Chief Minister to learn from the RSS and its affiliates, particularly Seva Bharati, which he described as India’s largest organization dedicated to social welfare, including initiatives for Dalits living in slums.
“Leave behind your political moves and embrace the spirit of service,” Trivedi said during a press briefing at the BJP headquarters.
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva also lashed out at Kejriwal, urging him to abandon what he called “deceitful and dishonest” political practices as a New Year resolution. In an open letter, Sachdeva expressed hope that Kejriwal would strive for meaningful change in 2025 by avoiding false assurances, abandoning divisive tactics, and refraining from exploiting the sentiments of Delhi’s citizens.
A Call for Accountability
Sachdeva’s letter outlined specific grievances against Kejriwal, including allegations of false promises about cleaning the Yamuna River, promoting liquor consumption, and swearing false oaths in the name of his children. He also accused Kejriwal of aiding illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants in Delhi by providing them with documents and financial assistance to use them as a vote bank.
Sachdeva concluded with a pointed remark: “May God give you the strength to walk on the path of righteousness.”
Broader Context and Internal Disagreements
The political skirmish coincides with apparent divisions within the RSS over contentious temple-mosque disputes. Recently, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed disapproval of reigniting such issues, calling for restraint. However, the RSS-linked magazine Organiser defended these disputes, framing them as efforts to uncover historical truths and achieve “civilizational justice.”
This divergence came to light after Swami Rambhadracharya, a religious figure close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, criticized Bhagwat’s remarks. Rambhadracharya stated that Bhagwat and the RSS do not represent the Hindu community and that the RSS chief’s position on mosque-temple disputes is unacceptable.
Kejriwal vs. BJP
The clash between Kejriwal and the BJP reflects intensifying political tensions ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. While the AAP accuses the BJP of undermining democratic processes, the BJP counters by questioning the AAP’s governance and ethics.
As the political temperature rises, both parties are sharpening their rhetoric, signaling a combative election season ahead. Meanwhile, the internal disagreements within the RSS add another layer of complexity to the broader political narrative.