However, amidst the promises, memes, and social media spoofs, what truly grabbed the attention of the public were the brutal verbal exchanges. From allegations of corruption to barbed jabs about “Sheesh Mahal,” political heavyweights from all parties went head-to-head in an electrifying war of words.
Narendra Modi: Attacks with accusations of scams and insults
Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn’t mince words as he fired back at AAP. “Main bhi koi Sheesh Mahal bana sakta tha (I could have built a Sheesh Mahal for myself),” Modi declared, positioning himself as the selfless leader who prioritised homes for citizens over luxury. The PM didn’t stop there: “They (AAP) have made Delhi an ATM to shine their politics. By committing scams in Delhi, they use black money to shine in politics in other states of the country.”
In his sharpest jibe, Modi claimed that AAP’s leaders had insulted Haryana and all Indians: “Leaders of ‘AAPda’ say the people of Haryana mixed poison in water sent to Delhi. This is not just an insult to Haryana but to all Indians.”
Amit Shah: A blazing attack on Kejriwal’s governance
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was equally scathing, accusing AAP of corruption and misgovernance. “The first G stands for ‘ghotale wali sarkar’ (a government that commits scams), the second G stands for ‘ghuspaithiyon ko panaah dene wali sarkar’ (a government that shelters intruders), and the third G stands for ‘phasane wali sarkar’ (a government that indulges in corruption).”He went on to rally his supporters, urging them to press the lotus button with such force on February 5 that “the glass of Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ shatters.”
Yogi Adityanath: Calling out Kejriwal’s ‘hypocrisy’
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a more personal approach, calling out Kejriwal’s double standards. “Yesterday, I, along with all my ministers, took a holy dip at Sangam in Prayagraj. I want to ask Kejriwal whether he and his ministers can bathe in the Yamuna in Delhi,” he said, pointing to the alleged failure of Kejriwal’s governance in Delhi.
Adityanath didn’t stop there, accusing AAP officials of being involved in illegal activities: “With the help of Bangladeshi infiltrators, their (AAP’s) councillors and officials instigated riots in 2020. They created chaos and hooliganism in Shaheen Bagh.”
Arvind Kejriwal: Defending Delhi’s record, attacking BJP’s motives
Arvind Kejriwal wasn’t one to shy away from the verbal sparring. In one moment, he took a jab at BJP’s accusations, asking, “This country has never witnessed such vile politics: if Delhi’s citizens are not voting for you, will you poison water and kill them?” The AAP leader painted BJP’s actions as attempts to reverse Delhi’s progress, claiming, “They (BJP) want to stop the free services provided to Delhiites and hand over Delhi’s treasury to their billionaire friends.”
In a surprising response to questions about funding, he quipped, “Bahut sare log mujh se pooch rahe hain, ‘Kejriwalji, itna paisa kahan se aayega?’ Maine kaha, ‘Mai Baniya ka beta hoon, jadugar hoon; chinta na karo, aam khao ya guthli ginne se matlab hai?’ (Many people ask me, ‘Kejriwalji, where will so much money come from?’ I say, ‘I am the son of a Baniya, a magician. Don’t worry. Do you want to eat mangoes or count them?’).”
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi: Shifting the Focus to Ideology
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned to Kejriwal’s past for a humorous jab: “Arvind Kejriwal Wagon mein aaye, sweater pehne aur khambe pe chadh gaye. Phir khambe se gire aur seedha Sheesh Mahal mein gaye. (Kejriwal came in a small car, wearing a sweater, and climbed an electric pole. After falling down, he went straight to the ‘Sheesh Mahal’).”
Priyanka Gandhi, meanwhile, didn’t hold back in questioning the leadership of both Modi and Kejriwal: “Modiji says, ‘I’m not able to work because of Nehruji.’ Arvind Kejriwal says, ‘I’m not able to work because of Modiji.’ I’ve never seen such crybaby leaders in my life.”
Sanjay Singh: The AAP Defence
Sanjay Singh, one of AAP’s most vocal leaders, stressed the importance of their work for Delhiites, citing achievements such as zero electricity and water bills, free bus travel for women, and improved schools and hospitals. He added, “Defeating BJP, which thrives on divisive politics, is a key issue in Delhi elections.”
Singh also urged voters to accept BJP’s gifts but still vote for AAP: “BJP is distributing money, saris, and shoes. Take them all but vote for AAP.”
Sandeep Dikshit: Mocking Kejriwal’s engineering background
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit turned to mocking Kejriwal’s educational background, saying, “I fail to understand what Arvind Kejriwal studied at IIT. Being an engineer, he is saying such absurd things that a student of Class V or VI wouldn’t say. I think he passed by cheating.”
He added, “In the last 10 years, he (Kejriwal) has brought Delhi to a place where all systems have collapsed.”
BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri’s explosive remarks
Not to forget, BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri was in the news for his remarks against AAP leader Atishi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi. His comment about Atishi’s surname and family sparked controversy: “Atishi, who was Marlena, is now Singh. She has even changed her father.” He later expressed regret over his remarks.
Bidhuri’s comments didn’t end there. He also made a sexist remark about Priyanka Gandhi, which sparked further tension between the BJP and Congress. “Lalu said in Bihar that he would make roads like Hema Malini’s cheeks, but he lied, he could not do it. I assure you that just as we made the roads in Okhla and Sangam Vihar, we will make all the roads in Kalkaji like Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks,” he was heard saying in a viral video.
The Road Ahead
With voting day just around the corner, Delhiites face a crucial decision. Will AAP maintain its grip on Delhi’s power? Will BJP break its 26-year exile from the capital? Or will Congress make an unexpected comeback?
The battle for Delhi is now in the hands of the voters, with the answer awaiting on February 8. But one thing is clear: this campaign has been anything but dull, with the war of words leaving a lasting impression.
