Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal clarified his position amidst speculation surrounding his potential candidacy as Prime Minister if the Congress-led INDIA bloc triumphs in the Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal refrained from commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s suitability as a prime ministerial candidate, emphasizing that such discussions had not occurred and that the INDIA bloc would decide after the election results.
Kejriwal highlighted the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) limited presence in the elections, contesting only 22 seats, suggesting that his chances of becoming PM at this juncture are slim. “I don’t have any intention of becoming the next PM if the INDIA bloc wins,” he stated to news agency PTI. Kejriwal, currently on bail after his involvement in the liquor policy case, asserted his objective to safeguard the nation from what he described as a “dictatorship,” warning that opposition leaders would face incarceration if the BJP returns to power.
This isn’t the first instance Kejriwal has addressed inquiries regarding an INDIA PM candidate. Last week, during a press conference in Lucknow, he unequivocally stated, “No, I am not,” when asked about his potential candidacy in the event of an INDIA victory.
The INDIA coalition, established last June to unite opposition forces against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s bid for a third term, is contesting without a designated candidate for the top position. The BJP, meanwhile, continues to rally behind Modi’s leadership.
Home Minister Amit Shah, campaigning in Bengal’s Ghatal, criticized the opposition, alleging their failure to name a candidate reflects their lack of leadership. He accused them of seeking to perpetuate a “dynasty” and asserted that the opposition lacked a vision for the country’s development.
The BJP’s attack on the opposition extends to the Congress and the Gandhi family, with Prime Minister Modi recently targeting Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav with the “dynasty” accusation.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, perceived as the principal PM contender for the opposition, outlined the bloc’s strategy, emphasizing that the candidate would be chosen collectively after the election results. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge echoed this sentiment, stating that the focus should be on winning the election before considering individual projections.
The selection of a PM candidate, according to Gandhi, will involve consultation among all INDIA constituents, emphasizing the coalition’s united approach to the electoral process.
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