Social activist Anna Hazare reacts on Delhi polls results, in Ralegan Siddhi, Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: In a sharp reaction, veteran Gandhian and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare said that Arvind Kejriwal's desire for money and power led to his and his party Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) downfall.
"…jaisi karni, waisi bharni," the octogenarian social activist said about Kejriwal, whom he had mentored during the India Against Corruption (IAC) campaign.
Hazare slammed the AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister for turning the social movement into a political party.
"I have always believed and said that a candidate's conduct, thoughts should be pure, and life should be without allegations... I told this (to Arvind Kejriwal) but he did not pay heed, and finally, he focused on liquor... he was overwhelmed by money power," Hazare told reporters in Ralegan Siddhi, his village in the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra.
Kejriwal was one of the key leaders of the 2011 IAC movement spearheaded by Hazare. However, a year later, he floated AAP and entered politics.
"When a meeting was held, I decided that I would not be part of the party - and I have remained away from that day," he said, adding, "I was against it... I withdrew and stayed away... I had not spoken to him since."
"In politics, allegations are made... one has to prove that he or she is not guilty… they got entangled in liquor and money scandals, which tarnished Arvind Kejriwal’s image. That is why they are getting fewer votes in the election," he said.
Delhi assembly elections 2025 results | Get all latest updates here
Delhi assembly elections 2025 results | Get constituency-wise details here
Delhi Assembly Election 2025 | The Delhi Assembly Elections saw a fierce contest between AAP and BJP, while Congress despite its best attempts failed to make a mark. The saffron party is all set to make a comeback in the national capital after almost three decades as AAP chief Kejriwal has accepted the people's verdict and looks to be part of a constructive opposition. Reactions from all quarters are pouring in as BJP celebrates its first electoral win in 2025, with Bihar polls slated to take place later this year. Check live updates and track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analyses only on Deccan Herald.
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