On Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal embarked on his election campaign with a visit to a Hanuman temple in Connaught Place, followed by a series of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) worker rallies and roadshows.
Accompanied by his wife and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal invited party supporters to the temple to seek blessings of the deity. The police stepped up security in anticipation of a large footfall. Kejriwal spent around 45 minutes at the temple before leaving for the AAP headquarters at ITO.
At the party headquarters, a large gathering of AAP workers and supporters welcomed Kejriwal with garlands and flowers. They chanted slogans like “Jail ke tale tut gaye, Kejriwal chut gaye (Jail locks broke open and Kejriwal got freedom)”.
Kejriwal addressed the crowd, challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi several times and accusing him of focusing on divisive rhetoric instead of addressing pressing issues like inflation and poverty.
Following his speech, Kejriwal attended two roadshows in support of AAP candidates Sahi Ram from South Delhi and Kuldeep Kumar from East Delhi. The lanes of the Mehrauli market in South Delhi were adorned with yellow and blue colors, and the crowd cheered enthusiastically for the AAP chief.
Residents came out to their balconies to witness the roadshows, and folk dancers added to the festive atmosphere. Kejriwal highlighted his government’s achievements, such as improved schools, Mohalla Clinics, and free healthcare. He also expressed gratitude for his release from jail.
Residents expressed their joy at Kejriwal’s return, with some holding posters reading “We love you Kejriwal” and “Tiger is back”. However, one shop owner stated that while he welcomed the CM’s presence, many area residents intended to vote for the BJP.
