Sunita Kejriwal Campaigns for AAP: Rallying Support Amidst Husband’s Detention
Despite being new to the political arena, Sunita Kejriwal displayed the poise and rhetoric of an experienced politician during her campaign. She carefully chose her words, refraining from launching tirades against the BJP or its leaders.
Sunita, the wife of jailed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, recently embarked on her first roadshow in Delhi, urging residents of Kalyanpuri to vote in large numbers to counter what she termed as “dictatorship” and to restore “democracy” in the country. Dressed in a green salwar-kameez, she led the rally through the streets of the colony, riding in an SUV adorned with a poster expressing affection for Kejriwal.
Despite being new to the political arena, Sunita Kejriwal displayed the poise and rhetoric of an experienced politician during her campaign. She carefully chose her words, refraining from launching tirades against the BJP or its leaders. Her appearances in public have been limited since her husband’s arrest on March 21, but she has already addressed gatherings at various rallies, including the INDIA rally at Ramlila Maidan and the alliance’s rally in Ranchi.
Party insiders revealed that Sunita’s roadshows in Delhi and campaign tours in Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana are part of a strategic plan to establish her as a popular and acceptable figure in the absence of Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently in Tihar jail. Despite her brief addresses during the roadshow, Sunita refrained from mentioning Prime Minister Modi or other leaders, a departure from her husband’s confrontational style. Instead, she focused on rallying support against what she labeled as a “fascist” regime.
Emphasizing an emotional connection with the residents, Sunita repeatedly referred to Arvind Kejriwal as “aapkemukhyamantri aur mere pati (your CM and my husband),” highlighting his prolonged detention without any formal charges. She condemned his incarceration as “gundagardi” and “tanashahi,” asserting that his imprisonment was politically motivated and aimed at stifling his pro-people initiatives.
Concerns about Kejriwal’s health also featured prominently in Sunita’s address, highlighting his long-standing battle with diabetes and the denial of adequate medical care in jail. She accused authorities of endangering his life by withholding insulin, a vital medication for managing his condition.
Sunita portrayed Kejriwal as a champion of the common man, attributing his arrest to his efforts to provide essential services such as free electricity, education, and healthcare. She reiterated his commitment to empowering women by promising a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000.
AAP workers echoed Sunita’s sentiments, wielding placards advocating support for Kejriwal and the party’s commitment to upholding democracy and constitutional values. The party’s campaign song reverberated through the rally, underscoring its resolve to resist authoritarianism and protect citizens’ rights.
As AAP and Congress joined forces for the Delhi Lok Sabha elections, AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar appealed to voters to rally behind Kejriwal and reject dictatorship. However, the absence of Congress representatives from Sunita Kejriwal’s event raised questions about the depth of the alliance.
Despite the challenges, Sunita’s roadshow garnered support from residents, who expressed unwavering loyalty to Kejriwal and his party. Their testimonies underscored their belief in AAP’s commitment to addressing their needs and delivering on its promises, contrasting with their disillusionment with the BJP’s governance.
Sunita’s second roadshow is anticipated to further galvanize support for AAP, emphasizing the party’s grassroots appeal and its pledge to prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens. As the elections approach, the momentum generated by Sunita’s campaign could prove pivotal in AAP’s bid to secure victory and uphold democratic principles in Delhi and beyond.
