AAP workers being detained during a protest against the arrest of their party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate. (PTI)
Balbir Singh said the INDIA bloc was created to save democracy and Kejriwal’s arrest will only strengthen their plans
Punjab health minister Balbir Singh is confident that the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not impact the AAP’s chances in the upcoming elections as people are rallying behind the party. In a chat with CNN-News18, Singh said the fight was about saving the Constitution and democracy.
Edited Excerpts:
What is the reason you have come from Punjab?
We found it difficult to reach here. We are very saddened that the country’s most honest chief minister, who is being discussed for his model of governance in education, health and employment, and works for people has been arrested by a party that has been caught by the Supreme Court for being steeped in corruption and indulging in extortion. The leaders of that party have arrested our honest leader. They have already arrested two of our ministers. One is behind bars for two years, another for one year and another for six months. They have not found anything. On the other hand, there is documentary evidence regarding election bonds through which they BJP has gained Rs 1.8 crore. First they raid, then they collect ‘chanda’ [donation] and then give ‘dhanda’ [job] through that. They have been exposed. They are losing these elections which is why they are arresting honest people.
Can AAP handle this crisis?
AAP can definitely handle this crisis. How will they arrest Kejriwal’s ideology even if they arrest Kejriwal? If they arrest one Kejriwal, thousands more will be born. If you look at Punjab, Haryana… I am telling you 140 crore people will come onto the streets. I have never seen such extortion. Mainstream media was not so badly affected then as it is now. Back then, one judge had done justice, and we believe that even now, one judge still exists who will save democracy and the Constitution.
Will this arrest not derail your campaign?
Our campaign is in top gear. I am coming from a meeting which saw massive crowds. They [BJP] are scared of the support we are receiving. In Punjab, people are drunk on Bhagwant Mann’s magic. Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘jadoo’ has spread across Hindustan. They are scared of the duo of Kejriwal and Mann as they know that this is the ‘jodi’ who will show them their place. They will all be brought to justice. They are the ones who destroyed the media, lives of farmers, and women.
Will Congress support AAP in Punjab?
This is not about AAP or Congress. All the people of Punjab are supporting us. This is about saving the Constitution and democracy. Now, neither AAP nor Congress is important. That is why the INDIA bloc was formed to save democracy.
What about the Constitutional crisis that may emerge if Kejriwal continues to be CM?
Who has created this crisis? Even the SC is watching; 140 crore people are watching. This is created by the BJP. Now there will be a huge Lok Adalat. When that Lok Adalat gives its verdict, you will not find the BJP anywhere. They have been wiped out in Maharashtra and Bihar. That is why they are stooping so low. BJP has created this crisis. They can see the writing on the wall. They are arresting chief ministers and freezing accounts to challenge opposition parties. There is no rule of law.
Will the Punjab CM be in Delhi?
The Punjab CM is on his way.
