Modi, Mamata, Hazare congratulate Arvind Kejriwal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called up and congratulated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal and assured him support from the central government.

In remarks clearly aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday said the AAP’s massive win in Delhi was “a big defeat for the arrogant”. “This is a victory for the people and a big defeat for the arrogant and those who are doing political vendetta and spreading hate among people,” she said in a tweet. “My congratulations to all the Delhi voters, AAP workers and leaders for the big victory. Well done to you. All my best wishes. We are very happy,” she added.

“The Delhi election is a turning point (in the) present political situation. Shows political vendetta has no place in democracy. The country needed this change.” The Trinamool Congress leader also congratulated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. “My hearty congratulations to AAP for sweeping Delhi elections. All the best Arvind Kejriwal the new CM.”

Gandhian activist Anna Hazare Tuesday extended his “best wishes” to his protege and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal as his party headed for a landslide win in the Delhi assembly election. “I extend my best wishes to Kejriwalji,” Hazare told journalists at his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra. Kejriwal became a household name when he was a key aide to Hazare when the latter launched a hunger strike at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi in 2011 in support of a Lokpal Bill. Hazare urged Kejriwal “not to forget that ‘andolan’ (struggle) whether or not you are the chief minister”.

He said Kejriwal earned people’s trust by taking part in that anti-corruption agitation. “That is why he got so much support now. I urge him not to make the mistakes he committed earlier.” Hazare also criticized the Narendra Modi government for enacting a legislation that makes it easy for authorities to take over land from the farmers. (IANS)