Arvind Kejriwal’s anti-Modi CMs’ Conclave turns into Flop Show

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s much-hyped and ambitious “Chief Minister’s Conclave on Cooperative Federalism and Centre-State Relationship”, has turned a damp squib, as all CMs, except two, skipped his event and snubbed him.

Kejriwal, a novice in Indian politics, had invited all CMs to mobilize opinion against PM Narendra Modi and launch a massive campaign. But, only West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Tripura CM Manik Sarkar attended the meeting. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar extended his support through a letter, but could not come to Delhi due to Bihar polls.

As expected, Kejriwal used this small and insignificant occasion to slam PM Modi and BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre, accusing them of trying to weaken the states. He cited his recent conflict with L-G Najeeb Jung to portray himself as a ‘cry-baby victim’. Kejriwal alleged that Centre is arm-twisting the states over fund allocations and with the threat of CBI. “India is a diverse country. People sitting in Delhi, cannot run it. They need to reach out to the people,” he said.

“Federalism is integral part of India’s Constitution and political system; empowers states to be functionally autonomous. We must ensure that federalism is not compromised, because it brings us closer to the ideal of “Power to the people”. Protection of India’s federal nature is of vital importance in order to guarantee representation of all voices,” said Kejriwal.

Mamata Banerjee took advantage of the platform by calling BJP ‘communal’ and ‘divisive’. She talked less on development, but batted for old Planning Commission instead of Niti Aayog.

Manik Sarkar met Kejriwal, but did not attend the Conclave, as he wanted to avoid Mamata Banerjee. Chief Ministers from Bihar, Mizoram and Puducherry extended their support to Kejriwal, but did not come.