NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday mocked Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over his recent comment that he deserves a Nobel Prize for governance despite administrative challenges.During the launch of the Punjabi edition of “Kejriwal Model” in Chandigarh on Tuesday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief claimed, “Despite being stopped from working, we delivered. I should get a Nobel Prize for governance and administration for doing so much despite a lieutenant governor and various difficulties.”
The statement prompted immediate backlash from BJP leaders. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva told PTI news agency, “He can only get a Nobel Prize if it is for corruption, anarchy, and inefficiency. Arvind Kejriwal should undergo a mental health checkup because he is someone against whom multiple FIRs have been lodged. He looted Delhi, and the people of Delhi have rejected him. If Kejriwal talks about getting a Nobel Prize, all you can do is smile and listen.“BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh demanded explanations from Kejriwal, questioning whether the Nobel Prize claim was for alleged misconduct in various areas including the Jal Board, Mohalla Clinics, education sector, and environmental issues concerning the Yamuna River.“Kejriwal, please tell us, what exactly you believe you deserve a Nobel Prize for. Is it for looting Delhi? For siphoning public funds to build your, ‘Sheesh Mahal’? For corruption in the Jal Board, the Mohalla Clinics, or the education? For allowing toxic waste to be dumped into the Yamuna?… Or for the court stating that, prima facie, Arvind Kejriwal acted as a corrupt Chief Minister? The nation wants to know, on which of these counts are you seeking the Nobel Prize?” IANS news agency quoted Chugh as saying.Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister and BJP leader Vijay Sharma also took a jibe at the AAP leader. “The people have already given him a Nobel Prize. Everyone knows about his deeds. Working while running such a big racket is a significant thing,” he said.The AAP has not yet responded to the BJP leaders’ comments.