New Delhi:
Home Minister Amit Shah responded to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks on Saturday, following the AAP leader’s suggestion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is laying the groundwork for Mr. Shah’s future role as Prime Minister.
In his initial press conference after his release from jail, Mr. Kejriwal criticized PM Modi, accusing him of pursuing a “one nation, one leader” agenda, which he linked to the BJP’s advocacy for a ‘one nation, one election’ system.
.
“These individuals question the INDIA bloc about their choice for Prime Minister. I question the BJP about their PM candidate? Modi ji is approaching 75 on September 17 next year. He established a rule in 2014 that those aged 75 would retire. They retired LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan,” stated Mr. Kejriwal.
“He will retire next year. He is campaigning for votes to make Amit Shah the Prime Minister. Will Amit Shah honor Modi ji’s promise?” remarked the AAP leader, who received interim bail until June 1 to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections, with three of the seven phases already completed.
Responding to Mr Kejriwal, the Home Minister told reporters the Delhi Chief Minister is hugely mistaken that PM Modi will step aside when he hits 75.
”
I would like to address Arvind Kejriwal, his associates, and the INDIA bloc by clarifying that there is no mention of a 75-year-old age limit rule in the BJP’s constitution. Prime Minister Modi is set to complete his current tenure and will continue to lead the nation in the future. The BJP harbors no confusion on this matter,” stated Mr. Shah.
Furthermore, the Home Minister cast doubt on Mr. Kejriwal’s misplaced confidence, highlighting that the interim bail serves only as temporary relief and does not absolve the Delhi Chief Minister from the ongoing liquor policy case, which has also led to the incarceration of the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia.
”
Arvind Kejriwal has received interim bail for election campaigning. He petitioned the Supreme Court, claiming his arrest was unjust, but the Court disagreed. The bail is valid only until June 1, after which he must surrender to the authorities on June 2, Mr. Shah stated.
“Should Arvind Kejriwal view this as an exoneration, it would indicate a poor grasp of the law,” he further remarked.
Under the terms of the interim bail, Mr. Kejriwal is barred from entering his office, signing official papers, or visiting the Delhi secretariat. He must seek approval from the Lieutenant Governor for signing any urgent documents.
