Latest news with #ArvindKejriwal
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kejriwal In Action: AAP Chief Storms PM Modi's Bastion In Gujarat
SPOTLIGHT / Jul 23, 2025, 01:36PM IST After poll drubbing in Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is back in action. He along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann participate in a Mahapanchayat in Gujarat in support of dairy farmers and livestock keepers. Watch.
The Wire
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
An Idea For the Delhi CM: Stop Copying Sainik Farms for Interior Decoration
The Delhi government has cancelled a tender of Rs. 60 lakh for renovation work at Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta's new residence: Bungalow Number 1, Raj Niwas Marg, for CM No. 1. The official explanation is 'administrative reasons', which, on the face of it, seems like a face-saving phrase. It's a phrase as meaninglessly meaty as 'we will look into the matter and strict action will be taken against guilty.' A more likely reason: the optics of the renovation exercise was so obviously jarring, given the BJP's vilification of Arvind Kejriwal's so-called 'Sheesh Mahal' – the common man's messiah living in an opulent palace. People aspiring to live in over-decorated and over-equipped glass houses shouldn't throw stones. A fascinating read The PWD tender makes for a fascinating read. Making lists is one of the highest forms of literary activity (think Joan Didion's essential packing list); the best fiction cannot beat this. The Siasat Daily reports: 'The tender will draw bids for the installation of 24 two-tonne air conditioners, 23 premium energy ceiling fans, 115 sets of lamps, 16 wall fans, 14 air conditioners, 10 LED flood lights, six geysers, three grand chandeliers, four 55-inch 4K ultra HD LED smart TVs, one 65 inch 4k ultra HD LED smart TV, a gas top with electromagnetic burners, a 20 litre microwave, an LCD display toaster grill, chandeliers, electric chimneys, wall lights, hanging lights, washing machines, dishwashers, and an RO water plant with a processing capacity of 50 litres per hour. The PWD will also acquire 16 round large flush-ceiling lights with nickel finish, 8 brass and glass lanterns, 7 brass ceiling lanterns, 6 LED bulbs and 2 smaller units and one large brass frame glass chandelier.' The Siasat Daily goes on to quote from the PWD tender; the lines on the lantern and chandelier could have been written by Proust: 'This (brass and glass lantern wall lights) unit is the epitome of timeless elegance. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, this stunning fixture effortlessly combines classic brass with delicate glass panels, creating a breathtaking ambience in any professional setting. The chandelier exudes sophistication, while the delicate glass shades cast a warm and inviting glow throughout the room' I've always believed that the nonsense that binds us as Indians far outweighs the nonsense that separates us. The obsession with the chandelier as a symbol of class and sophistication, cutting across party lines, is a glittering example of this. I'm guessing it comes from some idea of royalty as it used to be: kings, queens and their palaces. In reality, the chandelier is one of the ugliest expressions of interior aesthetic, whose natural companion is the multi-coloured water fountain in the garden, the ugliest form of external aesthetic. I remember a hostel election in my college back in the 1990s, when the winning candidate won on a simple plank: tubelight in every room. He delivered on the promise. Delhi CMs have extended the idea to a chandelier in every CM house. I also feel this is a very Delhi phenomenon. The city has long been associated with vulgar displays of wealth (and power). A chief minister is first and foremost a Delhiite, not immune to his or her surroundings. It's only human to copy what the neighbours are doing. Unfortunately, in Delhi, the CMs have fallen prey to the idea that their houses should mirror the best of Sainik Farms, or any Mehrauli farmhouse for that matter – the worst concrete manifestation of black money. Doubling a colossal waste Even before Rekha Gupta had been named chief minister, the BJP made it clear that the new CM wouldn't be living in 'Sheesh Mahal'. Gupta, once appointed, said she would like it to be turned into a museum. The moral high ground implied that the little Indian should be able to see for herself the gulf between the ruler and the ruled. This is only doubling a colossal waste, which shouldn't have been allowed in the first place. Now that the CM's house has been built with public money, why not use it. It makes no logical sense to reinvent the wheel. It was always the CM's residence, not Kejriwal's personal address. Forget about chief ministers, even heads of state around the world have tried to do things differently. The official residences of Scandinavian PMs are not as grand as other world leaders. Hypocrisies might lurk underneath, but at least the attempt is to underline simplicity and public service as the qualities that matter most, and the official residence embodies those virtues. Rishi Sunak, despite owning several expensive properties in the UK and elsewhere, moved into a small flat above 10 Downing Street, instead of the larger 11 Downing Street Flat occupied by previous PMs. Justin Trudeau lived in Rideau Cottage, a modest two-storey brick house in Ottawa, formerly the residence of diplomatic secretaries. And Canada would count itself a wealthy nation. I once had the good fortune to visit Manmohan Singh's official residence when he was finance minister. It was like going from one middle-class home to another. The same smell of mango pickle in the dining room; the same moodha chairs scattered around the verandah. Some interior design suggestions to the CMs of Delhi I would like to take this opportunity to offer some interior design suggestions to the CMs of Delhi, the capital of a predominantly poor country. Eschew chandeliers, come what may. Remember the old campaign promise: a tubelight in every room. Like the telephone, tubelight technology has evolved enormously. Check it out. Don't look to Sainik Farms and gated Gurgaon for ideas. Instead, look to crafts emporia, Dilli Haat and the National Crafts Museum in Pragati Maidan. I'd take a step further down that road and tell them to stay away from Fab India – it's become expensive, not what it used to be in the 1980s, when someone told me that those who cannot afford Benetton go to Fab India. That's another funny story for another occasion. Buy chatais from different states, not designer tiles. Choose bamboo furniture over lavishly upholstered sofas. Cut down on air conditioners, buy more pedestal fans and desert coolers. A double rod heater should suffice in winters. Cycle to work. Then you'll realise why the city needs cycle lanes. When the streets get flooded during the monsoon rains, you can take a day off work and contemplate. Cycle, breathe in the pollution, then do something about it. Most importantly, get a green parrot in a powder-coated metal or stainless steel cage. Every day, listen to the parrot. When you start speaking gibberish in your gilded cage, the parrot will repeat it, and make you realise how far you've strayed from the concerns of people you're supposed to represent. The writer is the author of The Butterfly Generation: A Personal Journey into the Passions and Follies of India's Technicolor Youth, and the editor of House Spirit: Drinking in India.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh call on Vice President Dhankhar ahead of Monsoon Session
Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at his residence on Sunday, a day ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Kejriwal said in a post on X, 'Called on Hon'ble Vice President of India to enquire about his health. I pray to God for his long and healthy life." The VP's office also confirmed the meeting in a post on X. The Monsoon Session of Parliament, is scheduled to begin on Monday, and is expected to be stormy with several key issues likely to be raised by the opposition. The central government held an all-party meeting today to seek cooperation from various parties in Parliament. PTI MHS VN VN Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Why AAP decided to dump INDIA bloc
The Aam Aadmi Party's formal exit from the INDIA bloc marks a big shift ahead of the upcoming monsoon session. The INDIA alliance, formed as a collective front against the ruling NDA, aimed to consolidate Opposition parties to provide a strong alternative during the last Lok Sabha departure from this coalition signals both strategic recalibration and the changing dynamics within Opposition backdrop to AAP's exit is its recent setback in the Delhi Assembly elections, a political blow that not only dented the party's morale but also stalled its momentum in expanding its footprint beyond Delhi and Punjab. The loss has prompted the party's leadership, particularly national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, to rethink their political Punjab remaining AAP's lone ruling state, the party now seems focused on consolidating its power there for the time away from the INDIA bloc allows AAP to pursue an independent agenda, distancing itself from the coalition's diverse and sometimes conflicting political interests. This move may encourage the party to forge issue-based alliances selectively, tailoring its strategy to regional political realities rather than adhering to a national opposition framework. However, the exit also diminishes the Opposition's collective bargaining power, possibly making it easier for the BJP to maintain dominance in key states and at the Centre.'Ekla Cholo Re' is the new revival strategy for AAPAAP was born out of the 2011 Anna Andolan, which was an anti-corruption movement against the then Congress government. It was once symbolised as a fresh and independent political alternative to the BJP and Congress. Under Arvind Kejriwal's leadership, AAP promised to disrupt the established political order by offering a new kind of governance with a focus on transparency, accountability, and grassroots empowerment. However, the party's recent political moves have stirred backlash and uncertainty about its the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, AAP's decision to join the INDIA alliance led by Congress blurred its once-clear, equidistant position from both the BJP and Congress. This strategic compromise proved detrimental to the party's electoral fortunes. The 2024 general elections resulted in setbacks for AAP, but the real blow came in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP's strongest securing more than 90 per cent of the seats in both 2015 and 2020, the party managed to win only 22 out of 70 seats this time. More painfully, key leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia lost their own seats, a huge symbolic and morale hit to the this crisis, AAP is now adopting the 'Ekla Cholo Re' strategy, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's famous song that translates to 'walk alone if needed". By walking alone once again, AAP aims to regain voters' trust, reinforce its core values, and revive the energy that once made it a powerful force in Indian is the key, and Congress is the main challenge in the stateThe Punjab Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027 will be significant for the Aam Aadmi Party, currently holding power under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. As the party governing the state, AAP faces the challenge of managing anti-incumbency Congress party, as the main opposition, is gearing up to capitalise on this mood and is already vocal in its critique of the Mann government's policies and political landscape is poised for a multi-cornered contest, with other regional and national players also expected to participate, but the primary tussle remains between AAP and Congress. For AAP, the stakes are particularly high. Unlike Delhi, Punjab represents a crucial battleground that will determine the future trajectory of the party on the national stage.A loss in Punjab could leave AAP without any state-level governance, a scenario that would be detrimental to its broader ambitions of expanding influence across India. This reality also explains AAP's political strategy of distancing itself from Congress on the national front, despite calls for Opposition unity with the INDIA a clear identity independent of Congress is essential for AAP to project itself as a viable alternative to established parties. Punjab, thus, is not just a state election but a litmus test for AAP's ability to sustain and grow its political in two Assembly bypolls in Punjab and Gujarat showed the wayThe Aam Aadmi Party delivered a message by winning two crucial Assembly by-elections in Punjab and Gujarat last month, following its heavy defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections. In Punjab, AAP won the Ludhiana West seat defeating its main rival, the Congress party, while in Gujarat, it scored a remarkable win in the Visavadar constituency by defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power in the state for over two victories were particularly important as they reflected AAP's strategy of contesting elections independently, outside the INDIA bloc. The party believes that fighting solo has helped consolidate its base and project itself as a credible alternative to both Congress and the BJP in these key Punjab and Gujarat are slated to go for Assembly elections in 2027, and AAP hopes to capitalise on these by-election successes to convert Congress's core vote bank in these the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, AAP managed to win five seats and significantly weakened Congress's hold, signaling the party's growing influence in the party's leadership feels that an aggressive campaign against Congress is necessary to expand its footprint in Punjab and Gujarat. However, this approach comes with a strategic dilemma: remaining part of the INDIA bloc, dominated by Congress, would dilute AAP's distinct identity and limit its appeal. Therefore, AAP's posturing against Congress is ultimately a survival strategy aimed at crafting an independent political space. - EndsMust Watch
India Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Cracks in INDIA bloc? AAP's Sanjay Singh says party out of alliance
Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh on Friday said that the Arvind Kejriwal-led party has exited the INDIA bloc and will not participate in the opposition alliance meeting scheduled ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.."AAP is out of the INDIA bloc. Our party has made it clear, Arvind Kejriwal has made it clear. We are no longer part of the alliance," Singh, who is AAP's Parliamentary Party leader, said, adding that the INDIA bloc was formed only for the Lok Sabha elections, and the party has contested all subsequent assembly polls AAP and Congress contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Delhi as part of the INDIA alliance. However, they fought separately in the Haryana and Delhi Assembly elections. AAP has also announced that it will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections independently. Singh added, "We contested two assembly elections independently after the Lok Sabha polls. We also fought the by-elections in Punjab and Gujarat on our own". The AAP leader, however, said that the party will maintain strategic alliances with opposition parties within the parliament. He mentioned, "On Parliamentary issues, we do take the support of opposition parties such as the TMC and DMK. And so do they take our support". "We have always played the role of a strong and powerful opposition and will do so. Whatever issues are there, we will raise them in the Parliament," he month-long Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to commence on July 21. Ahead of the session, a meeting of the leaders of the INDIA bloc parties will be held online on Saturday evening to discuss the prevailing political situation in the leaders would deliberate on a host of key issues, including the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar, demand for discussion on the Pahalgam attack, and Operation apart from AAP, the Trinamool Congress is also expected to be absent from the opposition alliance meeting.- EndsTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#AAM AADMI PARTY#INDIA Bloc#Indian National Congress#Arvind Kejriwal
