“Even though you have become the Chief Minister of Assam, you have not embraced the culture of Assam,” stated Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during his inaugural visit to the state on Sunday. In response, Sarma criticized Kejriwal during a later press conference and labeled him a “coward”.
During his one-day visit to Assam on Sunday, Kejriwal, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, addressed a large gathering of party workers from across the state.
Pitting himself directly against his Assam counterpart, the Delhi CM told his party workers, “In 2016, Himanta Babu’s government was formed. In 2015, my government was formed in Delhi. Today, we have transformed Delhi within a span of seven years. Schools, hospitals, electricity, water, roads – we have created a fabulous Delhi. What has Himanta Babu done in seven years? He has only engaged in dirty politics.”
Two days before Kejriwal’s visit, Sarma had declared that he would file a defamation case against the AAP chief if he accused Sarma of corruption while in Assam.
Responding to Sarma’s threats, Kejriwal stated, “For two days, he has been threatening me, saying that he will put me in jail when I come. Am I some terrorist? Assam’s people are very welcoming and hospitable. When they have guests, they take them to their homes, and offer them tea and food. Assam’s people don’t issue jail threats.”
Extending an invitation, Kejriwal added, “When you (Sarma) come to Delhi, please come to my house for tea. If you have more time, come for a meal. I will also take you around to show you the great schools and hospitals we have built in Delhi.”
Kejriwal’s visit to Assam precedes the upcoming panchayat elections later this year and the Lok Sabha elections next year.
During a press conference on Sunday night, Sarma accused Kejriwal of being a “coward”, stating, “When you’re a man, speak like a man. If you’re a woman, speak like a woman. If you’re a leader, speak like a leader. But don’t speak like a coward. He didn’t have the courage to mention any case against me, which proves that they only have the strength to show their heroism within the four walls of the Vidhan Sabha.”
Sarma also responded to Kejriwal’s comment about “lack of hospitality”, saying, “We are hospitable, but when (Mughal Emperor) Aurangzeb came to Assam, (Ahom commander) Lachit Barphukan did not treat him as a guest.”
