New Delhi, August 17: Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, has launched a sharp attack on the central government following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech from the Red Fort on Independence Day. Kejriwal questioned the Prime Minister’s use of the term ‘mental naxal,’ asking who exactly qualifies as a mental naxal. He accused the government of labeling anyone who questions it or demands change as a mental naxal.
Kejriwal stated, “Is a person who speaks of patriotism and raises concerns about the country’s issues a mental naxal?” He emphasized that anyone who questions the status quo or seeks to improve the system is being branded as such. He further criticized the Prime Minister’s remarks, stating that those who want better government schools, hospitals, and facilities for the common people are also being called mental naxals.
He questioned whether citizens demanding clean water, better electricity, and sewage services are now considered anti-national. Kejriwal also raised concerns about those who dream of a corruption-free India. He asked if individuals who speak out against corruption and demand honest governance are to be labeled as ‘mental naxals.’
Kejriwal pointed out that anyone who is not afraid of the Prime Minister or the Bharatiya Janata Party and dares to question the government is viewed through this lens. He asserted that citizens who dream of a developed India and seek accountability from the government cannot be deemed anti-national.
In his statement, Kejriwal referenced the great revolutionary Bhagat Singh, suggesting that if Singh were alive today and spoke of systemic change and the values of freedom, he too could be labeled a ‘mental naxal’ according to the Prime Minister’s standards.
He also cited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, questioning whether those advocating for equality, rights, and social justice would be categorized similarly. Prime Minister Modi, in his speech on August 15, had mentioned that while armed naxalism has been largely eradicated, vigilance against ‘mental naxals’ is still required.
Opposition parties have responded to the Prime Minister’s comments, with Aam Aadmi Party leaders also criticizing the central government. They argue that questioning the government, demanding citizen services, and advocating for systemic reform are fundamental rights in a democracy. AAP leaders condemned the Prime Minister’s remarks, stating that equating dissent and inquiry with criminal or anti-national ideologies is inconsistent with democratic values.
Leave a Comment