'Shouldn't retirement rule apply to Modi?': Kejriwal writes to Bhagwat
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday wrote a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, raising five concerns about the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) conduct. In his letter, Kejriwal accused the BJP of misusing central agencies against political opponents and questioned if this was "harmful to democracy." He also criticized the inclusion of leaders previously labeled as corrupt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah into the BJP.
Kejriwal questions Bhagwat over BJP's conduct
Kejriwal, in his letter, asked Bhagwat if he ever tried to stop PM Modi from engaging in these "wrong practices." He also highlighted a statement made by BJP president JP Nadda during the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting that the saffron party had grown bold enough to challenge its parent organization, the RSS. The former Delhi CM further questioned whether the BJP's "retirement rule" for leaders over 75 would also apply to PM Modi.
What Kejriwal said on BJP's 'retirement rule'
His question came days after the Prime Minister turned 74 on September 17. Kejriwal pointed out that the BJP's "retirement rule" for leaders over 75 had led to the sidelining of senior figures like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Shanta Kumar. The AAP leader urged Bhagwat to address these concerns and encouraged everyone to reflect on the questions raised in his letter.
Read: Kejriwal's letter here
Kejriwal versus Shah on retirement age ahead of general elections
Ahead of this year's Lok Sabha polls, Shah criticized Kejriwal for suggesting that Modi was seeking votes for the home minister as he would turn 75 next year. Shah clarified there is no age limit in the BJP's constitution and no confusion on the matter. "I want to tell Arvind Kejriwal and the entire Indi alliance, Modi turning 75 is not a reason for you to be happy...Modi will complete the term and continue leading the country," Shah said.
