Kejriwal: Modi’s most dangerous adversary?

Arvind Kejriwal seems to be the most dangerous opponent to Narendra Modi. While Modi is expected to come back to power comfortably again, in large parts, it is due to the Opposition failing to put up a strong and charismatic leader as the alternative. Kejriwal, the former IRS officer seems to have those qualities.

Immediately after coming out on bail, Kejriwal threw two challenges to BJP:

1. Since Modi would soon be turning 75, should he not retire as per the BJP/RSS Constitution?

2. Modi and Amit Shah would remove Yogi Adityanath within two months of regaining power.

Indeed, age has often been cited as a reason by the BJP when sidelining stalwarts like LK Advani and others but Amit Shah said there was no rule in the BJP Constitution stipulating 75 as the age of retirement. 

Given that the elections are largely being fought around the personality of Modi, the people wouldn’t probably care if exceptions are made for Modi.

However, the second allegation that Yogi Adityanath would be sidelined did not elicit any response from the BJP. 

Kejriwal is definitely playing mind games and trying to sow internal dissension within the ranks of the BJP, something no other Opposition politician has been able to do. 

Interestingly, Yogi Adityanath was present throughout by Modi’s side when the latter filed his nomination from Varanasi and later when Modi took out a rally in Ayodhya.

On the back foot, BJP luckily gained ground when Swati Maliwal was allegedly assaulted at Kejriwal’s residence and filed a complaint against his personal assistant Bibhav Kumar. 

AAP tried to create discord among the ranks of the BJP and the saffron party is now using AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal and weakening the Party from within. But for this lucky break, BJP could have faced some embarrassing questions from Kejriwal.

Kejriwal’s Party is in power in Punjab and Delhi and the man has a national identity. 

In the near future, should he be exonerated in the ‘Liquor Policy’ case, he could well turn out to be Modi’s most formidable challenger.