Kejriwal's Nobel Prize remark sparks political row, BJP terms it 'laughable'
New Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday stirred a political controversy after he remarked that he deserves a Nobel Prize for governance. BJP accused him of presiding over an administration tainted by scams and misgovernance.
Speaking in Chandigarh during the launch of the Punjabi edition of the book The Kejriwal Model, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief said, “Despite being stopped from working, we performed. I should get a Nobel Prize for governance and administration for doing so much despite there being a lieutenant governor and various difficulties.”
His comments drew an immediate response from Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who dismissed the remark as “laughable.” “Kejriwal demanding a Nobel Prize for himself is laughable. He would have surely received one if there were categories for incompetence, anarchy and corruption,” he said.
Sachdeva also reiterated allegations against the former chief minister, citing issues ranging from panic button implementation on buses to alleged irregularities in classroom construction, liquor licensing, pension disbursements, and the renovation of Kejriwal's official residence, dubbed the “sheesh mahal” by critics.
Calling the BJP's reaction an attempt to divert attention, former Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “Virendra Sachdeva is in the government now. It is time to govern, not just talk. Opposition days are over. Now you have to deliver. Delhi is waiting for real work, not distractions or name-calling.”
Defending his governance, Kejriwal said AAP’s model of work was based on honesty and transparency. He argued that his government had improved public services by curbing corruption. “Previous governments said the treasury was empty. But we fixed schools and hospitals and gave free electricity because we stopped corruption,” he stated.
He also alleged that after BJP’s return to power in Delhi in September 2024 all public services had “collapsed.” He claimed that people were beginning to miss AAP’s administration.
Dismissing these claims the BJP said that Kejriwal’s tenure was marred by a series of scams and mismanagement that still linger in public memory.
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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
