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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Record-holder swimmer drowns while practicing in pool in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: Record-holder swimmer K Chandrashekhar Rai Surikumeru (52), who was known for performing yoga and somersaults underwater, died of drowning in the Mangaluru City Corporation swimming pool on Sunday.
Rai, who was a native of Surikumeru near Kalladka in Bantwal taluk, lived in Kudroli, Mangaluru. He is survived by his wife and a daughter.
He had been employed as a lifeguard at the swimming pool in Udupi under contract-basis and was working as manager of the MCC swimming pool for three years. He also worked as a lifeguard and swimming trainer.
On Sunday morning, Rai is said to have handed the security guard of the pool his mobile phone, saying he would practice for some time, but shortly after diving into the pool, he died of suffocation.
The post-mortem examination of his body was conducted at the District Wenlock Hospital and the funeral rites were held at his native place, Rai’s brother Radhakrishna Rai has said.
Rai, known for his skills in swimming, had entered the Worldwide Book of Records in 2023 by performing 28 front flip somersaults in a single stretch.
_vb_28.jpeg)
