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March 5, 2025, Politics News Today Live Updates

Richa Pandey
05 Mar, 2025

On March 5, 2025, former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal embarked on a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district. Accompanied by his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, the couple arrived at the Forest Rest House in Chohal, approximately 14 kilometers from Hoshiarpur, late Tuesday night. They are attending the meditation course at the Dhamma Dhaja Vipassana Centre (DDVC) in Anandgarh village, about 11 kilometers from Hoshiarpur.

The visit has sparked significant controversy due to the extensive security convoy that accompanied Kejriwal. Reports indicate that the convoy included over 100 Punjab Police personnel, bulletproof vehicles, jammers, and ambulances. This display has drawn sharp criticism from various political figures and parties, accusing Kejriwal of hypocrisy and indulgence in VIP culture.

Criticism from Political Rivals

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa was vocal in his condemnation. He highlighted the contrast between Kejriwal's earlier image as a 'common man' and his current opulent security arrangements. Sirsa remarked that Kejriwal, who once traveled in a simple WagonR, now moves in a lavish convoy of bulletproof Land Cruisers, accompanied by over 100 Punjab Police commandos, jammers, and ambulances. He described this as behaving like a "VIP Maharaja" for a Vipassana retreat, which is meant for peace and introspection. Sirsa questioned the necessity of such a grand security parade funded by Punjab taxpayers, especially when Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not part of the convoy.

The Congress party also joined in the criticism. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari suggested that Kejriwal might be struggling to cope with AAP's recent electoral defeat in Delhi. He acknowledged that while seeking peace through Vipassana is personal, traveling with a convoy of 100 cars justifies the criticism raised by the Congress.

Sandeep Dikshit, a senior Congress leader who contested against Kejriwal in the New Delhi Assembly election, accused the AAP chief of embracing extravagance. Dikshit claimed that Kejriwal has become accustomed to the extravagance that comes with power, highlighting the 100-vehicle convoy accompanying him for a meditation retreat.

Reactions from Within AAP

Notably, criticism also emerged from within AAP's ranks. Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal took a sarcastic dig at Kejriwal, comparing his security cover to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump. She questioned why Kejriwal, who often criticizes VIP culture, was now moving with a security cover bigger than Trump's. Maliwal also questioned why Kejriwal was so afraid of the people of Punjab, who have given him so much love.

Context of the Controversy

The controversy is further intensified by the backdrop of AAP's recent electoral performance. In the latest Delhi Assembly elections, AAP faced a significant defeat, securing only 22 out of 70 seats, while the BJP won a decisive 48 seats, ending AAP's decade-long governance in the capital. Kejriwal himself lost his New Delhi seat to BJP's Parvesh Verma.

Since the electoral loss, Kejriwal has maintained a low public profile, focusing primarily on party-related activities. This Vipassana retreat marks one of his few public appearances post-defeat. The timing and nature of the retreat, coupled with the elaborate security arrangements, have provided fodder for political opponents to question his commitment to the 'common man' image that AAP has long championed.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

The media has extensively covered the incident, highlighting the apparent contradiction between Kejriwal's advocacy against VIP culture and his current actions. Headlines referring to him as a "Maharaja" and "Emperor" underscore the perceived hypocrisy. The portrayal of Kejriwal's convoy as more extravagant than that of a head of state like Donald Trump has further fueled public debate.

Implications for AAP

This incident poses potential challenges for AAP as it seeks to rebuild and strategize for future elections. The party's foundational ethos centered around simplicity, anti-corruption, and opposition to VIP culture. Incidents like these could alienate core supporters and provide ammunition to political adversaries. The internal criticism from figures like Swati Maliwal indicates possible rifts within the party, which could impact its cohesion and public image.

Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal's recent Vipassana retreat has inadvertently become a focal point of political controversy. The extensive security convoy accompanying him has drawn criticism from both opposition parties and members within AAP, highlighting perceived contradictions between the party's stated values and the actions of its leadership. As AAP navigates the post-election landscape, addressing these perceptions will be crucial for its political rejuvenation and public credibility.