Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau

BLP President Dr. Munish Raizada challenges Arvind Kejriwal for open debate

Babushahi Bureau

New Delhi, February 1, 2025: Ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, Dr. Munish Raizada, President and Bharatiya Liberal Party's (BLP) candidate from the New Delhi constituency (AC-40) has challenged Arvind Kejriwal, AAP National Convenor to an open debate.

Dr. Raizada has called upon Kejriwal to engage in public discourse on governance, corruption, and the promises made versus the reality delivered to the people of Delhi.

Letter by BLP President Munish Raizada by Arvind Kejriwal

Dear Arvind,

I recently met Anna Hazare in Ralegan Siddhi, Maharashtra, on January 25, 2025. During that time, my old memories resurfaced. I remember sending you a congratulatory email from Chicago when you received the Ramon Magsaysay Award. In 2011, my colleagues and I organized rallies and gatherings in Chicago to support the Anna Movement and later I played a significant role in the movement in India as well.

After the failure of the Jan Lokpal Bill, we made the decision to establish a political party with the aim of bringing genuine change to the country. Following its formation, I actively worked alongside you for two to three years, engaging at the grassroots level, mobilizing volunteers, and serving as the Co-Convener of the NRI Cell. I also played a key role in overseeing Loksabah election campaign in Chandigarh in 2014. After the party came to power in 2015, I contributed as a Health Advisor to Mr. Satyendar Jain and played a pivotal role in designing the framework for Mohalla Clinics.

However, when I observed that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was compromising on its core principles, I made multiple attempts to convey my concerns to you. I even addressed the matter directly in your Chief Minister's chamber at the Secretariat, questioning why you were defending Jitender Tomar's degree issue. The turning point came when the party removed the donor's list from its website, yet you appeared indifferent to this abhorrent decision. It was at that moment that I fully grasped the situation.

In 2016, my friends and I went to Ralegan Siddhi again to meet Anna Ji and discussed the removal of the donors list by AAP from the website. Later that year, with Anna Ji's blessings, we started the "Chanda Bandh Satyagraha"/ No List No Donation campaign.

Arvind, I recall the moment when you met Lalu Yadav and gave him a warm hug. I raised a valid concern at the time, questioning how, as individuals opposed to corruption, we could now be associating with corrupt leaders.

In 2019, I directed the "Transparency: Transparency Webseries," in which I documented the inner truth of the Anna Movement and the Aam Aadmi Party. I'm glad that the web series was made in a timely manner, and it also raised the voices of those who played a significant role in the movement, but sadly, some of them are no longer with us, such as Swami Agnivesh, Shanti Bhushan Ji, and Jai Nath Mishra from London, among others.

In 2019, when I was releasing the song "Bol Re Delhi Bol" sung by Kailasa Kher, you put pressure on Kailasa Kher over the phone to stop release of the song. However, I explained to Kailash that he had previously dedicated a song to Anna Hazare Ji on his own volition, thus no need to feel pressurized. I am glad that the song was released.

In 2023, I returned to India from the United States, and as we approach April 2025, the Anna Movement will mark its 14th year. However, the core principles of the Anna Movement remain unaddressed and the nation continues to await the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill. Had there been a true commitment by you to the cause, the Bill would have been introduced in Punjab assembly by now, especially after two years of AAP's governance in the state. However, it remains unaddressed.

So as of now, we are face to face in the electoral field. Many of my old colleagues had suggested me to contest the election from New Delhi assembly due next week, ie, Feb 5,2025. For the past 4 months, I've been actively campaigning on the ground, engaging with the voters and listening to their concerns. I know you have changed, and you're now entangled in the game of power and money.

As well as I know you, you know me equally well. We both committed to walking the path of truth, but now your party, like others, is engaging in these elections with open bags of money and tactics.. The public deserves to know who the true soldier of the Anna Movement is!

Arvind, your governance over the past ten years has been an utter failure, with corruption in Delhi reaching its peak and civic amenities collapsing to the bottom. Yet, you continue to make hollow promises, ignoring the real issues and the true state of affairs of Delhi. Your corrupt conduct, incompetence and hypocrisy has cost Delhites and led them to misery.

Let's have a debate about the administrative failures of your government over the last 10 years. It's hard to believe that you are the same person who was an RTI activist and used to work for people at Santosh Kohli's house in Sundar Nagri. Come on, let's debate!

I challenge you for an open debate because I believe in transparency. I know that you have become arrogant, like Ravana. It's time for the people of New Delhi and Delhi to know the truth, who the true soldier of the Anna Movement is.

Thank You

Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada

Candidate, Bharatiya Liberal Party (BLP)

New Delhi assembly seat