AAP accuses BJP of political opportunism towards Purvanchalis ahead of Bihar polls

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a sharp critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party’s recent outreach to the Purvanchali community is driven solely by political expediency ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Senior AAP leader and former MLA Vinay Mishra, addressing a press conference, stated that the BJP’s “newfound affection” for people from Purvanchal is a “sham” and a “compulsion” due to the upcoming polls. He contrasted this with what he described as the BJP’s historical “hatred” and “contempt” for the community.

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Mishra presented a series of allegations to support his claims. He asserted that BJP-led governments and bodies have repeatedly tried to disrupt Chhath Puja celebrations in Delhi by creating hurdles, demolishing ghats, and using authorities like the police and the Delhi Development Authority.

Highlighting a specific incident of alleged prejudice, Mishra pointed out that the photo of Delhi’s Transport Minister, who is from Purvanchal, is not displayed on DTC buses under the current BJP-influenced administration, a practice he claimed was followed when AAP was in power.

The AAP leader also referenced past statements by BJP figures. He cited a 1999 remark by a former BJP Mayor who allegedly made derogatory comments about the living standards of people from Purvanchal. Furthermore, Mishra mentioned a 2004 petition by a BJP MLA that sought to bar students from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from taking admission in Delhi University, and comments by another senior leader in the Rajya Sabha about restricting laborers from these states from entering Delhi.

Mishra concluded by stating that the people of Purvanchal value their identity and can see through the BJP’s “drama” and “crocodile tears.”