‘Bigger Than Trump’: Arvind Kejriwal Faces Backlash Over Massive Convoy in Punjab; AAP Defends Security Cover
Kejriwal Slammed for ‘VIP Treatment’ Despite Opposing VIP Culture
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal is facing massive criticism after being escorted by a huge security convoy during his visit to Hoshiarpur, Punjab, for a 10-day Vipassana meditation session.
Kejriwal, who has long opposed VIP culture, is now being accused of embracing it himself, with critics mocking his security detail as being larger than that of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
While BJP and opposition leaders have been quick to call out Kejriwal’s ‘double standards’, AAP has rushed to his defense, arguing that the Delhi CM has been granted Z-plus security due to credible threats to his life.
“BJP should stop spreading confusion and making false accusations. The MHA, which is under Amit Shah, itself said that Arvind Kejriwal has a threat perception, and he has been provided Z-plus security. Now, turning this into politics is absolutely wrong,” said AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar.
However, with AAP already reeling from a crushing defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, this controversy could further damage Kejriwal’s public image at a time when he is struggling to rebuild his political standing.
Why the Controversy? Kejriwal’s Security Convoy Sparks Backlash
The controversy erupted after Kejriwal was seen traveling through Punjab with an extensive security entourage, contradicting his own past statements against politicians enjoying VIP privileges.
📌 Key Points Behind the Backlash:
✔ Kejriwal has previously criticized politicians for having excessive security and called for an end to VIP culture.
✔ His security cover now rivals that of high-profile global leaders, raising eyebrows.
✔ The BJP and opposition parties have accused him of hypocrisy and double standards.
Even AAP’s own Rajya Sabha MP, Swati Maliwal, did not hold back, taking a jibe at Kejriwal and highlighting the contradiction in his actions.
“The person who once rebuked VIP culture is now roaming in Punjab with a security cover bigger than Donald Trump.”
This criticism from within his own party has only intensified the debate over Kejriwal’s shifting political identity.
Vipassana Amid Political Turmoil – Kejriwal’s 10-Day Meditation Retreat
While the controversy rages on, Kejriwal has embarked on a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat at the Dhamma Dhaja Vipassana Centre (DDVC) in Anandgarh, around 11 km from Hoshiarpur.
✔ Vipassana is a silent meditation course that focuses on self-reflection, mental detox, and emotional control.
✔ Kejriwal has taken similar meditation breaks in the past, often before or after major political events.
✔ This Vipassana session comes at a time when AAP is struggling to recover from its worst-ever electoral performance.
Sources say that Kejriwal will not engage in any political activity during this period, focusing entirely on meditation and mental rejuvenation.
But the question remains—can this retreat help him escape the growing political storm surrounding him?
BJP’s Attack – ‘Kejriwal Exposed’
The BJP has seized the opportunity to attack Kejriwal, accusing him of hypocrisy and deception.
✔ BJP leaders have pointed out the contradiction between his anti-VIP stance and his current actions.
✔ They have also suggested that this controversy is hurting AAP’s credibility.
✔ The party claims that Kejriwal’s security convoy is just another example of AAP’s ‘double-faced politics’.
“Kejriwal has built his political career by calling out VIP culture. But today, he enjoys VIP status himself while pretending to be a common man’s leader. The public sees through this hypocrisy,” said a senior BJP leader.
BJP’s aggressive attacks on Kejriwal are also strategically timed, as AAP is already struggling to stay relevant following its crushing defeat in Delhi’s elections.
AAP’s Defense – ‘Security Threat is Real’
While critics continue to mock Kejriwal’s security convoy, AAP has maintained that his safety is a legitimate concern.
✔ The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially categorized Kejriwal under Z-plus security due to serious threats.
✔ AAP leaders argue that the opposition is politicizing a necessary security measure.
✔ They claim that Kejriwal does not demand special treatment, but his security is provided based on intelligence inputs.
“This is not about luxury. The security is based on an official threat perception, and it is the responsibility of the central government to ensure his safety,” said an AAP spokesperson.
AAP insists that Kejriwal’s security cover is not an indulgence, but a necessary precaution given the current political climate.
AAP’s Political Setback – A Difficult Time for Kejriwal
Kejriwal’s Vipassana retreat comes at a time of major political challenges for AAP.
📌 AAP’s Recent Political Developments:
✔ AAP suffered a massive defeat in the 2024 Delhi Assembly elections.
✔ The party, which ruled Delhi since 2015, managed only 22 out of 70 seats.
✔ BJP secured a landslide victory with 48 seats, ending AAP’s decade-long dominance.
With AAP struggling to regain public trust, Kejriwal’s VIP security controversy could further alienate his voter base.
“Kejriwal’s image as a common man’s leader is now at risk. The public perception of him has changed significantly after this controversy,” said a political analyst.
Final Thoughts – Will This Controversy Impact Kejriwal’s Political Future?
The massive backlash over Kejriwal’s security convoy raises important questions:
✔ Has Kejriwal abandoned his anti-VIP culture stance?
✔ Is this controversy damaging AAP’s political recovery after Delhi elections?
✔ Or is it just another political attack by rivals?
While AAP remains firm on its defense, the public perception of Kejriwal’s leadership is shifting.
🚨 What do you think – Is Kejriwal justified in having Z-plus security, or is he guilty of hypocrisy? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🚨