Anil Jha, a two-time BJP MLA from the Kirari Assembly constituency, officially joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during an event in the national capital. His decision followed the resignation of senior AAP leader and Delhi Government minister Kailash Gahlot.
Jha’s move was attributed to his dissatisfaction with the BJP’s stance on Purvanchal and backward communities. Speaking to the media, he expressed gratitude toward those who had worked for social justice and acknowledged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for addressing the needs of unauthorized colonies. It was stated that Purvanchal, Magadh, and Awadh communities were aligning themselves with Kejriwal’s leadership.
Kejriwal, while welcoming Jha into AAP, emphasized the latter’s significant influence within the Purvanchal community. He described Jha as one of the most prominent leaders from the region and reiterated that his government had prioritized the development of illegal colonies inhabited largely by Purvanchal migrants.
Kejriwal’s remarks during the press conference highlighted the perceived neglect by the BJP and Congress toward Purvanchal communities. He claimed that developmental works, including roads, sewers, and water pipelines, had been undertaken in 1650 out of 1750 illegal colonies. It was further noted that while the central government had greater resources, the Delhi government had delivered more for the Purvanchal people.
Criticism was directed at the BJP for its alleged lack of efforts to uplift the Purvanchal community, with questions raised regarding their contributions. Kejriwal asserted that AAP’s initiatives underscored its commitment to social justice and community development.