Opposition Leaders Hail AAP’s Resounding Victory Over Hate Politics

New Delhi: DMK president M K Stalin on Tuesday greeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) massive win in the Assembly elections in the national capital and said it was a vindication of development politics.

Taking to Twitter to congratulate Kejriwal, Stalin said: "I congratulate @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty for forming government yet again in Delhi, on a massive mandate. This is a clear vindication that development trumps communal politics. Federal rights and regional aspirations must be strengthened in the interest of our country."

Riding on its development agenda, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP was set for a resounding victory in the Delhi Assembly elections to retain power for a third term.

In Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated his Delhi counterpart Kejriwal for AAP's "resounding victory" in assembly elections, saying “let it be a harbinger for inclusive

politics in the country.”

"Congratulations to @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty on a resounding victory in Delhi elections. Let this victory be a harbinger for pro-people and inclusive politics in our country," the Kerala CM, who heads the Left Democratic Front government tweeted.

In Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday congratulated AAP supremo Kejriwal, who appeared to be heading back to power in Delhi with a thumping majority.

Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress boss, said leaders playing on faith and divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded.

"Congratulations @ArvindKejriwal as #DelhiResults show @AamAadmiParty all set to win #DelhiElection2020 with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech & divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded," she tweeted.

Earlier, while talking to reporters in Bankura district, Banerjee had said that people in Delhi have rejected BJP's policies and that "it was a victory of democracy".

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath said he was aware of his own party Congress' dismal show in the Delhi Assembly polls, but questioned the BJP about its "tall claims" of victory.

As votes for the February 8 elections were counted, the AAP was leading in 57 of 70 seats and the BJP in 13, leaving the Congress virtually decimated in a city it had ruled for three consecutive terms, according to the Election Commission figures.

Asked about Congress' poor performance in the Delhi polls, Nath told reporters, "We are aware of this. But what happened to the BJP which was making tall claims? Being at the Centre, Modiji is close to Delhi's electorate which would have elected the BJP, if satisfied with his work."

He said BJP leaders now don't talk about unemployment and farmers, but they speak on issues like nationalism, Pakistan and Citizenship Amendment Act.

The "real face" of the BJP has now been exposed, the chief minister said.

"I have a basic question about CAA. Is there any war going on, or refugees coming to India? Then what was the need to get CAA passed by conducting Parliament proceedings till midnight? What was their aim? They only wanted to give a divisive message," Nath alleged.

In Delhi, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the people of Delhi had given a befitting reply to BJP's "politics of hate and violence."

"Congratulations @ArvindKejriwal @AamAadmiParty and the people of Delhi who have given a befitting reply to BJP's politics of hate and violence. Union ministers called for 'gaalis' and 'golis'. People have given their answer," said Yechury in a tweet.

He also said national security means securing lives, livelihoods, education and health and that "abuse and threats to shoot down the electorate in the face of a serious economic crisis in the country, jobs loss, democracy in tatters, all got a fitting rebuff."

"BJP's top leaders, its ministers and MPs cannot be allowed to get away with incitements and threats to murder. Last time such an atmosphere of hate & violence was generated, Gandhiji was assassinated," he said.

In Bengaluru, congratulating AAP and its Chief Arvind Kejriwal for its performance in the Delhi assembly polls, Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that people of the national capital have shown that "fascist ideology" will never win their hearts.

Calling Kejriwal as a leader who heralded development, the former Karnataka Chief Minister said people have taught a lesson for labelling him a "terrorist" and also upheld the necessity of a regional party.