'Security cordon bigger than Trump's': Kejriwal's opulent convoy draws criticism
What's the story
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has been reprimanded by political leaders from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and even his own party for his lavish security convoy on a trip to Punjab.
The trip was for a 10-day Vipassana course.
BJP leader and Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused Kejriwal of misusing public funds, saying he was "wasting Punjab's money."
Internal criticism
AAP MP questionsKejriwal's need for lavish convoy
AAP MP Swati Maliwal also criticized Kejriwal's security arrangements.
In a social media post, she asked if Kejriwal thinks he is "greater than Donald Trump" with his elaborate security detail.
Maliwal pointed out the hypocrisy in Kejriwal's position on VIP culture, saying he once opposed it but now travels with a huge security cordon.
"Kejriwal ji, who used to lecture the whole world about VIP culture, is today roaming around with a security cordon bigger than Donald Trump's," Maliwal said.
Twitter Post
Kejriwal arriving in Punjab
This is apparently how an ‘Aam Aadmi’ travels… Kejriwal travelling in a Land Cruiser and a massive convoy for his Vipassana in Punjab pic.twitter.com/ypyrbyFRUr
— Akshita Nandagopal (@Akshita_N) March 5, 2025
Convoy details
Delhi minister describes Kejriwal's convoy, questions motives
Delhi Minister Sirsa described the convoy as including "cars worth more than ₹2 crore, fire brigades, ambulances, and more than 100 commandos."
"What type of a common man is he? His purpose is not 'Vipassana' but to fulfill his dream of becoming a CM," Sirsa wrote on X.
Similarly, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit accused Kejriwal of being addicted to power and luxury.
"Kejriwal still lives under the illusion that he is some kind of king or emperor," he said.
Party defense
AAP defends Kejriwal's convoy citing security concerns
However, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar defended the convoy, saying it was done due to security concerns.
She said the Ministry of Home Affairs has given Kejriwal 'Z Plus' category security.
Kakkar asked the BJP to concentrate on Delhi issues instead of attacking Kejriwal.
"Nothing will happen by abusing Arvind Kejriwal," she said.