PM Modi Praises BJP Chief Nitin Nabin Amid Kejriwal's Sharp Retort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday publicly praised Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin, in a move widely seen as a response to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent 'who are you?' jibe directed at the BJP chief.
Sharing two social media posts from journalist Piyush Padmakar — who was Nabin's roommate during their academic years — PM Modi highlighted Nabin's humble background. The posts recounted how Nabin lived with three friends in a shared accommodation while studying in Delhi and relied on public buses to commute to college.
“This simplicity and openness is a matter of pride for each BJP karyakarta,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), endorsing Nabin's modest lifestyle as a virtue for party workers.
Kejriwal, who is also the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), responded later with a sharp rebuttal addressed directly to the Prime Minister. “Thank you for providing information about Nitin ji. Prime Minister ji, the entire country wants to know why those involved in the theft at Shri Ram Mandir, the land scam, and siphoning off commissions in the construction are being protected. When will they receive strict punishment?” Kejriwal posted on X.
The exchange follows a recent event where Kejriwal reportedly dismissed Nabin's remarks by asking, “Who are you?” This led to a political row between the two parties. While the BJP has defended Nabin's credentials and rising stature, the AAP has continued to attack the central government over alleged corruption and inaction on certain cases.
Political analysts note that the public back-and-forth reflects the intensifying rivalry ahead of upcoming state elections. The Prime Minister's endorsement of Nabin is seen as an effort to bolster the BJP chief's image within the party and among the public.
Neither the Prime Minister's Office nor the BJP president's office has issued further statements on the matter. Kejriwal's allegations regarding the Ram Mandir and land scams remain unsubstantiated in any court of law at this time.
