Kejriwal accepts Amarinder's debate challenge

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday agreed to have a debate with Punjab Congress leader Amarinder Singh after initially telling him to debate with the AAP's Punjab team.

Amarinder Singh sought the debate after first accusing the Aam Aadmi Party leader of making baseless allegations against him.

On Sunday evening, after coming under attack from Kejriwal who is now touring Punjab, the former Punjab Chief Minister tweeted: "Kejriwal better set his own house in order before he sets his sights on Punjab."

Kejriwal responded promplty: "Sir, Badals closed corruption cases against you just a few months before elections. Why? Punjab asking what's the deal?"

The AAP leader tweeted again: "Akalis and Congress fighting elections together in Punjab. Captain (Amarinder Singh) their joint CM candidate."

On Monday morning, Amarinder Singh attacked Kejriwal: "Country is increasingly sick of your theatrics just to grab headlines."

Referring to Punjab's controversial Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, Kejriwal said people were asking if the Akali Dal leader's "drug money" was being used in the Congress leader's election campaign.

Amarinder Singh then challenged Kejriwal for a debate. "Show courage and come for an open debate. Choose the time, place and platform."

Kejriwal suggested the names of four AAP leaders who would debate with him.

Amarinder Singh then tweeted: "Punjabis believe in leading from the front, not hiding behind others. Or have you already accepted that you can't face me for a public debate?"

Replying instantly, Kejriwal said: "I am not hiding behind anyone, Sir. I am ready for a debate with Rahulji or Soniaji anytime. Our Punjab team will debate with you."

"So you have chickened out?" asked Amarinder Singh. "You are the 'aam aadmi' who levels allegations on everyone but would like to engage only with the Prime Minister and Presidents of parties."

Kejriwal then replied in Hindi: "Sir, it would have been better had you agreed to debate with our Punjab team. Anyway, it is your wish. But, Sir, why is the BJP army defending you?"

The AAP has emerged as a key player in poll-bound Punjab where the two traditional political fronts have been the Akali Dal and Congress besides the urban-centred BJP.

--IANS

ruwa/mr/sar