New Delhi: While citizens around the country remembered and saluted freedom fighters for India’s independence struggle, Delhi’s Chhatrasal stadium celebrated the Independence Day differently.
Students were seen holding placards of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the Chhatrasal stadium during the celebrations.
#India Students have written name of @ArvindKejriwal using placards at Chhatrasal stadium pic.twitter.com/eDp385p1GB
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishraAAP) August 15, 2015
A ‘proud’ Cabinet member of Kejriwal government and Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board Kapil Mishra tweeted a picture saying, “Students have written name of @ArvindKejriwal using placards at Chhatrasal stadium.”
Delhi BJP, which termed the display as “blatant” show of “self-glorification”, sought an apology from Kejriwal.
The AAP government in its defence denied this was done on the instructions of the CM’s office. The government said the children had also displayed other messages such as “Welcome” and “Thank You”.
The pictures that went viral on social media drew sharp criticism from all corners.
@KapilMishraAAP On a day when India celebrates its Independence Day, you want Delhi to celebrate @ArvindKejriwal! This is what Hitler did.
— Sumit Bajoria (@SumitBajoria) August 15, 2015
@KapilMishraAAP @shubh_ind OMG! See the AK Bhakti which is more than Desh Bhakti& its getting RT &FVT by their Bhakt
https://t.co/RBETTG45S8
— MK (@MK_Bharat) August 15, 2015
@KapilMishraAAP @CrimeMasterV2 @ArvindKejriwal a very happy Arvind Kejriwal diwas to all of you guys!!
— Arijit (@Agitated_One) August 15, 2015
Meanwhile, Kejriwal responded to the Twitter storm saying he was not aware of students planning to do it at the stadium. He accepted that it was wrong and would stop the practice henceforth.
Some school students made visual formation of my name during independnce celebrations. I was not at all aware that students wud do this(1/3)
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 15, 2015
I am told it has been a practice in del govt to form visual formation of whoever chief guest is (CM or LG) (2/3)
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 15, 2015
I agree this is a wrong practice. I will stop this practice forthwith (3/3)
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 15, 2015