‘Shoot & scoot’ politics won’t work: Minister

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has criticised Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal for spreading misinformation to stay politically relevant and has demanded a public apology from him.

Addressing a press conference, Sood accused the former Chief Minister of reducing his politics to “lying and running away,” calling it “shoot and scoot” politics. He asserted that such tactics would no longer be tolerated by the people of Delhi, accusing Kejriwal of intentionally causing disorder and unrest in the city.

Sood referred to a recent controversy over a circular issued by the Directorate of Education, which Kejriwal had claimed instructed teachers to conduct a dog count. The Education Minister clarified that no such instruction had been given. He challenged Kejriwal to point out any such mention in the circular, adding that failure to do so should result in an apology to the people of Delhi.

Sood further claimed that after the matter was cleared up, the AAP stopped raising the issue, as the truth had come to light. He accused Kejriwal of creating confusion to maintain his political relevance.

The minister also criticised Kejriwal for attempting to dismiss his earlier statements as misunderstandings. According to Sood, this was part of a recurring pattern of Kejriwal making unfounded allegations, generating sensationalism, and then withdrawing when confronted with facts.

Turning to Kejriwal’s national ambitions, Sood described it as unfortunate that a politician who presents himself as a national leader, seeking votes across states, resorts to distorting facts in Delhi.

Sood also accused AAP of sowing confusion over pollution, claiming the government was avoiding a discussion on the issue, despite the Assembly agenda clearly stating a debate would take place.

Sood stated, “We don’t run away. Arvind Kejriwal must apologise to the people of Delhi for his lies.” He added that Kejriwal has previously apologised in defamation cases and that the Delhi government would accept a public apology without pursuing legal action.

Reaffirming the Delhi government’s commitment to truth and accountability, Sood revealed he had written a strong letter to Kejriwal on the matter.