Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had remained silent and inactive for more than three weeks after Punjab was devastated by floods, finally decided to visit the affected areas. His sudden appearance, however, looked more like a staged photo opportunity than a genuine effort to stand with the victims. People questioned why he chose to wake up so late when the suffering of lakhs of Punjabis was already well known.
The visit, instead of bringing relief or confidence to the flood-hit people, created the impression that Kejriwal was more concerned about his public image than about the plight of victims. At a time when immediate support and strong leadership were needed, he was missing in action, and when the cameras arrived, he showed up for optics.
For many in Punjab, Kejriwal has consistently proved himself to be a leader who leaves no stone unturned in weakening and destroying the state’s institutions. His politics of control and manipulation has raised serious questions about whether he truly cares for Punjab or only sees it as a stepping stone for his own political ambitions. The flood episode has further cemented this perception in the minds of the people.