Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has recently come under heavy fire from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly abusing children during his electoral campaigns, particularly those centered on educational reforms. Kejriwal has been accused by the BJP of using children to further his political agenda in the run-up to the polls, calling it “unethical” and “manipulative.” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Aam Kejriwal, is well-known for his pro-education policies, which include calling for improved infrastructure and education. The BJP, however, concerns if this emphasis on children is a sincere concern or a ploy. This blog examines Kejriwal’s defense, the BJP’s criticism, and the larger moral controversy surrounding the use of children in political campaigns.
The BJP’s Allegations: Political Manipulation?
The use of children in political campaigns and commercials has drawn harsh criticism from the BJP, which claims that Arvind Kejriwal and his party are taking advantage of impressionable brains in order to appeal to emotions. The 2020 Delhi Assembly election advertisement, which featured children and the slogan “Mujhe Bhi Achhi Shiksha Chahiye” (I also want good education), is a noteworthy example. Although the campaign emphasizes education, the BJP contends that by presenting Kejriwal as a kind leader, it manipulates voters, especially parents. Additionally, detractors argue that this kind of imagery diverts attention from important problems in the educational system, such as curriculum reform, teacher preparation, and resource allocation. According to the BJP, Kejriwal’s strategy is less about a serious, adult-focused policy debate on education and more about manipulating emotions.
Kejriwal’s Response: Defending the Focus on Education
Arvind Kejriwal and his party vehemently defended their use of children in ads in response to the BJP’s criticism, claiming it is an honest attempt to highlight the value of high-quality education rather than manipulation. According to Kejriwal, as children are India’s future, their welfare should be at the forefront of any political agenda. He emphasized that the AAP’s focus on healthcare, education, and infrastructure shows its dedication to a better future for the next generation and questioned how the BJP could label this exploitation. AAP officials have emphasized their effective changes, which have improved academic results and attendance in quantifiable ways. Examples of these reforms include updating government schools and providing high-quality textbooks.
The Ethics of Using Children in Politics
Using children in political campaigns raises a number of complicated ethical issues. Since children are sensitive and might not completely understand the political message they’re advocating, it could appear manipulative on the one hand. Concerns about using them for emotional appeal are raised by this. However, some contend that involving children in political campaigns shows a focus on growth and that they are essential to any political vision for the future. Children have long been utilized by political leaders as a symbol of change and hope. Their portrayal—whether as true advocates or as merely symbolic tools to elicit strong feelings from voters—is the true problem, not their involvement. The secret to guaranteeing ethical engagement is responsible use.
The Role of Media and Public Perception
The media plays a critical role in shaping public perception around the use of children in political campaigns. When the BJP first raised the allegations, the media spotlighted the issue, intensifying the debate. Some sections of the media took a firm stance against Kejriwal’s tactics, while others defended the Chief Minister’s right to use children in a campaign that he believes is centered on their well-being. Moreover, the political climate in Delhi and the broader national context cannot be ignored. Kejriwal’s AAP has gained significant traction as an alternative to traditional political parties like the BJP and Congress, and the BJP’s criticism may also be seen as a way to counteract this growing popularity. The BJP’s strategy of targeting Kejriwal over his use of children could be a deliberate attempt to undermine his credibility on the issue of education.
Conclusion: A Fine Line Between Advocacy and Exploitation
It is difficult to resolve the complicated question of whether Arvind Kejriwal is exploiting children for political purposes. The morality of using kids in political campaigns makes one wonder where the boundary between exploitation and advocacy lies. Concerns regarding power dynamics and the political manipulation of young minds are brought to light by the BJP’s critique. In the end, the goal should continue to be raising the standard of education in India. Debate will always arise during political elections, but the main focus should be on the long-term effects on future generations. Voters will have to determine whether Kejriwal’s activities are truly in the best interests of children or if they are a component of a larger plan. We must decide if it is appropriate for children to be used as pawns in politics.
