Aam aadmi should also be able to fly business class: Arvind Kejriwal

DUBAI/NEW DELHI: Under opposition fire, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal today defended travelling in business class to Dubai, saying it was his dream that an 'aam aadmi' should also be able to travel the same way.

Kejriwal, who has drawn flak for flying business class, said his party wanted all round progress for the common man.

"When I landed here I got to know that there is debate going in India about how I am travelling in a business class. I wasn't travelling without ticket," he said while addressing a seminar organised by the Abu Dhabi Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ( ICAI).

"What is our dream for India? Our dream for India is that aam aadmi should be able to travel in a business class. We want progress," the former Delhi chief minister said.

While the party came out in defence of its leader saying it was not a crime to travel in business class and that the organisers had arranged for the facility, the opposition attacked Kejriwal over his "double standards".

"They say something and do something else. This has been their habit. He always has double standards.

"When he gets caught he says why can't an Aam Aadmi do it (fly in a business class) and on the other hand he preaches that ministers should not use cars with beacons and must put an end to the VIP culture," BJP Delhi unit President Satish Upadhyay said.

Taking at dig at Kejriwal, Congress said it was another attempt by the Aam Aadmi Party to fool people.

"This kind of empty slogan is only to fool the people. A man has collected money by organising lunches... what is the fare of business class from here (Delhi) to a foreign destination?," Congress leader PC Chako asked.

At the seminar, Kejriwal also spoke about India's changing political landscape and importance of economic development.

"Technology has played an important role in creating jobs in India in recent years and has also helped in deterring corruption," Kejriwal said.

The AAP chief is on a five-day visit to Dubai and New York. In New York, he will deliver a lecture at the prestigious Columbia University and dine with his party supporters.