New Delhi: AAP has accused BJP of attempt to set ablaze Delhi’s former CM Kejriwal at Vikas Puri, Delhi during a public meeting. The alleged incident happened when Kejriwal was campaigning on foot to some of his supporters during a padayatra in Amritsar when BJP goons accosted him, raised slogans and threatened to physically assault him. The AAP leaders alleged that despite their presence the police force on the spot did not try to stop the ruckus.
Delhi CM Atishi said that BJP activists threatened to harm Kejriwal during the rally while the saving could have been fatal if weapons were used. “This attack has BJP written all over it, as they have targeted Arvind Kejriwal in the past also,” she said. Leaders in AAP have criticised what they call police inaction especially against people who have harassed Kejriwal in the past.
AAP leaders condemn the attack, blames BJP
Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia expressed outrage over the incident, calling it “highly condemnable and worrying.” With a direct tweet, he blamed BJP for the attack saying that if anything happened to Arvind Kejriwal, BJP would entirely be to blame. We will not let AAP down—AAP will continue to fulfil its purpose.”
While briefing media Sisodia accused BJP of threatening Kejriwal and said that during his imprisonment BJP had attempted to kill him. As is now usual every few days, Kejriwal was again targeted with stone pelting by some misguided young men who he claimed are again part of an operation by the BJP organisation to restrain him from further campaigning and interacting freely with the people of Delhi.
Notes from Key AAP Leaders and Allies
Delhi Minister, and AAP spokesman Saurabh Bharadwaj too condemned the act, said the BJPs uncomfortable with Kejriwal’s rising popularity. “Today, BJP-linked people tried to attack Kejriwal during his rally because they cannot stand the immense support he is receiving,” he said. Bhardwaj also accused Kejriwal of being deprived of insulin and proper medical treatment while in prison asserting that BJP would be held liable for any harm on him.
AAP General Secretary Dr Sandeep Pathak also made similar feelings and said, “BJP sent goons to attack Kejriwal because his popularity is unbearable for them”. They wanted him dead in prison, and now they are doing this to him. They cannot fight him, no matter what, another explanation.
National Reactions: Leaders Condemn Violence
Leaders of different political dispensation have also come out clearly on the matter. The attack was criticised by the Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav who said, ‘Violence and hatred have become the mark of some political forces in India’. This attack on Kejriwal is heinous.”
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has the backing of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who joined the Twitter statement that claimed the BJP sought to harm Kejriwal because it envied his popularity. Well, after attempting their dramatic escape plan in gaol they have moved to plan B which is attacking me in public. I do not think that Kejriwal will lose popularity even if BJP tries everything in its might to top him. The people are with him.”
Defending itself against allegations, BJP said AAP is using fear tactic to win over voters
On the other hand, BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition in Delhi, Vijender Gupta rubbished the AAP charges stating that they are mere concoctions because AAP is extremely popular. Gupta argued that AAP is creating a “false narrative” of attacks to distract from dwindling public support. “Some of them are alleges attacks with an aim of getting a sympathetic outcome.” This alone ignores that none of their gimmicks work. It is a wrong perception of the people that AAP government is in power,” he said.
The event has given rise to active political confrontation between AAP and BJP with accusations and even denials growing more sharp in the context of Delhi’s politically sensitive atmosphere.