Tensions escalated in Delhi on Friday evening as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged a deliberate attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a padyatra in Vikaspuri. The party claims that individuals, suspected to be BJP workers, surrounded Kejriwal during the event, raising slogans and getting uncomfortably close, raising concerns about his safety.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi expressed serious concerns, stating that the Delhi Police had failed to take any action against the alleged assailants. She accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack, citing past incidents where BJP supporters had targeted Kejriwal. Atishi emphasized the potential severity of the situation, saying, “Anything could have happened to him in this attack. If they had weapons, Arvind Kejriwal could have also lost his life.”
Echoing Atishi’s sentiments, AAP leader Sanjay Singh directly blamed the BJP for the attack, saying, “BJP people have become enemies of Arvind Kejriwal’s life. First, using ED-CBI, they filed false cases, put him in jail, stopped insulin, tried to kill him and now BJP goons have attacked Arvind Kejriwal. BJP wants to finish Kejriwal. If anything happens to Arvind Kejriwal, BJP will be responsible for that.”
AAP leader Manish Sisodia joined the chorus of condemnation, labeling the attack as “extremely condemnable and worrying.” Sisodia echoed the accusations against the BJP, stating, “It is clear that the BJP has carried out this attack through its goons. If anything happens to Arvind Kejriwal, the entire responsibility will be on the BJP.” Sisodia also emphasized AAP’s resilience, asserting, “We are not going to be afraid–the Aam Aadmi Party will remain steadfast on its mission.”
The incident comes amidst heightened political tensions in Delhi, with assembly elections expected to be held in early 2025. The 2020 assembly polls saw a resounding victory for the AAP, securing 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured 8 seats. The Congress party failed to win a single seat. The latest accusations and the alleged attack on Kejriwal are likely to further intensify political maneuvering leading up to the upcoming elections.