In an alarming incident on October 25, 2024, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was reportedly attacked during a padyatra (foot march) in Vikaspuri, West Delhi. As the news broke, leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that members of the BJP’s youth wing were behind the incident. The incident has sparked a political storm, with AAP accusing the BJP of orchestrating the attack and attempting to threaten Kejriwal’s life.
AAP’s Allegations and Response
Following the alleged attack, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh addressed the media, accusing two members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) of attempting to harm Kejriwal during the padyatra. According to Sanjay Singh, the assailants, identified as Rohit Sehrawat and Arun Dhall, approached Kejriwal closely during the march.
In his press statement, Singh stated:
“They (BJP) tried to kill Arvind Kejriwal. If any untoward incident happens to him, BJP will be responsible for it.”
AAP leaders, including Delhi CM Atishi, were quick to demand accountability from the Delhi Police, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry. Atishi accused the police of inaction, asserting that BJP affiliates openly targeted Kejriwal, yet no preventive measures were taken.
Police Statement on Security and Sloganeering
In response to AAP’s allegations, a senior official from the Delhi Police clarified that they had received no formal complaint regarding the incident. While confirming that the padyatra took place in a narrow lane in Vikaspuri, the official reported that anti-AAP slogans were raised during the event but found no evidence of physical assault.
The police officer added:
“Some sloganeering against the AAP happened, but no evidence of manhandling or attempt to assault has been found as of now.”
The Delhi Police emphasized that Z-plus security was provided to Kejriwal, meaning the incident has led to questions about the alleged security lapse.
AAP’s Accusations of BJP and Police Collusion
Throughout the press conference, AAP leaders voiced strong objections to what they perceive as political intimidation and violence aimed at Kejriwal. Sanjay Singh specifically questioned the role of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in influencing the Delhi Police, accusing them of protecting the accused.
Singh questioned:
“How did this security lapse happen? If any attack happens in the presence of the police, it becomes the responsibility of the police to act on it.”
Singh went on to allege that the BJP’s tactics extended beyond physical threats, citing past instances where Kejriwal had faced “false cases” and alleged harassment, including threats to his life.
Political Reactions from AAP Leaders
Prominent AAP leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj and Manish Sisodia, strongly condemned the alleged attack. Sisodia, who served as Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister, termed the incident “extremely condemnable” and vowed that AAP would remain resolute despite these challenges.
Bharadwaj, echoing Singh’s concerns, suggested that the BJP feels threatened by Kejriwal’s increasing popularity among Delhi’s electorate. He noted that the BJP may be resorting to “cowardly” tactics to curb Kejriwal’s influence as he continues his padyatras across the city ahead of the February 2025 Assembly elections.
AAP’s Call for Security and Immediate Action
Amid the escalating accusations, AAP has demanded that the Delhi Police immediately investigate the matter and hold the alleged attackers accountable. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi underscored that any harm to Kejriwal’s life would hold the BJP accountable, given the presence of BJP-affiliated individuals at the incident site.
Atishi stated:
“If they had weapons, Arvind Kejriwal could have also lost his life. This attack has clearly been carried out by the BJP.”
Legal Measures and Upcoming Hearings
The incident comes as AAP recently filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a centrally located residence for Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi. The plea, supported by senior advocate Rahul Mehra, argued that Kejriwal, as the president of a national party, is entitled to residential accommodation in the capital. Justice Sanjeev Narula has asked the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to respond to this plea, with the next hearing set for November 26, 2024.
BJP’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The BJP has yet to release an official statement on the incident. However, analysts suggest that the attack claims may exacerbate tensions between the two parties as they prepare for the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections. With the BJP’s national leadership likely to scrutinize the accusations closely, the developments in this case could influence the parties’ campaigns as elections draw near.
For now, AAP’s demand for a thorough investigation has resonated within Delhi’s political circles, as both parties navigate the unfolding controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s safety and security. The coming weeks may reveal further details, and both parties are expected to continue pressing their narratives as the alleged incident continues to garner attention.
Summary: Key Points of the Alleged Incident
- Date of Incident: October 25, 2024
- Location: Vikaspuri, West Delhi
- Primary Allegations:
- AAP alleges BJP youth wing members attacked Arvind Kejriwal.
- AAP claims Delhi Police did not intervene or take preventive measures.
- AAP Leaders’ Statements:
- Sanjay Singh accused BJP of threatening Kejriwal’s life.
- Atishi demanded police accountability for security lapses.
- Police Statement:
- Police acknowledged slogans but found no evidence of physical assault.
- Legal Action:
- Delhi High Court hearing on Kejriwal’s residence plea scheduled for November 26, 2024.
The alleged incident has become a focal point in Delhi’s pre-election political environment, with both AAP and BJP continuing to contest the details and implications of the security breach. The outcome of ongoing investigations and court proceedings may shape the public’s view on political accountability and security in India’s capital.
