‘Delhi Police Acted As Mute Spectators’: CM Atishi Alleges ‘Conspiracy To Kill’ Arvind Kejriwal, Writes To EC
Atishi pointed to multiple failures by Delhi Police in ensuring the safety of Kejriwal, who is under Z-plus security cover, and accused BJP workers of repeatedly attacking Kejriwal and his vehicle.
In a letter to the Election Commission, on Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged a conspiracy to physically harm AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and criticized Delhi Police for security lapses. She demanded the reinstatement of Kejriwal’s Punjab Police protection.
Speaking at a press conference, Atishi pointed to multiple failures by Delhi Police in ensuring the safety of Kejriwal, who is under Z-plus security cover, and accused BJP workers of repeatedly attacking the AAP leader and his vehicle during campaign events since October.
“Delhi residents love Kejriwal and they will not pardon the BJP for these acts. Every attack on Kejriwal adds to the love of the public for him,” she said, news agency IANS reported.
“There are two players involved in this conspiracy to kill Kejriwalji — the BJP and the Delhi Police. They are both conspiring to end Kejriwal’s life. Attacks have been attempted on him one after the other. In October (last year), an attack was made on Kejriwal. Upon investigation by us, it was found that the attackers were BJP workers, but police took no action,” CM Atishi alleged, as per news agency PTI.
“We have written to the EC demanding that Kejriwal’s security be restored. We do not trust the Delhi Police as it is under Amit Shah’s control,” she remarked.
According to IANS, she further accused BJP workers and the Delhi Police of working together and causing harm to Kejriwal. “Not a single person has been arrested for attacks on Kejriwal. No action has been taken against any Delhi Police personnel,” she added. Atishi also called for an independent audit of Kejriwal’s security arrangements and the threats against him.
She highlighted several incidents of security breaches, including attacks on October 24 in Vikaspuri, November 30 in Malviya Nagar, January 18 in New Delhi constituency, and another in Hari Nagar on Thursday.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Supports Atishi’s Claim
Supporting Atishi’s claims, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that Punjab Police had earlier provided security to Kejriwal due to credible threats to his life in both Punjab and Delhi. “A Z-plus security protectee needs to be provided security wherever he goes in the country,” he said.
CM Mann highlighted the AAP as not having any faith in the Delhi Police, whose personnel are helping the BJP candidates.
Mann stated that they have reached out to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure a level playing field for the election, seeking a “free and fair” environment for all contestants. “We have said that we are not satisfied with the security being provided to Kejriwal. Since the security set up in Delhi is stretched for protecting the city ahead of R-Day, we want permission to provide our security,” he said.
Mann also withdrew the accusation of rival parties in Delhi stating that vehicles from his state were being used in the AAP campaign in the city. “They are losing the elections and their hatred for Punjabis is visible in such remarks. Are all vehicles in Delhi with number plates of other states carrying goons?” he questioned.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav earlier stated on Thursday that they have withdrawn components of the Punjab Police deployed for the security of the former CM after the instructions from the Election Commission and the Delhi Police.
“From time to time, we get reports of threats to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal and we share them with agencies concerned. Following the directions of the Delhi police and the Election Commission today, we withdrew the component of the Punjab police in the security of Kejriwal ji,” Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said.
After the withdrawal of Punjab Police personnel for Arvind Kejriwal’s security after the directions issued from Delhi Police and EC, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar told ANI, “MHA had issued an advisory and gave information on the threat to the life of Arvind Kejriwal. When Arvind Kejriwal was campaigning for the upcoming elections, BJP goons pelted stones at him but no action was taken… At a time like this when threat perception looms, and we are getting regular inputs, what is the reason that BJP had to withdraw Arvind Kejriwal’s security? This is highly condemnable and security must be restored immediately.”
Delhi Election: BJP Slams AAP For Making Kejriwal’s Security ‘Election Agenda’
The BJP slammed AAP’s request for Kejriwal’s security with Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva remarking, “The person who swore on his kids that he will not take security, today his security is an election agenda for him… It is the agencies who decide who will get how much security. The court and the EC took cognizance of it. If Arvind Kejriwal wants to make a political agenda from the EC’s decision, then he may do it.”
“Giving statements, denying, lying, and then running away, this is the true character of Arvind Kejriwal,” he remarked.
