New Delhi [India]: During a padyatra (foot march) in Delhi’s Greater Kailash area on Saturday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal faced an attempted attack when an individual allegedly tried to throw a liquid at him. Kejriwal’s security personnel swiftly apprehended the person, who was reportedly beaten by the security staff following the incident.
Reactions from AAP Leaders
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the incident, alleging repeated attacks on Kejriwal and blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Bharadwaj’s Statement:“BJP leaders carry out rallies in all states, they are never attacked… There are continuous attacks on Arvind Kejriwal… The law and order in Delhi have collapsed, and the central government and the Home Minister are not doing anything.”
AAP had previously claimed that Kejriwal faced attacks during rallies in Nangloi and Chhatarpur, accusing BJP supporters of orchestrating the incidents.
Political Context and Security Concerns
The attack comes amid heightened political activity as AAP intensifies its voter engagement campaigns ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The party has been conducting padyatras and grassroots initiatives to consolidate its support base.
The incident has also sparked criticism of Delhi’s law and order situation, with Kejriwal and other AAP leaders blaming the central government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged inaction.
Previous Security Concerns and Protests
Earlier today, Kejriwal visited the family of a murder victim in Panchsheel Park, where he highlighted the growing distress among Delhi residents over increasing crime rates.
AAP MPs also staged a protest in Parliament on Friday, citing a worsening law and order situation in the national capital.
Next Steps
AAP has reiterated its demand for better security for its leaders and an urgent focus on improving safety in Delhi. Meanwhile, the accused individual in the padyatra incident is in custody, and further details about their motive are awaited.
Public Engagement Strategy
Despite these challenges, AAP remains committed to its electoral strategy, focusing on voter outreach through foot marches, local committees, and conventions to strengthen its grassroots presence.