New Delhi [India], January 19: As Delhi’s Assembly elections draw closer, a dramatic political controversy has unfolded. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has made serious allegations, claiming that criminals were sent to assassinate Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Atishi accused individuals of attacking Kejriwal’s car during his election campaign on Saturday.
Atishi claimed that three individuals, including Rohit Tyagi, a known criminal with a history of theft and attempted murder, were involved in the attack. She further alleged that Tyagi is a close associate of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma and has been actively involved in his campaign. “Criminals and goons were sent to kill Arvind Kejriwal,” Atishi said, identifying Tyagi as a key figure in the attack. She also mentioned another individual, Sumit, who reportedly has a history of theft, robbery, and attempted murder.
Atishi, during a press conference, presented photographs showing the alleged attacker with Parvesh Verma, further fueling her accusations. “Arvind Kejriwal’s car was attacked by BJP goons in the New Delhi Vidhan Sabha constituency. If that stone had hit someone, it could have been fatal,” she said.
Atishi went on to name Rahul alias Sankey, another individual involved in the incident, stating that he too was linked to Verma’s campaign and had a criminal background, including charges of robbery and arms offenses.
AAP’s official social media account shared a video showing a stone being thrown at Kejriwal’s car, alleging that BJP workers attacked him in an attempt to disrupt his campaign. The AAP accused the BJP of sending goons to intimidate Kejriwal and claimed that the attack was a desperate attempt to prevent him from campaigning. “Kejriwal ji is not going to be scared of your cowardly attack. The people of Delhi will give you a befitting reply,” AAP wrote on X.
In response, BJP candidate Parvesh Verma disputed AAP’s claims. Verma alleged that Kejriwal’s car had run over three young BJP supporters, calling it an “attempt to murder.” He claimed the youths, who were questioning Kejriwal on issues like employment, were hit by the vehicle. Verma further alleged that Kejriwal had signaled his driver to run over the youths, adding that they would file an FIR against Kejriwal for attempted murder.
Verma also accused Punjab Police of assaulting the youths and breaking one of their phones during the incident. “When three youths named Vishal, Abhishek, and Rohit tried to ask Kejriwal questions, Punjab Police beat them up. They will also file an FIR against Kejriwal for attempted murder,” Verma said.
The political tension surrounding the election continues to escalate as Delhi heads to the polls on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8. The New Delhi Assembly seat, in particular, is witnessing a high-profile three-way contest between Arvind Kejriwal, Parvesh Verma, and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit.