BJP workers attacked Kejriwal: Atishi; fake claim, says Sachdeva

Delhi police deny manhandling allegations against AAP, while BJP accuses AAP of lying about attack on Kejriwal.

Several senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders alleged that workers of the BJP attacked former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal during an election rally in west Delhi’s Vikaspuri on Friday.

When reached for comment, the Delhi police said, “There was some sloganeering against AAP, but we have found no evidence of manhandling or attempt to assault as of now.” An officer said they have not received any complaint regarding the issue. “However, an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events is under way,” he added.

The BJP dismissed the allegations with the party’s Delhi unit chief, Virendra Sachdeva, accusing AAP of lying. “There has been no attack on Kejriwal. Rather, there is public resentment, which has steadily grown since AAP started its election campaign.”

AAP leaders have been undertaking padayatras (foot marches) across different Assembly constituencies in the run-up to the Assembly election due in February next year.

The AAP national convener is accorded Z-plus security.

Addressing a press conference, CM Atishi said, “The extent to which the BJP can stoop became evident to Delhi residents today. During his padayatra in Vikaspuri, AAP chief and Delhi’s son Arvind Kejriwal was attacked by the BJP’s goons.” She accused workers of the BJP of getting near Mr. Kejriwal with a garland only to attack him seconds later.

The claim was reiterated by several other leaders of Delhi’s ruling party, including Rajya Sabha members Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, and Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.