NEW DELHI, Nov 30: A security scare erupted when a man splashed liquid on Arvind Kejriwal during his ‘padyatra’ in Malviya Nagar, south Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that the liquid was spirit and that the assailant intended to ignite the party leader. However, police reported that water was thrown at Kejriwal during the unauthorized public event. The BJP denied allegations from Chief Minister Atishi, claiming the man was associated with their party. AAP condemned the incident, stating it marks the third “attack” on Kejriwal in just 35 days.
The individual, identified as Ashok Jha, a bus marshal with the Delhi Transport Corporation, has been taken into custody. According to police, investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind his actions. Sources indicate that Jha, 41, expressed frustration during questioning, citing unpaid salary for the last six months and disappointment with AAP’s “false promises” after he donated to the party during its inception.
At approximately 5:50 pm, as Kejriwal was engaged with supporters beyond a security barrier, Jha made an attempt to douse him with the liquid. He was quickly subdued by nearby police personnel. Following the incident, Kejriwal and his security team were seen cleaning themselves.
The Delhi Police confirmed that adequate security measures, including plainclothes officers and crowd control teams, were in place. During a press conference, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that Jha possessed a matchbox and alleged that the liquid was spirit, indicating an intent to “burn him alive.” He asserted that both he and Kejriwal could detect the substance’s odor.
On social media platform X, Bharadwaj further alleged that the attacker had connections to the BJP. In response to the incident, Kejriwal criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for failing to address crime in the city. He questioned whether halting his march would reduce crime rates or improve safety for women and businesses.
Chief Minister Atishi accused a BJP supporter of the attack, suggesting that the saffron party is growing increasingly frustrated after losing Delhi elections three times. She posted that such actions would only strengthen public resolve against the BJP.
AAP previously claimed that “BJP goons” tried to assault Kejriwal during a padyatra in Vikaspuri back in October, arguing that Delhi is facing a breakdown in law and order under the BJP’s governance.
In response, the BJP dismissed AAP’s allegations. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva suggested that the incident could be a fabricated tactic by AAP to garner sympathy. Party spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor condemned any violence but hinted that a disheartened Kejriwal might orchestrate such events for publicity.
AAP leaders rebuked the BJP following the attack. Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha highlighted that Kejriwal had recently spoken out against the declining safety situation in Delhi and faced this “cowardly” attack shortly thereafter. “This behavior is utterly inexcusable. Violence has no place in politics. Arvind Kejriwal enjoys the support of millions,” he stated.
(Agencies)
