A man allegedly splashes liquid on AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi on Saturday.
New Delhi: BJP leaders have accused former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating an attack to divert public attention from governance failures, describing it as a “sympathy stunt” ahead of elections.
Virendra Sachdeva, BJP Delhi chief, dismissed the incident as a “staged” drama, stating that the act was symbolic. He noted that the assailant threw dirty water, representing what the people of Delhi are forced to drink due to AAP’s governance. Sachdeva pointed out Kejriwal’s exaggerated reaction, saying, “If a few drops reached Kejriwal, he claimed it felt like acid. Such reactions reveal AAP’s tendency to create theatrics to mislead the public.”
Rajkumar Anand, another BJP leader, suggested that the incident underscored internal strife within AAP. He said, “The party is facing a major revolt. Kejriwal himself orchestrates such events to garner sympathy and shift attention from real issues ahead of elections.”
Lok Sabha member Yogendra Chandolia offered an alternative perspective, mentioning the accused’s potential grievances. Reports indicated that the man, identified as Ashok Jha, was a former bus marshal whose job had been terminated. Chandolia emphasized that instead of addressing the hardships of workers who lost their jobs, Kejriwal shifted focus to the incident. “People are angry because their issues remain unresolved, yet Kejriwal blames others,” Chandolia said.
Kamaljeet Sehrawat, BJP Lok Sabha MP, criticized AAP’s decade-long governance, asserting that Kejriwal had failed to provide basic services or reduce unemployment, which is currently at its highest. Sehrawat remarked, “Kejriwal once said giving jobs is simple, yet he hasn’t delivered on his promises. This government survives on hollow claims and political stunts.”
The incident occurred during Kejriwal’s padayatra in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Saturday evening. Ashok Jha, the accused, threw liquid at Kejriwal while he was walking in a narrow lane with Greater Kailash MLA and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. AAP claimed the substance was “spirit” and described it as an attempt to “burn” Kejriwal, but police later confirmed it was water.
Jha was promptly detained by security personnel. Reports indicated that Jha acted out of frustration over unresolved grievances.
With IANS inputs