AAP, BJP lock horns after Arvind Kejriwal "attacked" by bus marshal during Padyatra in Delhi

New Delhi [India], November 30 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after an alleged attack on former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by a bus marshal during his padyatra in the national capital.
Speaking to ANI, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva claimed that the accused was a local AAP worker.
"I have been saying since day one that Arvind Kejriwal will orchestrate such incidents to gain sympathy. As per the information, it was just water, and the individual involved is their local worker. He was caught in an intoxicated state. This is a political drama, a display of disappointment and hopelessness. Nothing is working for them now, so they resort to such cliched moves. The police should take action against whoever is responsible. The investigation will reveal that he is an AAP worker," he said.
BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat expressed disapproval of the incident, stating the accused should have voiced his grievances instead.
"Whenever a leader goes for a padyatra, they come into close proximity with the public. Such incidents occur despite strong security measures. However, the individual at fault should have expressed his concerns verbally instead of resorting to such actions. People are frustrated because of broken streets, overflowing drains, and high pollution levels. The Delhi government has failed to deliver on its promises, and the public is losing patience. But I urge them to express their dissatisfaction through their votes. The police must take appropriate action against the accused," she said.
In contrast, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, addressing a press conference, alleged a more serious intent behind the incident, claiming an attempt was made to burn Kejriwal alive.
He said, "Today, Arvind Kejriwal was holding a padyatra in Savitri Nagar, Greater Kailash. Thousands of people, including women, the elderly, children, and youth, had gathered to see him and offer their blessings. During the event, a man attacked him. I was standing next to him, and there is still moisture on my jacket. The individual threw spirit on him. It was an attempt to burn him alive. Another man had a matchstick in his hand. Spirit fell on Arvind and me, but the workers' unity prevented the fire from igniting."
"Who are these people? The first suspicion falls on the BJP. The accused is Ashok. We have reviewed his Facebook profile," he added.
Kejriwal was meeting the public in Delhi's Greater Kailash area when the incident occurred. The Delhi Police detained the accused and are questioning him to ascertain the motive.
According to the police, the AAP Chief was shaking hands with the public when a person, identified as Ashok Jha, attempted to throw "water" on him. The individual was apprehended immediately by police officers present at the scene.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh condemned the incident on social media platform X, claiming that attacks on Kejriwal have escalated since he criticised Delhi's law and order situation.
"From Vikaspuri and Nangloi to Greater Kailash, BJP goons are determined to harm Arvind Kejriwal. Ever since he raised concerns about Delhi's deteriorating law and order, such attacks have increased. The people of Delhi will respond to these assaults," Singh said.
Congress leader Tariq Anwar expressed concern over the incident.
"An attack on any political leader is deeply concerning. Kejriwal is the president of a national party and a former Chief Minister. There should be no lapse in his security. Such incidents raise serious questions about local administration," he said.
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang criticised the BJP, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order in Delhi.
"The BJP has completely failed to maintain law and order in Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal highlighted the rising crime and extortion in the city during the Vidhan Sabha session. This attack reflects the BJP's fear and cowardice. They are afraid of Arvind Kejriwal," Kang said.
Janata Dal (United) leader Neeraj Kumar called for strict action from the Delhi Police.
"Throwing any liquid on the former Delhi CM is absolutely unacceptable, and the Delhi Police must take strict action against the perpetrator. Such acts are often carried out to gain media attention," he said.