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Arvind Kejriwal says ‘BJP hates Delhi’; police use water cannons on protesters as row over Purvanchal voters escalates
Arvind Kejriwal's allegations against BJP regarding 'fake' voter registrations from Purvanchal have heightened political tensions in Delhi.
Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing them of turning Delhi into the “crime capital of India”. Addressing a rally ahead of the February 5 Delhi election, the AAP national convenor alleged that BJP's neglect and "hatred" towards Delhi are the reasons they haven't been in power in the city for 25 years.
Highlighting issues like robberies, chain snatchings, and gang wars, Arvind Kejriwal claimed it has become unsafe for women to step out of their homes.
Kejriwal assured Delhi residents that if the AAP forms the government, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) will receive funds to hire private security guards, aiming to enhance safety without replacing the police force.
He also criticised the BJP for its tactics, labelling it as a “dharna party” and accusing it of dividing voters from Purvanchal under the guise of Rohingya issues.
"BJP has made Delhi the crime capital of India. There are robberies, chain snatchings, and gang wars in Delhi; it has become difficult for women to get out of their houses. BJP hates the people of Delhi. Due to their hatred, they have not returned to power in Delhi in the last 25 years. I have assured the people of Delhi that on forming the AAP government, RWAs will get funds from the Delhi government to appoint private security guards in their respective areas. It is not our aim to replace the Police... BJP has become a dharna party now. Yesterday, I went to the Election Commission to complain that the BJP is cutting votes people of Puvanchal in the name of Rohingyas," news agency ANI quoted Arvind Kejriwal as saying.
BJP workers stage protest outside Arvind Kejriwal's residence
Meanwhile, BJP workers staged a protest outside Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Feroze Shah Road, condemning his remarks on Purvanchal voters. The police had to deploy water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, escalating the political tension in the capital.
The Delhi BJP staged the protest against the AAP for allegedly making “fake” claims regarding registration of voters from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the electoral rolls ahead of the assembly election.
Hundreds of protesters were seen raising slogans against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, with some attempting to breach the security barricade near Kejriwal's residence.
The police used water cannons to prevent the protesters from breaching security.
What did Arvind Kejriwal claim?
Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused the BJP of manipulating the electoral rolls by registering “fake” voters from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in his constituency, New Delhi, ahead of the Delhi poll.
In a formal complaint to the Election Commission of India, Kejriwal raised concerns over applications for the addition of 13,000 new voters between December 15 and January 8.
Addressing the media after lodging the complaint, Kejriwal said, "Apparently, many of these voters have been brought in from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other neighbouring states to create fake voter registrations. This manipulation undermines the election process."
Kejriwal's remarks sparked an immediate backlash from the BJP, with party leaders condemning his comments.
The elections for the 70-member Delhi assembly are scheduled on February 5. The results will be announced after the counting of votes on February 8.
(With inputs from PTI)
