Ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal launched a fiery attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of neglecting the capital and turning it into the “crime capital of India.”
Safety Concerns and Promises by AAP
Addressing a rally, Kejriwal highlighted the rising crime rates, including robberies, chain snatchings, and gang wars, claiming that Delhi has become increasingly unsafe, particularly for women. He alleged that BJP’s apathy and “hatred” towards Delhi have kept the party out of power in the city for 25 years.
To address safety concerns, Kejriwal proposed a plan where Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) would receive government funds to hire private security guards. He clarified that this initiative is not intended to replace the police force but to complement it.
WATCH:
🚨 BJP is in AGGRESSIVE mode.
BJP workers holds massive protests outside Kejriwal’s residence over his statement on ‘Purvanchali’ voters 🔥
Police use water cannon to disperse BJP workers. pic.twitter.com/wkSARZCdoA
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) January 10, 2025
Criticism of BJP’s Election Tactics
Kejriwal further accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics, particularly targeting Purvanchali voters under the pretext of Rohingya issues. “The BJP hates the people of Delhi. Due to their hatred, they have not returned to power in the last 25 years,” he alleged.
He also referred to BJP as a “dharna party,” criticising their protests and voter manipulation tactics.
Protests Outside Kejriwal’s Residence
In response to Kejriwal’s remarks, BJP workers staged a protest outside his residence on Feroze Shah Road. The protest escalated, with some demonstrators attempting to breach security barricades. The police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd.
The Delhi BJP accused AAP of making “fake” claims about voter registration irregularities involving people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Kejriwal’s Allegations of Voter Manipulation
Kejriwal also accused the BJP of manipulating electoral rolls in his New Delhi constituency. He claimed that 13,000 new voter registrations were added between December 15 and January 8, many allegedly involving individuals brought in from neighboring states.
“This manipulation undermines the election process,” Kejriwal said after filing a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India.
Election Timeline
The 70-member Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8, following the counting of votes.
- Kejriwal labels Delhi as the “crime capital” under BJP’s governance.
- AAP promises enhanced safety through RWAs and private security funding.
- BJP protests against AAP, accusing it of false claims about voter registration.
- Delhi elections to determine the city’s governance for the next term.
