Delhi Elections: CM Atishi Urges EC to Reinstate Punjab Police Protection for Kejriwal
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Synopsis
Delhi CM Atishi has urged the Election Commission to restore Punjab Police protection for Arvind Kejriwal following alleged threats to his safety. She criticized Delhi Police for security lapses during ongoing election campaigns and accused BJP members of orchestrating attacks against him.
Key Takeaways
- Atishi calls for restoration of Punjab Police protection for Kejriwal.
- Claims of BJP workers attacking Kejriwal during campaigns.
- Concerns over Delhi Police's ability to ensure Kejriwal's safety.
- Mann questions credibility of Delhi Police amid security concerns.
- Delhi elections set for February 5, results on February 8.
New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Atishi sent a letter to the Election Commission on Friday, alleging a conspiracy aimed at physically harming AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. She condemned the Delhi Police for security oversights and demanded the reinstatement of his Punjab Police protection.
During a press conference, CM Atishi highlighted the failures of the Delhi Police in safeguarding Kejriwal, who is under a Z-plus security cover. She accused BJP supporters of attacking Kejriwal and his vehicle throughout the campaign since October.
“The people of Delhi cherish Kejriwal, and they will not forgive the BJP for these actions. Each attack on Kejriwal only deepens the public's affection for him,” she stated, pushing for the reinstatement of Punjab Police security.
She claimed that BJP workers and the Delhi Police are colluding to jeopardize Kejriwal’s safety. “No one has been arrested for the attacks on Kejriwal. No disciplinary action has been taken against any member of the Delhi Police,” she remarked, calling for a review of Kejriwal’s security measures and the threats he faces.
Atishi cited numerous security breaches involving Kejriwal, including incidents on October 24 in Vikaspuri, November 30 in Malviya Nagar, January 18 in New Delhi, and in Hari Nagar on Thursday.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that his state’s police had been assigned to protect Kejriwal due to credible threats to his life in both Punjab and Delhi.
“A Z-plus security protectee must be afforded protection wherever he travels within the country,” he emphasized.
CM Mann expressed his lack of trust in the Delhi Police, alleging that their personnel are assisting BJP candidates.
Mann noted that they have approached the Election Commission of India seeking a “free and fair” environment for the elections. “We have expressed our dissatisfaction with the security provided to Kejriwal. Given that the security apparatus in Delhi is stretched in preparation for Republic Day, we seek permission to provide our own security,” he stated.
The Punjab Chief Minister also dismissed accusations from rival parties in Delhi that vehicles from his state were involved in the AAP campaign. “They are losing the elections, and their disdain for Punjabis is evident in such claims. Are all vehicles in Delhi with license plates from other states being driven by goons?” he queried.
Previously, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav mentioned that following directives from the EC and the Delhi Police, they had retracted components of the Punjab Police assigned to safeguard the former Chief Minister.
“We frequently receive reports of threats to both Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, which we relay to the relevant agencies. Following the directives of the Delhi Police and the Election Commission today, we have withdrawn the Punjab Police’s involvement in the security of Kejriwal ji,” stated Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav during a press briefing in Patiala.
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8.
