Conspiracy to eliminate Kejriwal, claims AAP; BJP hits back

NEW DELHI: AAP on Sunday accused BJP of conspiring to "eliminate" former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, claiming the saffron party was resorting to such tactics as it couldn't defeat him electorally. The allegation came a day after AAP alleged that stones were thrown at Kejriwal's car, allegedly by supporters of BJP candidate from New Delhi, Parvesh Verma, while he was campaigning in the New Delhi constituency.

Hitting back, Verma said Kejriwal had once again demonstrated his dictatorial mindset and insensitivity towards the Dalit community. "Kejriwal allegedly attempted to run over youths from Valmiki and Dalit community with his car. These are the same youths who were once his supporters and worked tirelessly for his party. However, when they dared to question his 10 years of governance, they were labelled as goons and targeted," alleged Verma.

Speaking on the alleged attack on him, Kejriwal said, "The kind of campaign being witnessed this time is unprecedented in Delhi. The level of violence, including attempts to assassinate a former CM, has never been seen before in Delhi. However, I have always stated that my life is dedicated to the country and society."

He added: "They are losing badly, and this is their way of contesting elections. While they indulge in such acts, I continue to focus on development and welfare schemes for the people."

In a press conference, CM Atishi said, "Yesterday, in New Delhi assembly constituency, an attack was carried out on Arvind Kejriwal's car. This attack was executed by goons associated with BJP. The video of the incident shows that a stone of such a large size was thrown at the car that, had it struck someone, it could have been fatal," she claimed.

She alleged that one of the assaulters could be identified, and there are photos in which his closeness with BJP candidate Parvesh Verma could be ascertained. She said he has a hard-core criminal background and was charged with an attempt to commit robbery. She said, "Another individual identified on a Facebook page shows pictures with Parvesh Verma, revealing his involvement in Verma's campaigning activities."

"He is a hardened criminal with three serious cases against him," she said. She said, "The third person seen in the video is a criminal with cases of theft and dacoity, as well as attempts to commit murder during dacoity, registered against him."

Verma hit back, saying: "A smear campaign was launched on social media, branding the youths as goons, which is a conspiracy to defame Valmiki community," he said. "Photos and videos make it clear that these individuals were previously aligned with Kejriwal's party. However, as soon as they started asking legitimate questions, they became targets of his ire," he said.

Verma added, "This incident exposes the failure and intolerance of Kejriwal govt. The Dalit community trusted him and made him CM three times, but in return, they received disrespect and violence. Kejriwal is losing elections, which is why he has turned into a predator."

He said: "In a democracy, asking questions is not a crime, but for Kejriwal, it appears intolerable. The people of Delhi must recognise the truth and hold him accountable for these shameful actions," he said.