10 hours Ago By TOI News Desk
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the withdrawal of additional Punjab Police security, calling it "pure politics," after the move was ordered by the Election Commission based on a recommendation from the ministry of home affairs. In a press conference on Friday, Kejriwal expressing disappointment over the decision, said, "This is pure politics. Regrettably, personal security is being politicised.
There should be no politics, at least on safety and security," Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the withdrawal of Punjab Police personnel from Kejriwal’s security detail on Thursday. AAP leader continues to retain Z-Plus security cover. "From time to time, we receive reports of threats to chief minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, and we share these with the concerned agencies.
Following directions from the Delhi Police and the Election Commission, we withdrew the Punjab Police component from Kejriwal’s security detail," Yadav said on Thursday. He further assured that Punjab Police would maintain close coordination with the Delhi Police and continue sharing threat assessments. The decision comes amidst Kejriwal’s allegations of being targeted during the Delhi Assembly election campaign.
On Thursday, Kejriwal claimed that individuals linked to an Opposition candidate entered his public meeting in Hari Nagar and attacked his car. "Today in Hari Nagar, the police allowed the opposition candidate's men to enter my public meeting and then attacked my car. All this is happening on Amit Shah's orders.
Amit Shah has made the Delhi Police the personal army of the BJP," Kejriwal alleged in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Last week, Kejriwal accused BJP workers of attacking him during a campaign rally. AAP leaders, including Delhi chief minister Atishi, have condemned the security withdrawal, alleging that it jeopardizes Kejriwal’s safety.
AAP accused the BJP-led Centre and the Delhi Police of conspiring to "kill" Kejriwal and urged the Election Commission to restore his security cover provided by the Punjab Police that was withdrawn. "Shameful. On the instructions of Amit Shah ji, @DelhiPolice today forcibly removed @ArvindKejriwal ji's Punjab Police security.
And on the same day, Kejriwal ji was attacked by BJP goons in Hari Nagar. Does Modi-Shah want to play with Kejriwal's life? How long will the Election Commission remain a mute spectator?" Atishi posted on X. Delhi Assembly elections are set to be held in a single phase on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8.
A total of 699 candidates are vying for 70 Assembly seats..
