'Raised law and order issue but was attacked instead': Arvind Kejriwal slams Centre, alleges BJP's role in liquid attack

Kejriwal criticized the Centre for inaction on his security warnings and questioned the safety of Delhi's residents. The investigation into the attack is ongoing. NEW DELHI: AAP leader and national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday raised sharp concerns about Delhi’s law and order situation, calling out the BJP-led Centre for inaction following an attack on him during a padayatra in Malviya Nagar a day earlier.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal questioned the safety of citizens and alleged political motives behind the incident. “I had this expectation that Amit Shah will take some action after I raised the issue (law and order). But, instead of that, I was attacked during my padyatra.



Liquid was thrown at me. It was harmless, but it could have been harmful,” said Kejriwal during the press briefing. The former Delhi chief minister also questioned the safety of the city’s residents, stating, “Will businessmen, women of Delhi feel safe after the attack on me and the arrest of my MLA? Delhi Police didn’t act on threats against me.

” On Saturday evening, a man splashed liquid, claimed by AAP to be spirit, on Kejriwal during a public march in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar. The accused, identified as Ashok Jha, a bus marshal at Khanpur Depot, was overpowered by police and detained. Eyewitnesses stated the incident occurred around 5.

50pm when Kejriwal was greeting the crowd. Jha allegedly attempted to set Kejriwal ablaze but was stopped before he could ignite the liquid. According to AAP leaders, the accused was carrying a matchbox along with the liquid.

Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed, "It was an attempt to burn him (Kejriwal) alive. Our alert volunteers and the public caught the man." AAP leaders linked the attack to BJP's alleged frustration post its defeat in Delhi elections.

Chief Minister Atishi alleged, “In broad daylight, a BJP worker attacked Arvind Kejriwal. BJP seems frustrated after losing Delhi elections thrice. The public will not tolerate such cheap acts.

” Senior party leader Manish Sisodia called the attack “highly concerning” and pointed fingers at BJP's failure to curb crime. Delhi BJP, however, dismissed the allegations, terming the incident a “publicity stunt.” BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva alleged that such incidents often occur with Kejriwal and questioned their authenticity.

“The accused is reportedly a bus marshal who lost his job due to Kejriwal’s policies. This raises suspicions,” Sachdeva said. This is the third attack on Kejriwal in the past 35 days, according to AAP.

The party has consistently accused the BJP of failing to address rising crime in Delhi. Kejriwal reiterated his stance, asking, “Will crime rates fall by stopping me? Will shootouts stop? Will women and traders no longer face threats?” The investigation into the attack continues, with authorities trying to ascertain Jha’s motives and whether he acted alone or under influence..