AAP, BJP trade barbs over 'campaign attack'

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday accused BJP supporters of attacking former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal during an election campaign stop, while the BJP countered with claims that Kejriwal's vehicle had deliberately struck young protesters, the latest conflagration in an increasingly acrimonious run-up to elections early next month.

- Alok KN Mishra

The incident occurred in the Gole Market area of New Delhi constituency. AAP members said BJP supporters hurled stones and bricks at Kejriwal's vehicle during a door-to door campaign event and released video footage showing what appeared to be a stone-like object flying over Kejriwal's vehicle, though the footage could not be independently verified.

"Today, Parvesh Verma through his goons attacked Arvind Kejriwal with stones while he was campaigning in the New Delhi constituency," AAP's chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said at a press conference soon after the attack.

"Such an act has never occurred before in the New Delhi constituency, which is a peaceful and high-profile area." To be sure, Kejriwal was not injured. Delhi Police officials said no attack took place on the former CM. A senior police officer from New Delhi district said, "Arvind Kejriwal and leaders from across parties are allowed to carry out door-to-door campaigns.

Today, he held a meeting with over 100 persons. In that meeting, three to four local residents started questioning him and there was a bit of disagreement. While Kejriwal was leaving, these people alleged that his car hit them and they had to go to hospital and get a medico-legal certificate.