BackArvind Kejriwal lashes out at BJP for attack on Somnath Bharti
Arvind Kejriwal demands immediate intervention of the EC to ensure free and fair polls
Premium
Varanasi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday lashed out at Narendra Modi over the attack on former Delhi minister Somnath Bharti, questioning if the Gujarat model was about “threatening" people and demanded immediate intervention of the Election Commission (EC) to ensure free and fair polls.
Accusing the local administration of not taking action against those involved in the attacks on AAP workers, Kejriwal asked, “What kind of culture Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is bringing to this holy city. “This kind of attack is against the tradition and culture of this temple city. Is this Gujarat model where people are either threatened or bought over," Kejriwal, who is locked in a high-profile electoral battle against Modi here, told reporters.
Bharti was assaulted on Wednesday night allegedly by a group of BJP workers at the Assi Ghat area in Varanasi when he went there to participate in an election-related programme.
The former Delhi chief minister also accused the administration of adopting a “partisan" approach towards AAP and claimed that it has not initiated any action against those involved in the attacks on AAP workers.
“Our supporters are not safe here.This is a fight to finish (aar par ki ladai). Anything can happen here.For one person (Modi), the administration has closed the entire city but not heeding to any of our requests," he said.
The administration has made elaborate security arrangements for filing of nomination by Modi. Targeting the UP government, Kejriwal said, “It appears that there has been some kind of understanding between Samajwadi Party and BJP. I have done road shows across the country.But here I have been denied permission to hold road shows." Kejriwal said his party colleague Prashant Bhushan will complain to the EC about the assault on Bharti and request it to take steps to ensure free and fair polls in the city.
Polling will take place in Varanasi on 12 May. “We have doubt whether anti-BJP people will be allowed to vote. Will free and fair polls will be possible in this kind of atmosphere," the former Delhi chief minister said.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
