NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of conspiring to "eliminate" former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, claiming the saffron party is resorting to such tactics as it cannot defeat him electorally.
The allegation comes a day after AAP reported that stones were thrown at Kejriwal's car while he was campaigning in the New Delhi constituency, raising serious security concerns.
At a press conference, AAP leader Atishi alleged that one of the individuals involved in the attack, Rahul alias Shanky, is "closely associated" with BJP MP Parvesh Verma, who is contesting against Kejriwal in the upcoming assembly elections.
"The people who attacked Arvind Kejriwal are serious offenders with cases of robbery and attempt to murder registered against them," Atishi claimed. "This individual, with multiple criminal cases, is frequently seen with Parvesh Verma. The BJP is conspiring to eliminate Arvind Kejriwal," she added.
Reacting to the allegations, Verma dismissed the claims and leveled countercharges, alleging that Kejriwal’s car hit three youths who were protesting against him. "Kejriwal himself asked his driver to crush them," Verma said.
Addressing the media alongside Atishi, AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack out of desperation. "The BJP knows it cannot defeat the AAP in the elections, so it is resorting to such tactics to remove Arvind Kejriwal," Singh stated.
The incident has escalated tensions between the two parties ahead of the February 5 assembly polls. While the AAP is seeking a third consecutive term, the BJP is aiming to end its 25-year wait for power in the national capital.
The election results will be announced on February 8.