New Delhi Aug 20 (UNI) Top leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued strong condemnations today over the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, asserting that violence has no place in a democratic society.
The incident, which occurred earlier in the day, involved an individual allegedly attempting to assault the Chief Minister.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, in a post on social media platform X, stated, “The attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democratic system, differences of opinion and opposition are acceptable, but there can be no place for violence. I am confident that the Delhi Police will take appropriate action. I hope the Chief Minister is completely safe and healthy.”
Echoing this sentiment, AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj called the attack “absolutely condemnable” in a video statement.
He used the occasion to broaden the definition of violence, stating, “Violence is not limited to an attack on a Chief Minister. When SSC aspirants and teachers demand their rights, the police’s brutality against them is also violence. Farmers were mercilessly beaten, their heads were broken, they were dragged. That too is violence”, in an apparent dig at the BJP-led central government.
Bharadwaj also drew a contrast with past incidents, alleging that when AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal was similarly attacked during his chief minister-ship, the attacks were justified by his political opponents.
“We will not say that because people are angry with Rekha Gupta, that is why she was attacked. No, anger does not mean one can commit violence,” he said, adding that his party stands against violence directed at any political party.
In a separate post on X, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, wrote, “The attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. It is hoped that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits.”
Notably, in a major security lapse, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man during her daily Jan Sunwai (public hearing) at her official residence this morning.
The assailant, posing as a complainant, gained access to the hearing by carrying a few documents. He approached the Chief Minister under the pretext of handing over a petition and discussing a problem. According to reports, he suddenly attacked CM Gupta, hitting her with the documents he was carrying.
Security personnel present at the venue immediately subdued the attacker. The police confirmed that the Chief Minister was safe and did not sustain any major injuries.
