The Delhi Assembly elections took an ugly turn on Sunday as Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal's car became the center of a heated political row. AAP accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters of orchestrating an attack on Kejriwal’s car during campaigning in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, while the BJP countered the claims, accusing Kejriwal of endangering local youth.

AAP's Allegations

At a press conference, senior AAP leader Atishi alleged that "BJP goons" had attacked Kejriwal's car. She identified two individuals, Shanky and Rohit Tyagi, claiming they are closely associated with BJP candidate Parvesh Verma.

"Yesterday, during the campaign in the New Delhi constituency, BJP supporters attacked Arvind Kejriwal’s car. Shanky, also known as Rahul, is one of the attackers. He is a Vice President of the BJP and often works closely with Parvesh Verma, helping with campaign posters and events. He has a criminal background, with cases registered for attempted murder, assault, and robbery," Atishi alleged.

She added that Shanky faces multiple charges under the Arms Act and has ongoing cases at police stations in Shakarpur and Paharganj. "Hardcore criminals like him were sent to attack Arvind Kejriwal," she claimed.

Atishi also accused Rohit Tyagi of being involved in the attack. "Tyagi is another hardcore criminal with serious charges, including theft and attempted murder during theft. His social media photos show him campaigning with Parvesh Verma," she said.

BJP’s Counterclaim

Responding to the allegations, BJP candidate Parvesh Verma accused Kejriwal's car of hitting three youths in the area. Verma claimed that the youths had approached Kejriwal to ask about job guarantees but were allegedly run over by his vehicle.

"The three youths, who are local residents and voters, were standing in front of Kejriwal’s car when his driver hit them. The driver stopped briefly but moved the car again on Kejriwal’s signal," Verma alleged. He also presented a damaged mobile phone belonging to one of the youths as evidence.

Verma dismissed AAP’s claims, stating, "Kejriwal is branding these youths as goons simply because they questioned him about unfulfilled job promises. Does asking about jobs make them criminals?"

He further alleged that Kejriwal was avoiding accountability. "The reason Kejriwal is agitated is because people are demanding answers about his unfulfilled guarantees," Verma said.

Election Context

Arvind Kejriwal and Parvesh Verma are competing for the New Delhi Assembly seat in the upcoming elections on February 5. The BJP, out of power in Delhi since 1998, is intensifying efforts to challenge AAP’s dominance, which began in 2015.

The incident has added fuel to an already heated political battle, with both parties accusing each other of foul play. The elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly are expected to be fiercely contested.