The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly condemned the attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing. Party leaders, including National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, have denounced the incident as an assault on democratic principles, calling for stringent action against the responsible individuals. Kejriwal took to social media to label the attack as ‘highly reprehensible,’ emphasizing that while differing viewpoints and dissent are inherent in a democracy, violence has no place. He expressed confidence that the Delhi Police would act appropriately and conveyed his wishes for the Chief Minister’s well-being.
Delhi State President of AAP, Saurabh Bharadwaj, stated that violence is unacceptable in our society, echoing the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He questioned the parties and ideologies that promote violence. Bharadwaj also highlighted that violence extends beyond direct attacks, including instances of police brutality against students, teachers, and farmers protesting for their rights. He noted the misuse of authority by police in minor cases, arguing that the power to punish rests solely with the courts.
Bharadwaj added that AAP wouldn’t justify the attack by claiming the public’s discontent with Rekha Gupta. He stressed that while the public may be dissatisfied, violence is never the answer. He urged the BJP to recognize that AAP is supporting them wholeheartedly because violence is wrong in principle. He also criticized the BJP for its past attempts to justify attacks on Kejriwal, stating that irrespective of the cause, violence is unjustifiable.
Atishi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, echoed the condemnation, labeling the attack as highly deplorable and asserting that there is no room for violence in a democracy. She expressed hope that the Delhi Police would take stern action against those responsible, while wishing the Chief Minister’s safety.
National Media Incharge of AAP, Anurag Dhanda, reiterated the party’s stance that violence has no place in a democracy. He called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for the perpetrators, and wished for the safety of the Delhi CM, Rekha Gupta.