Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Oct 26: Even as the BJP Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva dismissed an allegation by the Aam Aadmi Party of a “conspiracy to kill” the former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, he himself was admitted in a hospital on Saturday for feeling breathlessness and severe skin irritation after taking a dip in the polluted Yamuna river to protest against “corruption” by the AAP government.
Mr Sachdeva, who had taken the dip in the Yamuna on Thursday at a ghat near ITO, in protest against the “corruption” of the Delhi government, which he said deprived the city of the funds meant for the cleaning of the river, was admitted in the RML Nursing home in the national capital n Saturday morning.
“Virendra Sachdeva is experiencing severe itching, and his breathing is uncomfortable,” as per a statement by the Delhi BJP, which added that he had no prior history of breathing issues or skin irritation. While visiting the banks of the Yamuna, Mr Sachdeva challenged AAP leaders, Chief Minister Atishi and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, to inspect the river’s condition.
Referring to ‘Sheesh Mahal’, the residence used by Arvind Kejriwal for 10 years as Chief Minister, Mr Sachdeva had said, “We have arranged a red carpet as people who used to live in ‘Sheesh Mahal’ are accustomed to it. We have also arranged two chairs as this tradition was initiated by Atishi herself. If she comes, she will need two chairs. If Arvind Kejriwal comes, we will be happy. Although he is on bail, he was the Chief Minister of Delhi. We will wait for some more time if they come.”
“They should account for the ₹8,500 crores given by the Central government to clean the Yamuna,” Mr Sachdeva had said. Responding to the allegations, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, “As far as industrial waste in the Yamuna is concerned, there is no industry in Delhi. Industrial waste is coming from Panipat and Sonipat. This has been verified, and the NGT has said this many times. If Virendra Sachdeva is serious about this, he should talk to the Haryana government and stop industrial waste from Sonipat and Panipat.”
On October 22, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena shared pictures on X of the toxic froth in the Yamuna and urged authorities to focus on providing relief to the city’s residents instead of making “excuses.” “These pictures of Yamuna ji are from this morning. Who is responsible? Truth is a very bad habit; it cannot be suppressed. Instead of making accusations and excuses on media/social media, it would be better to provide relief to the people of Delhi, especially Chhath worshippers and those who are fasting during this worsening situation. I expect concrete steps for redressal,” the Delhi L-G posted on X alongside the images of froth and garbage in the river.
In a counter attack on the BJP, the AAP on Saturday alleged of a “deep conspiracy” to kill Mr Kejriwal and warned that the BJP would be responsible if anything untoward happened to the former Delhi chief minister. AAP leaders claimed Mr Kejriwal was attacked by “BJP goons” during his ‘padyatra’ campaign in west Delhi’s Vikaspuri.
In a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh charged, “Police complicity in the incident clearly shows a deep conspiracy to kill Kejriwal. The BJP has become an enemy of his life.” The AAP leader, however, said that despite the Vikaspuri incident, Mr Kejriwal would continue to undertake ‘padyatra’ campaign as per the schedule.
When asked why the AAP has not filed any complaint in the incident, Mr Singh said the incident wouldn’t have happened if the police were “impartial” and its officers did not do anything to stop the group of attackers who, he said, belonged to the BJP’s youth wing. The police can take cognisance of the incident and conduct its probe, he said, adding that the AAP was taking legal opinion for further action in the matter.
When reached for comment, the Delhi police said, “There was some sloganeering against AAP, but we have found no evidence of manhandling or attempt to assault as of now.” An officer said they have not received any complaint regarding the issue. “However, an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events is under way,” he added.
The BJP dismissed the allegations with Mr Sachdeva accusing AAP of lying. “There has been no attack on Kejriwal. Rather, there is public resentment, which has steadily grown since AAP started its election campaign.”
AAP leaders have been undertaking padayatras (foot marches) across different Assembly constituencies in the run-up to the Assembly election due in February next year. The AAP national convener is accorded Z-plus security.
Addressing a press conference, CM Atishi said, “The extent to which the BJP can stoop became evident to Delhi residents today. During his padayatra in Vikaspuri, AAP chief and Delhi’s son Arvind Kejriwal was attacked by the BJP’s goons.” She accused workers of the BJP of getting near Mr Kejriwal with a garland only to attack him seconds later.
Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said, in a post on X, “The attack on Arvind Kejriwal is condemnable and worrying. It is clear that the BJP has carried out this attack through its goons. If anything happens to Arvind Kejriwal, the entire responsibility will be on the BJP. We are not going to be afraid — the Aam Aadmi Party will remain steadfast in its mission.”
In response, West Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat (BJP) said, “Everywhere you see, Arvind Kejriwal, his party, and his MLAs are surrounded by massive anti-incumbency.” She alleged that there was a lot of anger among the area residents about “corruption” being done by AAP leaders and that multiple videos of Delhi’s ruling party leaders, including the local legislator, getting assaulted by the area’s residents have been circulating over the past several days.