Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate Atishi has raised serious allegations against the BJP workers in the Kalkaji constituency, accusing them of intimidating AAP volunteers in the run-up to the upcoming elections.
In a letter submitted to the returning officer of the constituency, Atishi accused Ramesh Bidhuri’s nephew, along with other BJP workers, of verbally and physically threatening her party’s volunteers.
According to Atishi’s account, AAP volunteers, including Rekha Bassi, Sanjay Gupta, Mani Manta, Aradhana, Sunita Pandey, Sher Singh, and Hari Shankar Gupta, were subject to intimidation tactics by BJP members.
In particular, she named Kunal Bhardwaj, Manish, and Rishabh Bidhuri, the nephew of BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, who allegedly threatened Sanjay Gupta with physical harm.
Atishi claimed that these individuals hurled abusive language and even grabbed Gupta by the collar, intensifying the atmosphere of fear.
In her letter, Atishi pointed out the aggressive tactics being employed by the BJP in Kalkaji, which she believes could escalate into more serious issues as the elections approach.
She also criticised the lack of action against Ramesh Bidhuri, despite his public statements directed at her during the election campaign.
She argued that the BJP leader’s derogatory remarks were not acted upon, sending a clear message that such behaviour would not face consequences, ultimately fuelling the violence and intimidation seen on the ground.
Atishi’s concerns were not just about the physical threats to her volunteers but also the broader implications of such actions on the electoral process.
She noted that the aggressive tactics employed by BJP workers could have a detrimental impact on the voters, with the intimidation potentially influencing the democratic process in the region.
To ensure the safety of her team and maintain the integrity of the election process, Atishi has called on the election authorities to take immediate action. In her letter, she urged the returning officer to deploy additional security forces to the Kalkaji constituency to guarantee the safety of AAP volunteers.
She also stressed the importance of holding the BJP workers accountable for their actions and ensuring that such violent behaviour does not disrupt the fairness of the elections.
The timing of Atishi’s allegations is significant, as Delhi is gearing up for the Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, with the results to be announced on February 8. The competition in Kalkaji has intensified, with both the AAP and BJP putting up strong campaigns.
On the other side, Ramesh Bidhuri has been actively campaigning in Kalkaji. At a Nukkad Sabha (street corner meeting) in Gandhi Camp, Srinivaspuri, he addressed his supporters, emphasising the importance of development in the area and the need to raise the voice for citizens' rights.
He also expressed confidence that the people of Kalkaji would soon rid themselves of what he termed as the “AAP-DA,” criticising Atishi’s leadership for turning Kalkaji into a “dirty place.” His remarks added to the ongoing election rhetoric, with both parties vying for the attention of the electorate.
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