New Delhi, March 6
The BJP-AAP confrontation escalated on Thursday with the BJP accusing its opponent of waging a surrogate battle on behalf of the Congress that wanted to deflect focus from allegations of corruption and scams.

Adding to the political attack, the police questioned senior AAP leaders Shazia Ilmi and Ashutosh and party workers after they were named in an FIR and accused of instigating violence outside the BJP headquarters on Wednesday. It promised to take action if “sufficient” evidence was found against them.

Both Aushtosh and Ilmi were among 14 named in the FIR. They were charged with obstructing a public servant from doing his duty, unlawful assembly and under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property. “We found that prima facie, these 14 persons were part of unlawful assembly and indulged in violence,” a police officer said.

The BJP moved the Election Commission demanding strict action — including de-recognition — against the fledgling party. AAP, too, moved the EC calling for an independent probe into the matter and alleged intimidation of its volunteers and members by the BJP.

Soon after approaching the Election Commission, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said: “AAP happens to be the latest goon squad hired by the Congress’ dirty tricks department. A minor issue with Kejriwal in Gujarat has been blown up as if it impacts national security. Why? Simply because the practised deception of Congress is to create a diversion each time one of its scams starts unravelling. AAP is not a threat to the BJP or Modi. They are not even a national party of consequence. Everything about them is murky, including their funding sources.”

Lekhi sought to draw attention to a statement made by an AAP council member suspecting the source of the party’s foreign funding. She also likened the tactics of the AAP with those adopted by Maoists in the country.