Stop crimes, not Kejriwal: AAP chief in jibe at BJP over law and order

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of turning Delhi into a “crime and extortion Capital”.

He said this after he was allegedly prevented from meeting the victim of a two-month-old shooting incident in Nangloi Jat.

He later alleged that “BJP supporters and goons” surrounded the area and stopped him from meeting the victim’s family. He claimed that the police did not intervene despite his vehicle being blocked.

Speaking to mediapersons, he said, “Shah is directly responsible for law and order in Delhi. It is because of him that Delhi is facing such turmoil today.”

He added, “Crime is rampant. Businesspersons are receiving extortion threats over the phone as if it’s routine. Criminals are not only brandishing guns in public but also firing them in broad daylight.”

In September, gunmen opened fire at a businessman’s shop. “I had come to Nangloi Jat to meet Roshan Lal (trader) on whose shop gangsters opened fire. However, BJP workers blocked my car and prevented me from meeting him. This was a blatant attempt to hide their failures in managing Delhi’s law and order,” he alleged.

“What hell would have broken loose had I met the victim today? What are you hiding by preventing the former CM from visiting a crime scene?” Kejriwal questioned.

Nangloi Jat MLA Raghuvinder Shokeen condemned the BJP for “obstructing Kejriwal’s visit”. “The entire area was surrounded by BJP goons, and the police just stood by and watched. If something happens to Kejriwal, Shah and Delhi Police will be responsible,” he said.

Meanwhile, before the visit, the Delhi Police said the Nangloi firing incident resurfaced on social media.

“The case has already been solved with the arrest of two persons, along with the seizure of a semi-automatic pistol, a country-made pistol and nine live rounds from their possession. The safety of the trader was also prioritised. The Delhi Police is committed to resolving such cases and strict action is being taken,” said Madhup Kumar Tewari, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Zone II.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal hosted sanitation workers at his residence on Wednesday.

During the interaction, Kejriwal urged Delhi residents to connect personally with sanitation workers, inviting them into their homes to discuss their challenges and joys.

“On your day off, invite a sanitation worker from your neighbourhood for tea at your home. Talk to them about their lives — they will feel appreciated,” he said.

Kejriwal emphasised the AAP government in Delhi began crediting their salaries on time every month since it came to power in MCD in 2022.

He said it also regularised the jobs of 8,500 sanitation workers in the past two years. “We are working on regularising the remaining workers soon, ensuring the process is robust and cannot be challenged in court,” he assured.

Kejriwal urged workers to dream big for their children. “Being a sanitation worker is honourable, but we must aim higher for the next generation. Your children can become doctors, engineers, or lawyers. We provide free coaching under the Jai Bhim Scheme for SC and Dalit students to help them achieve their dreams,” he said.