As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, political tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have intensified, with fresh allegations flying between the two parties. BJP’s candidate from the New Delhi constituency, Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, accused AAP leader and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of exploiting Punjab’s resources for election campaigning in Delhi. He alleged that vehicles with Punjab registration plates have been spotted in large numbers across the capital, transporting items such as water dispensers, chairs, and other materials, all allegedly sourced from the Punjab government.
Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma claimed these activities, conducted with the assistance of Punjab’s official machinery, demonstrate Arvind Kejriwal’s desperation to secure his position in the face of a likely electoral defeat. He also took aim at the installation of “Chinese CCTV cameras” in slum areas of the New Delhi constituency. Verma argued that these cameras were hastily deployed to create an illusion of development and could pose a potential security threat, given their foreign origin.
In addition, Verma alleged that government employees and teachers from Punjab were masquerading as AAP workers to support Arvind Kejriwal’s campaign. He further claimed that two teachers from Amritsar had been arrested by police for their involvement. Calling on the Election Commission to take immediate action, Verma emphasized the need to curb what he described as the misuse of Punjab’s resources for political gains in Delhi.
Reacting sharply to these accusations, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann labeled Verma’s comments as offensive to the Punjabi community. He stated that Verma’s remarks implied Punjabis were a security threat to the nation and demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Bhagwant Mann argued that vehicles registered in any state are legally allowed to operate across the country, including Delhi, and accused Verma of spreading dangerous and divisive rhetoric.
Arvind Kejriwal echoed Bhagwant Mann’s sentiments, urging the BJP to apologize to Punjabis for what he described as an insult to their sacrifices and contributions. He highlighted the struggles of Punjabi refugees who settled in Delhi during the Partition and accused BJP leaders of tarnishing their legacy.
With elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly set for February 5 and results to be announced on February 8, the war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party shows no signs of abating, setting the stage for a fierce political showdown.
