Arvind Kejriwal Slams Punjab Police Security Withdrawal Ahead of Delhi Assembly Elections

With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, political tensions are running high. The latest controversy to spark a heated debate is the withdrawal of additional Punjab Police security from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal has voiced his strong disapproval of this move, calling it "pure politics."

The Controversial Decision

The Punjab Police’s decision to pull back its security cover for Kejriwal follows directions from the Election Commission, which acted on a recommendation from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The move has raised eyebrows and triggered a wave of political accusations.

In a press conference on Friday, Kejriwal expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that the issue of personal security should never be politicized. He added, "This is pure politics. Regrettably, personal security is being politicized. There should be no politics, at least on safety and security."

Kejriwal continues to be under Z-Plus security, which includes the protection of Delhi Police, but the removal of the Punjab Police personnel has certainly raised concerns about his safety during a crucial time in his political career.

The Punjab Police’s Response

On Thursday, Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the withdrawal of Punjab Police from Kejriwal’s security. He clarified that this was done based on directives from the Delhi Police and the Election Commission, while assuring that the Punjab Police would continue sharing threat assessments with Delhi authorities.

Despite this reassurance, Kejriwal and his supporters have questioned the timing and motive behind this decision. They believe that it might be an attempt to weaken Kejriwal’s position ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, 2025.

Accusations of Targeting and Attacks

The security withdrawal comes amid a flurry of allegations from Kejriwal and his allies, accusing the BJP of orchestrating attacks on him during his election campaign. Kejriwal, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accused BJP workers of being behind the attack on his car in Hari Nagar. He claimed, "Today in Hari Nagar, the police allowed the opposition candidate's men to enter my public meeting and then attacked my car. All this is happening on Amit Shah's orders. Amit Shah has made the Delhi Police the personal army of the BJP."

AAP leaders have rallied around Kejriwal, condemning the move to withdraw his security, calling it a grave threat to his safety and an attempt to destabilize his political position.

Political Fallout

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP-led central government of conspiring to harm Kejriwal. They have called for the Election Commission to intervene and restore the Punjab Police’s security coverage. AAP’s Atishi, a key leader in the Delhi government, also posted on social media, criticizing the move. She said, "Shameful. On the instructions of Amit Shah ji, @DelhiPolice today forcibly removed @ArvindKejriwal ji's Punjab Police security. And on the same day, Kejriwal ji was attacked by BJP goons in Hari Nagar. Does Modi-Shah want to play with Kejriwal's life? How long will the Election Commission remain a mute spectator?"

The accusations have added fuel to the fire, raising questions about the neutrality of the Election Commission and the role of the Delhi Police in these tense political times.

What’s Next for Kejriwal?

As the elections approach, the political climate in Delhi is charged with controversy. The withdrawal of Kejriwal's security cover has become yet another point of contention in the already heated election campaigns. With political leaders accusing each other of attempting to influence the outcome of the polls, the coming weeks will be crucial for Kejriwal, his party, and the entire political landscape in Delhi.

As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections draw near, the city is witnessing unprecedented political tension. With issues surrounding security, safety, and political motivations dominating discussions, voters will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and impact the upcoming elections.

Conclusion

The security row involving Arvind Kejriwal has become a flashpoint in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections. While the political motives behind the withdrawal of Punjab Police security remain unclear, one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher. As Kejriwal’s critics and allies square off in a battle for influence, the Election Commission, Delhi Police, and political players will have to navigate this volatile issue with caution.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops

Reference from:-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pure-politics-aap-arvind-kejriwal-on-withdrawal-of-punjab-police-from-security-detail-ahead-of-delhi-polls/articleshow/117518671.cms