Synopsis
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP convenor, faces allegations of using intimidation tactics during his election campaign in Delhi. Residents reported incidents of manhandling and questioned Kejriwal's commitment to their issues, especially regarding housing and employment.Key Takeaways
- Arvind Kejriwal accused of using goons for votes.
- Incident reported during a rally at MP Flats, New Delhi.
- Residents express dissatisfaction with AAP's support.
- Concerns raised about employment and housing.
- Allegations of misbehavior by AAP MP Sandeep Pathak.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, who is vying for a seat in the Delhi Assembly elections for the fourth time, faces allegations of resorting to the use of intimidation and goons to secure votes.
The accusations emerged following an incident at around 1 PM on Monday, coinciding with Kejriwal's planned address at an election rally in MP Flats, New Delhi. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak was also in attendance.
Witnesses reported an altercation that included manhandling during the gathering. Multiple individuals recounted their experiences to the news agency IANS.
Poonam Singh, an employee at the MP residence, detailed her encounter: "I was waiting to speak with Arvind Kejriwal regarding my issue when MP Sandeep Pathak intervened, suggesting I could discuss it with him at home. I expressed my reluctance to meet him at his house, as Kejriwal had not visited in a decade. Since he was present today, I wanted to address my concerns directly, but access was denied," she reported.
Poonam further claimed, "Kejriwal asserts that electricity is free, yet I received a bill for Rs 9,000 despite working at the MPs’ residence."
She added: "Kejriwal was supposed to conduct a rally here in the afternoon. Upon my arrival, I noticed several individuals distributing pamphlets. One asked me to take a photo, which I did. Shortly thereafter, a crowd of over 100 people appeared and began to behave inappropriately. When I raised my voice, many of them were dispersed. I want to know how Kejriwal managed to gather such a large crowd in this upscale area. Why hasn’t he ever taken the time to understand the conditions of the residents here in the past decade? The locals will not support his candidacy. We are in desperate need of housing because, after five years, we are evicted from MPs' residences and left to fend for ourselves on the streets with our children. There are no Mohalla Clinics in this area. I even tried contacting Kejriwal’s PA and the AAP MP for assistance, but received no response. Even during the pandemic, there was no help from the AAP MP.
Local resident Santosh commented, "Kejriwal has only visited this area twice in ten years. Once was for a Mata Ki Jagran (religious event). We want to know why there are no job opportunities for us."
Other community members also accused AAP MP Sandeep Pathak of inappropriate behavior towards them.
