Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has accused the police of protecting relatives of BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri, who allegedly assaulted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers. In a letter to an election official, Atishi demanded the immediate transfer of Govindpuri Station House Officer (SHO) Dharamvir and other related officers.
Atishi alleged that Bidhuri’s nephew and others had threatened AAP workers during the election campaign in the Kalkaji constituency. She further accused the police of coercing AAP workers into signing false statements.
“The police are attempting to protect Bidhuri and his family members while trying to dismiss the cases against them,” Atishi wrote.
Earlier this week, in a letter to an election official, Atishi called for the deployment of paramilitary forces in Kalkaji to ensure the safety of voters and party workers.
She also claimed that Bidhuri’s nephew warned the AAP workers, saying, “Sit at home, or you’ll have your hands and legs broken. This is our election.”
The allegations come ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8. Atishi is contesting the Delhi polls from the Kalkaji constituency against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri.
Bidhuri has faced criticism for controversial remarks made against Atishi during the election campaign. AAP leaders condemned his statement suggesting Atishi had “changed her father” for political advantage.
On Wednesday, Bidhuri took a fresh swipe at Atishi and claimed that her parents supported terrorist Afzal Guru. He said that Atishi’s parents wrote to the then president to stop the execution of Afzal Guru.
The Delhi elections are expected to feature a triangular contest among AAP, BJP, and Congress. AAP, which has been in power since 2015, is seeking a third consecutive term amidst allegations of corruption.
