Assassination row: Withdraw CM's security, says Delhi BJP

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Pic/AFP

The Delhi unit of the BJP on Sunday requested the commissioner of police to review the security cover of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a day after the AAP chief alleged that he could be assassinated by police personnel deployed for his security.

In a letter to Commissioner of Delhi Police Amulya Patnaik, BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said Kejriwal's statement was "damaging" for the morale of his security staff as well as the entire police force in the national capital. He also sent copies of the letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi's Lt Governor Anil Baijal.

Kejriwal had, on Saturday, alleged that the BJP was after his life and said he could be assassinated like former prime minister Indira Gandhi by police personnel deployed for his security. Recently, the Delhi CM had also told a news channel in Punjab that the BJP was after his life and they would "murder" him one day.

Kapoor in the letter said, "I believe this statement coming from a chief minister is highly damaging for the morale of not only his security guards but the entire Delhi Police force personnel who are deployed for VIP security".

He asked for psychological counselling of Delhi Police personnel deployed for Chief Minister Kejriwal's security, saying they must be "depressed" over his allegations.

"All security staff deployed around Kejriwal should be given psychological counselling and Delhi should immediately review his security cover". Delhi police should seek an apology from Kejriwal for his allegations and if he refuses his security cover should be withdrawn, Kapoor said.

Police plaint against CM
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta on Sunday lodged a police complaint against Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia accusing them of hatching a conspiracy to falsely implicate him in criminal cases.

"They can go to any extent to gain sympathy and implicate anyone for their political dividends and the same is known to all," he added. According to Delhi Police, they have received the complaint and will take required action accordingly.

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