Man Throws Liquid at Arvind Kejriwal During Campaign March in South Delhi, Security Concerns Arise

On Saturday, a man threw an unidentified liquid at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during his foot march in Savitri Nagar, South Delhi, causing a security stir. The incident, which occurred just weeks before the Delhi Assembly elections, triggered a political clash between Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Delhi Police later identified the suspect as 41-year-old Ashok Jha, who was apprehended on the spot and remained in custody at the time of publication.

The incident was captured on video, sparking a heated debate on two fronts: first, over the identity and affiliations of the accused, and second, regarding the nature of the liquid thrown. AAP accused the BJP of being behind the attack, claiming that the accused was a “BJP functionary” and the liquid was “spirit” (alcohol). In contrast, the BJP dismissed the incident as a “prank” by AAP, asserting that the liquid was “just water,” and further alleged that Jha was one of the 10,000 bus marshals who had lost their jobs in Delhi. While officials confirmed that Jha was stationed at the Khanpur depot, the Transport Department had yet to verify the BJP’s claim.

This attack is not the first time Kejriwal’s security has been compromised. In May 2019, during a road show in Moti Nagar, a man slapped Kejriwal, citing disappointment with his policies. Similarly, in 2016, Kejriwal was splashed with ink at a rally at Chhatrasal Stadium.

Saturday’s incident took place around 5:50 PM at Choupal in Savitri Nagar, part of the Greater Kailash assembly constituency. Kejriwal was taking part in a foot march, campaigning for the Delhi state elections, when he was approaching a group of people, including the main accused. As Kejriwal shook hands with the crowd, Ashok Jha attempted to throw the liquid at him. However, the quick response of security personnel prevented the situation from escalating. The suspect was immediately surrounded and escorted to Malviya Nagar police station, where he was arrested.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan, the attack was thwarted as police personnel were close by. “Arvind Kejriwal was shaking hands with supporters when a man named Ashok Jha tried to throw water on him. He was quickly apprehended by Sub-Inspector Sandeep of Malviya Nagar police station,” Chauhan said. Video footage of the event shows the suspect, who had been surrounded by security and supporters, approaching Kejriwal and allegedly throwing the liquid at him. The security team acted swiftly, apprehending Jha immediately.

Despite the incident, Kejriwal continued his padayatra until the end. Police noted that the foot march did not have prior permission, although they had made adequate security arrangements. Following the attack, Saurabh Bhardwaj, MLA of Greater Kailash and senior AAP leader, sparked controversy by claiming that a BJP worker threw “spirit” on Kejriwal with the intention to “burn him alive.” Bhardwaj alleged, “During the walk, a person threw spirit on him. We smelled it. They tried to burn him alive. The person was holding spirit in one hand and a matchstick in the other… He threw the spirit but failed to light the fire.” The AAP has firmly laid blame on the BJP for orchestrating the attack. Kejriwal, in a post on X, criticized the BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to focus on tackling rising crime in Delhi rather than targeting him. “If you stop me, will crime be reduced in Delhi? Will firing stop? Will women be safe? Will traders feel safe?” he asked. Chief Minister Atishi also condemned the attack, asserting that the BJP was “very upset” with Kejriwal.

The AAP has strongly criticized the attack, saying, “If a former chief minister is not safe in the national capital, where will the common man be safe?” Kejriwal was reportedly greeting people when Jha approached him and splashed the liquid. After the incident, Kejriwal and his security staff were seen wiping their faces, indicating that the liquid had made contact.

According to a police official, the suspect is a resident of the area and was taken to the local police station for further questioning. In response to the incident, AAP lashed out at the BJP-led central government, claiming that the law and order situation in Delhi had deteriorated under their rule. The Delhi Police, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, was responsible for handling the situation.

Kejriwal was campaigning in Savitri Nagar ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February. Despite the security breach, the foot march continued, with AAP leaders accusing the BJP of attempting to disrupt Kejriwal’s campaign efforts.