New Delhi, September 2026 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday criticised the BJP government over its reported advice to girls in Delhi not to venture out after 7 p.m., saying the government was restricting women’s freedom instead of ensuring their safety.
Kejriwal said the government should strengthen security by installing and properly maintaining CCTV cameras and streetlights rather than placing restrictions on women. He claimed that the previous AAP government had installed 2.62 lakh CCTV cameras and 2.80 lakh streetlights across Delhi, but alleged that more than half of them were currently non-functional.
“Women are independent citizens and have every right to live freely. Instead of lecturing them, the government should make arrangements for the safety of the people of Delhi,” Kejriwal said.
In a video message released on Tuesday, Kejriwal said female students in Delhi had been deeply angered following the Astha Kunj rape case. He claimed that students from several women’s colleges had taken to the streets demanding better security.
He criticised the government for allegedly starting online classes instead of addressing the concerns of students. “The government is telling girls to stop going out in the evening and at night. Why are all the restrictions being imposed only on girls?” he asked.
Kejriwal said the government should focus on improving security infrastructure. “If the government is failing to do its job, does that mean restrictions will be imposed on women? The government should provide security and install CCTV cameras,” he said.
He suggested connecting the entire capital through a CCTV network with real-time monitoring. According to Kejriwal, a central command structure for monitoring CCTV feeds, along with streetlights at dark spots, could help women feel safer.
“When we were in government, we installed 2,62,000 CCTV cameras and 2,80,000 streetlights. If more than half of them are not functioning today, they should be made operational,” he said.
Kejriwal also called for the deployment of two women police officers at every college to address students’ security concerns.
He further alleged that political patronage was sometimes extended to individuals accused of crimes against women. He claimed that such alleged incidents send a message that people accused of harassment or rape could escape consequences by joining the ruling party.
Kejriwal said the priority should be to ensure the safety of female students and women rather than restricting their movements.
“Stop lecturing women that they should not step out after 7 p.m. They are independent citizens of this country and have fundamental rights. They have the right to live freely,” he said.
He added that ensuring women’s safety was the responsibility of the government and called for measures that would allow women to move freely without fear.
