Arvind Kejriwal writes to Amit Shah, seeks meeting to discuss law and order situation

AAP chief expresses concern over cases of murder, extortion and hoax bomb threats to schools; letter to Shah a ‘political stunt’, Delhi’s ruling party equally responsible for rising crime, says Cong.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking an urgent meeting to discuss Delhi’s “poor” law and order situation due to which, he said, the city is being referred to as the country’s “crime capital”.

The letter comes amid AAP’s concerted attack over the issue on the BJP-led Centre and the Union Home Minister — to whom Delhi Police reports — ahead of the Assembly poll due in February next year.

When asked to respond to the former Chief Minister’s allegations, the BJP did not respond.

Meanwhile, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav termed Mr. Kejriwal’s letter a “publicity stunt” and said the AAP government is equally responsible for the situation as it chose not to discuss it with the Centre and the Lieutenant-Governor for months despite his party’s repeated requests.

“The lack of seriousness on the part of Kejriwal is clear as he has not mentioned Chief Minister Atishi’s name for the meeting with Shah. Such issues are discussed with the CM or Ministers, and not with a party chief,” he added.

In his communication to Mr. Shah, the former CM said he was compelled to raise the issue with him as the responsibility of maintaining the city’s law and order lies with the Union Home Minister.

‘Drug mafia flourishing’

The AAP chief said extortion gangs and the drug mafia had “taken hold over the city” while incidents of mobile and chain snatchings have become “widespread” with criminals “bold enough to carry out shootings and stabbings”.

“Among 19 metro cities in India, Delhi ranks first in crimes against women and also tops the list of murders. Since 2019, drug-related crimes in Delhi have risen by 350%. On average, three women are raped every day in the city,” he said. 

He added that “over 300 bomb threat calls have been made to Delhi schools and colleges, hospitals, airports, and malls” in the past six months.

“Why are these fake threat callers not being apprehended? Can you imagine what a child and their parents go through when schools are evacuated due to bomb threats and children are sent home in panic?” he stated.

“Today, every parent and child in Delhi lives under the shadow of fear. It is shameful that under your watch, our proud city is being referred to as the ‘rape capital,’ drug capital, and ‘gangster capital’,” he added.

‘Come for open debate’

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva dared Mr. Kejriwal to an open debate on air pollution, the Yamuna river cleaning, health facilities and the issues of water and power supply.

The BJP leader said several people had lost their lives due to drowning during monsoon this year and that “it speaks volumes about AAP’s work”.

Published - December 15, 2024 01:00 am IST