Delhi Erupts in Protests: AAP vs. BJP Clash Over Chandigarh Elections and Corruption Allegations

Over 200 workers from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were detained on Friday afternoon in New Delhi during separate protests over the Chandigarh mayoral elections.

The AAP had planned a demonstration against alleged "cheating" in the polls near the BJP headquarters, while the BJP countered with a protest over claimed "corruption" in the Arvind Kejriwal government outside the AAP office.

Both groups were prevented from reaching their intended destinations due to heavy police barricading and a strong security presence. Around 1,000 personnel were deployed, including paramilitary companies and anti-riot gear.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed a gathering at his party office, accusing the BJP of "stealing" votes in Chandigarh. He was joined by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Kejriwal warned that if the BJP could manipulate local elections, they might resort to similar tactics in larger polls. He called for peaceful protests and urged his supporters to comply with police restrictions.

The BJP defended its actions, stating their protest aimed to highlight Kejriwal's alleged corruption. They denied any wrongdoing in Chandigarh.

Meanwhile, AAP leaders claimed several of their members, including MLAs and councillors, were placed under house arrest or detained to prevent their participation. Delhi Minister Gopal Rai criticized the police action, calling it unprecedented and accusing them of instigating anarchy.

Traffic snarls were reported in central Delhi due to the protests and security measures. Roads leading to the DDU Marg, where both party offices are located, were closed since morning. Commuters faced long jams on the DDU Marg, GT Karnal Road, NH-24, and Akshardham-Noida Link Road.

AAP leader Durgesh Pathak alleged that Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi was among those placed under house arrest, accusing the BJP of turning Delhi into a "jail."

AAP ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the BJP's motives, asking why they feared protests over the Chandigarh polls and whether they were scared of Kejriwal.

The BJP secured all three posts in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections on Tuesday, dealing a blow to the Congress-AAP alliance. However, the results have been disputed by the AAP, leading to the current protests.