BJP’s Desperate Tactics: The Stone-Pelting Incident and the Erosion of Democracy
In a deeply disturbing turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders on Saturday alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s car was attacked with stones during his election campaign in New Delhi. The incident, which was reportedly orchestrated by BJP-affiliated goons, marks yet another attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to intimidate, harass, and prevent political opponents from freely campaigning. This act of violence is a clear indication of the BJP’s panic as they realize they are facing imminent defeat in Delhi.
The AAP has been at the forefront of challenging the BJP’s dominance in the capital, and as the election approaches, it is clear that the ruling party is resorting to increasingly desperate and violent tactics to maintain its grip on power.
The stone pelting incident is not just an attack on Arvind Kejriwal; it is an attack on the very principles of democracy, free speech, and political participation. By resorting to goon-like tactics to silence their political opponents, the BJP has shown that it is willing to go to any lengths to protect its interests, even if it means undermining the integrity of the democratic process.
The video, released by AAP, shows a group of people waving black flags and a stone being thrown at Kejriwal’s vehicle while he was campaigning. According to AAP, the BJP candidate for New Delhi, Pravesh Verma, was behind the attack, with his supporters allegedly orchestrating the violence.
In response, the AAP was quick to label the incident as a “planned attack” by the BJP, aimed at intimidating their leader and preventing him from continuing his campaign.
The BJP’s tactics of using violence to suppress political opponents are not new. From the use of muscle power in elections to the harassment of opposition leaders, the party has a long history of relying on extrajudicial methods to maintain control.
The stone pelting incident is merely the latest example of this pattern. The timing of the attack is also significant. As the election draws nearer, the BJP has realized that it is losing the narrative, and with Kejriwal’s popularity soaring among Delhiites, they fear the consequences of an impending defeat. The use of violence is a manifestation of their panic, as they try to stifle a campaign that is gaining momentum.
The Delhi Police, which functions under the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has denied any incident of stone pelting, stating that the situation involved some individuals waving black flags at Kejriwal but that they were quickly removed from the scene. This claim, however, stands in stark contrast to the video footage released by the AAP, which clearly shows a stone being hurled at Kejriwal’s car.
The response of the Delhi Police raises serious concerns about its impartiality and role in protecting democracy. Under the current BJP-led central government, the Delhi Police has consistently shown a biased approach, often siding with the ruling party when it comes to issues of law enforcement.
This incident is a prime example of the police’s failure to uphold the law and protect citizens from political violence. Rather than taking swift action to identify the culprits behind the stone pelting, the Delhi Police has chosen to downplay the incident and deny the reality of what transpired. This selective application of the law is part of a broader pattern of political favoritism, where the police act as an extension of the government, rather than an independent institution that serves the public.
The growing nexus between the BJP and law enforcement agencies such as the Delhi Police has raised alarms about the erosion of democratic norms in India. With the police often working in tandem with the ruling party to suppress dissent, it has become increasingly difficult for opposition parties to operate freely and fairly.
The AAP, in particular, has been the target of numerous attacks, both physical and legal, and yet the authorities fail to hold the perpetrators accountable. This not only undermines the credibility of the police but also sends a dangerous message that political violence is tolerated, as long as it serves the interests of the ruling party.
The BJP’s use of violent tactics to suppress political opposition is part of a larger strategy to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. By deploying goons and musclemen to attack political leaders, the BJP is sending a message that political participation is only permissible if it aligns with their agenda. This attack on Arvind Kejriwal is not just an attempt to disrupt his campaign; it is an attempt to send a warning to anyone who dares to challenge the BJP’s dominance.
This is a dangerous precedent for Indian democracy. The use of goon tactics to undermine the opposition weakens the political process and erodes trust in the institutions that are supposed to uphold the rule of law. When political violence is allowed to flourish unchecked, it sets a dangerous example for the future of India’s democracy.
Political violence breeds fear, stifles free expression, and ultimately undermines the foundations of democratic governance. If the BJP continues down this path, it will not only tarnish its own reputation but will also threaten the stability of the democratic institutions that have been built over decades.
Despite the BJP’s attempts to silence Kejriwal and the AAP through violence and intimidation, the people of Delhi are resolute in their support for the party and its leaders. Arvind Kejriwal’s popularity in Delhi has grown due to his commitment to the people and his focus on issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The people of Delhi know that Kejriwal represents a break from the corrupt and divisive politics of the BJP.
The stone pelting incident is a desperate attempt by the BJP to derail Kejriwal’s campaign, but it is clear that such tactics will not succeed. The people of Delhi have seen through the BJP’s divisive politics and are ready to give a resounding verdict in favor of AAP. The BJP may use violence, threats, and intimidation to try to control the narrative, but it cannot silence the voice of the people.
The stone pelting incident against Arvind Kejriwal is just the latest example of the BJP’s willingness to resort to violence to suppress political opposition. This attack is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment designed to stifle dissent and maintain the BJP’s grip on power. The Delhi Police, under the BJP’s influence, has failed to take appropriate action, further eroding trust in the rule of law.
The people of Delhi will not be intimidated by the BJP’s cowardly tactics. They will continue to support Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP, knowing that they represent a better, more democratic future for the city. The BJP’s actions must be condemned in the strongest terms, and it is time for the central government to be held accountable for the erosion of democratic values and the use of violence in politics. India’s democracy deserves better than this.