Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Assaulted During Jan Sunvai, Attacker From Gujarat Arrested

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked on Wednesday morning during her weekly Jan Sunvai at her official residence in Civil Lines, sparking a political outcry across the capital.

According to police officials, the accused — identified as 41-year-old Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakariya, a resident of Rajkot, Gujarat — first approached the CM as a complainant, handed her some papers, and then suddenly assaulted her by slapping and pulling her hair. The Chief Minister, though not seriously injured, was left shaken and briefly examined by doctors who rushed to her residence.

BJP’s Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva strongly condemned the incident, saying: “The accused gave some papers and suddenly grabbed her hand, attempting to pull her. The CM received a light blow to her head, but her condition is stable. She is a strong woman, and she has assured us that she will not cancel her public meetings.”

He dismissed rumours of stone-pelting, insisting that the incident was limited to a physical assault. “Such incidents in politics are condemnable. Despite this, Jan Sunvai will continue,” Sachdeva added.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also denounced the attack, calling it a conspiracy by political rivals. “The police are investigating, and the truth will soon come out,” he said.

Opposition parties too reacted sharply. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav described the attack as unfortunate and questioned the law and order situation in the capital. “If the CM of Delhi is not safe in her own residence, how can ordinary people feel safe? This also exposes the fragile state of women’s safety,” he said.

Senior AAP leader and former CM Atishi also condemned the assault, urging strict action. In a post on X, she wrote: “The attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In democracy, there is space for disagreement, but not for violence.”

Eyewitnesses present at the programme recounted the chaotic moments. One woman said, “We suddenly heard loud commotion behind us. By the time we turned, police had already overpowered the attacker.” Another added that the assault occurred between 8.05 am and 8.10 am, describing how the accused appeared to be waiting for an opportunity before striking.