New Delhi: New Delhi was shaken on Wednesday morning after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked during her weekly Jan Sunvai programme at her official residence in Civil Lines. The shocking incident has triggered an uproar across political parties, with the BJP calling it a cowardly act, while the Congress accused the ruling dispensation of failing to ensure women’s safety in the national capital.
According to initial reports, a 41-year-old man approached the CM pretending to hand over grievance papers, but suddenly assaulted her, allegedly pulling her hair and attempting to slap her. The Chief Minister, though not seriously injured, was left visibly shaken. She was immediately examined by a team of doctors and is reported to be stable. Delhi Police quickly apprehended the attacker, identified as Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakariya from Rajkot, Gujarat. An investigation is underway to determine his motive.
The Delhi CMO issued a statement confirming the incident: “A person attacked CM Rekha Gupta during Jan Sunvai today. The accused has been arrested and is being questioned by Delhi Police.”
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva strongly condemned the attack, saying, “During Jan Sunvai, a man presented some paper and suddenly grabbed the CM’s hand, attempting to pull her. People immediately caught him. The CM is stable, and doctors have checked her. Let me clarify — there was no stone-pelting or major assault, but any such incident is unacceptable. Rekha ji is determined; she has said Jan Sunvai will not stop.”
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa went further, calling it a “political conspiracy”, alleging that rivals were attempting to stop the CM from staying connected with the public.
On the other hand, the Congress sharpened its attack on the government. Senior Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, “This is shameful. There is no place for violence in politics. But I also want to remind BJP that when Arvind Kejriwal was attacked, BJP leaders had accused him of staging it. Now the question is — what really happened here? Was this just an attack or something more sinister? Still, we strongly condemn it and demand strict action.”
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav linked the incident to the larger issue of law and order, asking: “If the Chief Minister of Delhi herself is not safe, how can any ordinary man or woman feel secure in this city? This raises serious questions on women’s safety and governance.”
Former CM Atishi also issued a sharp statement on social media, saying, “The attack on CM Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democracy, disagreement and protest are valid, but violence is unacceptable. Delhi Police must act swiftly to ensure accountability.”
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the attack happened suddenly between 8:05 and 8:10 am. “He was waiting for his chance. The moment he got close to the CM, he lunged forward. Within seconds, security intervened and dragged him away,” one witness said.
