NEW DELHI: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday accused the BJP of indulging in hooliganism and targeting AAP workers. He also accused the BJP of engaging in "malpractices" and inking the fingers of electors in exchange for money to prevent them from voting.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal also criticised chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar and accused him of "compromising democracy" for personal benefits.
"Who is this biggest goon who is not afraid of the laws of this country? Who is this goon who is arresting journalists and attacking AAP workers and supporters openly? Who is this goon from whom Delhi Police is taking orders and is feeling afraid and helpless?" Kejriwal questioned.
Kejriwal said there was AAP on one side, which was saving Rs 25,000 per month for the common man, and on the other, there was a party indulging in hooliganism.
In a video message later, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP was already resorting to unfair tactics in the face of a "massive defeat". "Despite all these, AAP is heading towards a historic victory and BJP, its worst defeat since the party came into being," the former Delhi chief minister claimed. He alleged that the BJP would use its "goons" and Delhi Police to influence the elections. "They will try to intimidate voters, especially those in slum areas," he claimed.
The former Delhi chief minister further alleged BJP workers would attempt to bribe slum-dwellers by offering Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 and marking their fingers with black ink to prevent them from voting on the day of the election. "Take their money, but do not let them put ink on your finger," he urged voters.
Kejriwal said to counter those "malpractices", his party set up "quick action teams" and distributed spy cameras and body cams in slum areas. "We have deployed cameras to capture BJP goons engaging in any wrongdoing," he said. "We have also formed multiple Quick Response Teams (QRTs) which will reach such locations within 15 minutes to prevent unconstitutional activities and ensure the perpetrators are arrested," the AAP chief said.
Cautioning voters against the alleged BJP manipulations, Kejriwal claimed the party would demolish slums if voted to power. "Selling your votes would be like signing your own death warrant," he said.
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