News Brief
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Hospitalised After Attack at Public Meeting; Attacker Nabbed
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (X/@gupta_rekha)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was admitted to hospital on Wednesday (20 August) morning after being attacked during a public hearing at her residence, NDTV reported, citing BJP leaders.
The incident occurred when a man, said to be in his thirties, approached Gupta during a weekly ‘Jansunwai’ and attacked her.
CM Gupta's Security personnel quickly overpowered the assailant, who had disguised himself as a complainant at the public meeting, and he is currently under interrogation.
Following the attack, the Chief Minister was taken to hospital, while senior Delhi Police officials reached her residence to secure the area.
The Chief Minister holds a ‘Jansunwai’ at her residence every week to listen to and address citizens’ grievances.
"One person present at the meeting attacked the Chief Minister. Right now, doctors are examining the Chief Minister. We condemn the attack. It should be investigated if this attack was politically motivated," senior BJP leader Harish Khurana was quoted as saying by NDTV.
The BJP alleged that the incident may be part of a larger political conspiracy.
Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that political rivals were unable to accept the Chief Minister’s grassroots initiatives, adding that an inquiry was underway to uncover who orchestrated the attack.
Opposition leader Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party strongly condemned the incident, stressing that violence has no place in democratic politics.
"The attack on Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democracy, there is a place for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence. Hoping that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe," said Atishi.
