In a significant development ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, the Punjab Police personnel deployed for the security of Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) national convener and Delhi’s former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have been withdrawn. Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Thursday confirmed the decision, stating that the move followed the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Delhi Police.
Kejriwal, who retains Z-Plus security, will now be fully under the protection of the Delhi Police. DGP Yadav, interacting with media during his tour to Bathinda, Ferozepur and Patiala ranges, said: “From time to time, we receive threat reports concerning Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal. We have always shared these inputs with concerned agencies. Following today’s instructions from the ECI and Delhi Police, we have officially withdrawn the Punjab Police component from Kejriwal’s security detail.”
The DGP assured continued collaboration between Punjab and Delhi authorities, emphasizing that intelligence reports would be shared promptly to address any potential threats.
The withdrawal decision comes amid heightened political tension and allegations of security risks. BJP leader Parvesh Verma, who is contesting against Kejriwal, recently raised questions about the presence of numerous Punjab-registered vehicles in Delhi, particularly in sensitive areas as the city gears up for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
Verma had remarked, “There are thousands of vehicles with Punjab registration roaming around Delhi. Who are these people, and what are they doing here? Are they posing a threat to our security, especially during such a critical period?”
Responding sharply, AAP accused Verma of maligning Punjabis and stirring unnecessary controversy. The party dismissed his claims as baseless and labeled them an insult to Punjab’s citizens.
The security adjustment also followed recent intelligence warnings about a potential attack on Kejriwal, allegedly planned by pro-Khalistan operatives. The threat was compounded by an incident last Saturday when AAP shared a video of an alleged stone-throwing attack on Kejriwal’s vehicle during a campaign rally. The party accused supporters of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma of orchestrating the act.
The BJP has denied involvement, dismissing AAP’s allegations as a diversionary tactic ahead of the elections.
Earlier this week, Delhi Police had written to Punjab Police seeking details about VIPs from Punjab present in Delhi and their security arrangements. The letter emphasized the need to coordinate protection amid election campaigns and public gatherings in the capital.
With Delhi set to vote on February 5, and results to be declared on February 8, the decision to modify Kejriwal’s security detail is seen as a politically-charged move.