Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was at loss of words after the gang-rape of a foreigner rocked the national Capital on Wednesday. The AAP chief, who was extremely critical of the previous Government led by Sheila Dikshit over the safety of women, maintained a stoic silence over the incident that took place in the crowded Connaught Place falling under his own Assembly Constituency of New Delhi. Safety of women in the Capital was a key poll issue of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party during the recent Assembly polls.
Kejriwal, who had offered immediate solution to each and every problems of the city including women safety before the polls, appeared no different from rest of the political class. On being asked about the incident, the Chief Minister said he would take up the matter with the lieutenant Governor of Delhi and also discuss the issue with senior Delhi Police officials next week. “I have spoken to the l-G over the law and order issue. A meeting with senior Delhi Police officials will be convened next week to analyse the situation,” Kejriwal said. What brought bigger embarrassment to the Government, its Women and Child Welfare Minister Rakhi Birla was caught unaware of the incident. All she could tell the mediapersons was “she would discuss the matter with CM Kejriwal.” It is pertinent to mention here that Birla had recently stroked a controversy by lodging an FIR against a boy after his cricket ball hit the windscreen of her car partially damaging it.
The AAP while releasing its manifesto for the elections had promised both long-term and short-term solutions for deteriorating law and order situation. However, the Government has so far failed to take a step in this regard. The AAP’s promises included creating Citizens’ Security Force in each of Delhi’s 272 wards that would provide security to anyone in distress, with special focus on security of women, children and senior citizens. Further, the party had emphasised on lighting and security provisions on roads, parks, buses and all public spaces. However, the latest incident speaks volumes of the apathy and inaction on part of the Government and Aam Aadmi Party which has failed to suggest any measure to make Delhi safer for women.