In an alleged 'backlash' against the ruling AAP on Tuesday, two of its senior members — a party’s national spokesperson and a Minister — were “manhandled” by a mob at Delhi Secretariat no sooner they reached there.
Interestingly, the incident was followed by the midnight incident of alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by couple of party MlAs at CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence purportedly in his presence.
The AAP hurried for a Press conference slamming the attack on its members at the Secretariat allegedly in the presence of the Delhi Police.
The Chief Secretary in his complaint to the Delhi Police said he was made to sit in between two party MlAs on a three-seater sofa in a room locked from inside, while Kejriwal was present there asking him to explain, the reason for the delay in release of the TV campaign of the Government, it to the MlAs. As per the complaint about 11 MlAs were present in the room along with CM and his Deputy.
However, the AAP said the Chief Secretary was asked about the problems in delivery of PDS and not about the release of ad-campaign.
"He replied that he was not answerable to the people's representatives, and only to the lieutenant-Governor," said Ashish Khetan, national spokesperson of the party.
Also, recalling the morning incident, Khetan said he had a narrow escape while the mob attacked him no sooner he entered the Delhi Secretariat.
"As soon as I entered the Delhi Secretariat, about 100-150 people surrounded me and started raising slogans and said "Maro-Maro". Thanks to my PSO and my staff that I escaped without being hurt. But my staff got beaten up in the process," he said.
The AAP alleged that a similar attack took place on Cabinet Minister Imran Hussain minutes after the first attack. The Minister was chased up to the lift with assailants shouting to drag him out and beat him.
The AAP asserted that video-footage allegedly shows that mob mercilessly assaulted the Minister's associate despite the presence of Delhi Police personnel.
"The Home Minister has already delivered his verdict by tweeting on the issue, before the formal inquiry has taken place. How can we expect an independent probe into this case if the Home Minister has already declared who is at faultIJ It's very unfortunate that no hearing has been granted to us," said Khetan .
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "I am deeply pained by the happenings involving the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government. The civil servants should be allowed to work with dignity and without fear." While in his very next tweet he said, "The MHA has sought a report on the incident from the lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Justice will be done. A delegation of IAS, DANICS & subordinate Services met me today and apprised me of the prevailing situation."