Former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday lashed out at BJP leader Parvesh Verma – his opponent from the New Delhi constituency -- describing him as "Dilli ka chhota sa ladka (a small kid from Delhi)" who has started challenging Punjabis.
Kejriwal, during a press conference, said both Verma and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should apologise to Punjabis for “insulting” them.
Verma alleged on Tuesday that Kejriwal was "misusing" state machinery and resources of Punjab, where AAP is in power, to support his campaign in the New Delhi constituency. He has filed complaints with both the Election Commission and Delhi Police.
"Thousands of vehicles with Punjab registration plates are roaming around here. Who are in those vehicles? Preparations for celebrating January 26 (Republic Day) are going on here. Are they going to do something big here that could put our security system at risk," Verma had said.
At the press conference in Delhi on Wednesday, Kejriwal addressed the issue and claimed, "Verma has said vehicles from Punjab are seen in Delhi and no one knew who were sitting inside... and that it was a threat ahead of Republic Day”.
"So, are all Punjabis terrorists, traitors and a threat to the country?" Kejriwal asked.
"This small kid from Delhi (Parvesh Verma) is now challenging the Punjabis of Delhi and Punjab," he said, asserting the community has made significant contributions to making Delhi what it is today.
Home Minister Amit Shah should apologise to the country and the Punjabis over Verma's statement, Kejriwal said.
The descendents of Delhi's Punjabis gave their lives for the country and lakhs of refugees who came from Pakistan faced untold atrocities, he added.
(With PTI inputs)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
