The shocking assault on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has spiraled into a major political slugfest between ruling BJP and Aam Aadmi Party. Hours after the attack, a BJP lawmaker circulated a photograph alleging links between the attacker and the AAP. However, AAP leader Gopal Italia has hit back at the claims made by BJP MLA Harish Khurana, calling the image ‘doctored.’
Earlier in the day, Khurana posted an image on various social media platforms, claiming it showed the accused, Sakaria Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, with the AAP’s Gujarat lawmaker. He also said that the photo raised doubts about political involvement in the attack that took place during Gupta’s Jan Sunwai at her Civil Lines residence.
“What many suspected has now been confirmed. The photo with @ArvindKejriwal’s close aide @Gopal_Italia speaks volumes. It strongly indicates that today’s attack on @gupta_rekha ji is linked to @AamAadmiParty. Will Kejriwal ji clarify the reality behind this picture? Kejriwal ji, please explain — ‘What is this relationship called?’ Unbelievable,” Khurana wrote on X.
Italia lashed out at Khurana, branding him a “petty troll” while invoking the legacy of his late father, former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana.
“Harish Khurana ji, you don’t command more respect than a troll. Before stooping to such cheap tricks, did you not think of your father Madan Lal ji’s honour?” Mr. Italia wrote. “Looking at your antics, which are worse than those of a low-level BJP worker paid a couple of rupees per tweet, would the late Madan Lal Khurana ji be proud? Or would he feel ashamed to see his son reduced to a troll?”
He further urged media outlets not to run the BJP MLA’s claims without verification, warning of possible legal action. AAP also shared the original video link, showing Mr. Italia with another individual — not the man accused of the attack.
AAP’s Gujarat unit also dismissed the claim outright, calling the image fabricated and accusing the BJP of using AI tools to spread misinformation.
“This picture is fake and digitally altered. It has been created through Artificial Intelligence to defame AAP,” said Gujarat AAP spokesperson Karan Barot.
He noted that the still had been lifted from a Facebook video dated August 2, which remains visible on Italia’s page.
While BJP leaders portrayed the assault as politically motivated, AAP MLA Anil Jha argued it was staged. “There was no attack. I have known her for years. This is a drama, and she arranged for someone to enact it,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed the arrest of Sakaria Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai from Rajkot, who has been charged with attempt to murder under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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