NEW DELHI: Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Union home minister Amit Shah, accusing him of allowing the national capital to descend into chaos under his watch. In a strongly worded letter, Kejriwal criticised the deteriorating law and order in Delhi, claiming that the city is now known as the “rape, drug, and gangster capital.”
“I write to you with a heavy heart as the Home Minister of the country responsible for Delhi’s law and order,” Kejriwal began. “Crime against women is skyrocketing, extortion and gangsters are rampant in every street, and drug mafias have found a haven here. It’s a shame that under your leadership, Delhi is being labelled as the crime capital abroad.”
Citing data, he added, “Delhi ranks number one in murders and is the worst among 19 metros for women’s safety. Bomb threats to schools are becoming routine, with over 300 schools and colleges and 100 hospitals receiving such threats in the past six months. There’s been a 350% rise in drug-related cases since 2019.”
Kejriwal’s letter follows a series of incidents, including bomb threats at Delhi schools this week, which he said have shaken public confidence. The Delhi high court has already directed the Delhi government and police to develop a comprehensive action plan to handle such emergencies, with a deadline of eight weeks.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also taken to social media, accusing Shah of failing in his duties. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party shared an image of Shah with the caption, “Seeing Delhi bleeding, Mogambo is happy,” referencing the villain from the movie Mr India.
Kejriwal echoed similar sentiments earlier, stating, “Another morning with heartbreaking news. Bullets are being fired openly, and criminals no longer fear the law.”
AAP MP Sanjay Singh has called for a parliamentary discussion on Delhi’s security, raising concerns over a spate of incidents, including bomb threats and violent crimes. Singh noted, “These incidents are happening in the heart of the country while Parliament is in session. What message does this send about the security of our capital?” n
With Assembly elections approaching, both AAP and BJP are engaged in a fierce campaign battle, accusing each other of neglecting Delhi’s needs.