Women’s safety became the focal point of a political face-off as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Centre of failing to ensure law and order in Delhi, while the BJP hit back by citing the Swati Maliwal harassment case. Addressing a ‘Mahila Adalat’ event in Delhi, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP prioritizes politics over women’s security despite controlling Delhi Police.
Kejriwal Targets Centre Over Women’s Safety
Speaking at the Thyagaraj Stadium, Kejriwal criticized the BJP for its inability to safeguard women in the national capital. He reiterated that security, which falls under the Centre’s jurisdiction through Delhi Police, remains neglected.
“Ten years ago, you gave me the responsibility to improve schools, hospitals, and water supply in Delhi, and I have done my work. But you gave the responsibility of security to BJP and Amit Shah, who has failed,” Kejriwal asserted.
He emphasized that his government does not treat women as a “vote bank”, claiming to have done everything within its power to improve safety. Highlighting measures taken by the AAP government, he said:
- CCTV Camera Installation: Thousands of cameras have been installed across Delhi to monitor public spaces.
- Bus Marshals: Deploying marshals on public buses to enhance security for women passengers.
Kejriwal claimed that these initiatives were necessary as the Centre has failed in its responsibilities.
Mahila Adalat: A Platform For Survivors
The Mahila Adalat event, marking 12 years since the 2012 Delhi gang rape, served as a somber reminder of ongoing safety issues. Survivors of sexual assault shared their traumatic experiences, moving many to tears.
A short video modeled on ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ was screened, directly accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of inaction on women’s safety.
Akhilesh Yadav Echoes Kejriwal’s Claims
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, an ally of the AAP under the INDIA bloc, backed Kejriwal’s allegations. He questioned the Centre’s role in managing Delhi’s law and order and praised AAP’s efforts.
“The Home Department is there just for the namesake. If they are not able to provide security, then who is doing the job of the Home Department?” Yadav asked.
Yadav also applauded AAP’s governance model, particularly its initiatives in education and healthcare.
BJP Counters With Swati Maliwal Case
The BJP swiftly retaliated, raising the recent harassment complaint by AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal against Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar. BJP leaders accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy, demanding accountability from his own party.
“Kejriwal seems to have forgotten that Akhilesh Yadav’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, once defended boys committing crimes against women, saying ‘boys make mistakes.’ Does Kejriwal have the courage to ask Akhilesh to apologize for his father’s comments?” the BJP stated.
The party labeled the Mahila Adalat event as a “political stunt” and criticized Kejriwal for using women’s safety as a political weapon while ignoring internal issues within AAP.
Women’s Safety: A Lingering Challenge In Delhi
The issue of women’s safety in Delhi has been a contentious subject for years, often becoming a flashpoint for political battles. Despite stricter laws post-2012, systemic failures persist.
Key challenges include:
- Jurisdiction Issues: While law and order is managed by the Centre via Delhi Police, state governments are blamed for failures.
- Inadequate Policing: A lack of police visibility and delayed response times remain common concerns.
- Surveillance Gaps: Although CCTV installations have increased, maintenance and real-time monitoring remain inconsistent.
AAP’s Pro-Women Initiatives
The AAP government has consistently promoted policies aimed at empowering women:
- Free Bus Rides: Providing women free travel on public buses to enhance mobility and safety.
- Mohalla Clinics: Improving healthcare access for women in underserved areas.
- Skill Development Programs: Encouraging women to gain education and employment opportunities.
Kejriwal claimed these initiatives are helping women lead safer and more empowered lives, despite the Centre’s failures.
BJP’s Counter-Narrative
While Kejriwal targeted the Centre, the BJP criticized AAP for failing to address internal issues and for politicizing women’s safety. Leaders argued that raising isolated incidents for political gains weakens genuine efforts to address safety concerns.
By spotlighting the Swati Maliwal case, the BJP sought to challenge AAP’s moral ground on women’s safety.
The Political Face-Off Intensifies
The ongoing clash between AAP and BJP underscores deep political divides. Kejriwal’s direct attack on the Centre highlights the blurred responsibilities over Delhi’s security, while BJP’s retaliation exposes AAP’s internal contradictions.
As the battle over women’s safety continues, the need for coordinated efforts, beyond political blame games, becomes increasingly urgent. Both parties remain locked in a political showdown, leaving Delhiites to await concrete actions that prioritize their safety and security.