New Delhi, May 17, 2024 – In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the political landscape, Kanhaiya Kumar, the Congress candidate for North East Delhi, was attacked by a group of seven to eight individuals while campaigning in the national capital. The assailants not only physically assaulted Kumar but also threw black ink on him, causing a significant stir.
The assault occurred in East Delhi’s New Usmanpur area on Friday and was captured on video. These videos quickly went viral, showing the chaotic scenes and the attackers’ brazen behavior. In an audacious move, two of the alleged attackers released videos boasting about their actions. They claimed to have assaulted Kumar because he had purportedly raised slogans supporting the breakup of India and spoken against the Indian Army.
Chhaya Gaurav Sharma, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor from Brahmapuri, filed a complaint detailing the attack. She recounted that she and Kumar were leaving the party’s office in Kartar Nagar when the group of attackers, who initially appeared to garland Kumar, suddenly turned violent. They threw ink on him and began to beat him. Sharma also reported that three to four women, including a female journalist who fell into a drain, were injured in the scuffle. She further alleged that the attackers dragged her to a corner using her stole and threatened to kill her and her husband.
Delhi Police have confirmed receiving Sharma’s complaint and have begun investigating the incident. They are currently verifying the authenticity of the videos and identifying the individuals involved.
In the videos released by the alleged attackers, at least one can be seen holding a garland during the assault. The men proudly displayed their reddened hands, asserting that they had “given an answer with their attack.” They labeled themselves as ‘Sanatani lions’ and accused Kumar of insulting the Indian Army and raising slogans for India’s division, referencing the controversial events at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 2016, when Kumar was the president of the JNU Students’ Union.
Kanhaiya Kumar, aged 37, is a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his vocal criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his staunch defense of free speech and democratic values. His candidacy in North East Delhi pits him against BJP’s Manoj Tiwari, the incumbent Member of Parliament, in a highly anticipated contest. Delhi is set to vote in the sixth phase of the national elections on May 25.
The assault on Kumar has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and activists across the spectrum. Congress leaders have decried the attack as a blatant attempt to intimidate their candidate and disrupt the democratic process. “This is an attack on democracy itself,” said a senior Congress leader. “Such acts of violence are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the attack, calling for swift action against the perpetrators. “Violence has no place in our democracy. The culprits must be brought to justice immediately,” Kejriwal stated.
Kanhaiya Kumar, known for his resilience and fiery rhetoric, addressed the media after the incident. He condemned the attack but reiterated his commitment to his campaign and to fighting for the rights of the common people. “They can throw ink, they can attack me, but they cannot silence the voice of truth,” Kumar declared. “We will continue our fight for justice and democracy.”
This incident has also reignited debates about the state of political discourse and freedom of expression in India. Critics argue that the increasing incidents of political violence reflect a growing intolerance and an alarming trend of suppressing dissenting voices.
Supporters of Kumar and various civil society groups have planned protests and demonstrations to demand justice and to show solidarity with the Congress leader. “This attack is not just on Kanhaiya Kumar; it is an attack on every Indian who believes in democracy and free speech,” said a protest organizer.
As the election date approaches, the incident is likely to further intensify the political atmosphere in North East Delhi. Kumar’s campaign team has expressed concerns about his safety and has called for enhanced security measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
The North East Delhi constituency, known for its diverse electorate, will be a critical battleground in the upcoming elections. The voters’ response to this incident and its impact on Kumar’s campaign could play a significant role in determining the outcome.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice and maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. The assault on Kanhaiya Kumar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by political candidates in India and the need for a more civil and respectful political discourse.
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