Environment of fear being created in Varanasi: Kejriwal on attack on AAP volunteers

Varanasi: Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has alleged that BJP workers are attacking "common people in AAP caps" in Varanasi, where he is contesting the general elections against Narendra Modi.

The AAP chief said, "There is an atmosphere of terror in Kashi... who are these people who are resorting to violence... these are the BJP's goons... If they think they can scare us, they're mistaken."

Last night, the police said, two AAP volunteers, Nandan Mishra and Ankit Lal, had an argument with some people who wore BJP badges at the Assi Ghat in the temple town, which later turned into a brawl. (Read: AAP alleges its volunteers attacked by BJP workers in Varanasi)

Mr Kejriwal alleged that in other incidents, AAP posters have been torn off autorickshaws. "The people of Kashi are upset and they have decided to teach the BJP a lesson in these elections," he said.

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The BJP has promised action if at all its workers were involved. The party's Nalin Kohli alleged that "There are equal reports that AAP people instigate and this leads to heated arguments sometimes."

He told NDTV, "We appeal to all supporters and the public not to get into any physical altercation... If a worker is involved, we will take strict action," but pointed out that "All people who wear BJP badges are not party workers."

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"Nandan Mishra, the guitarist of Play4Change campaign is in hospital now, bleeding bcz of attack. From Varanasi. (sic)," AAP tweeted on Monday night, saying its volunteers had been "severely attacked". Play4Change is a musical election campaign that AAP takes from city to city.

Sometime later, Mr Mishra, with a bruised nose and a nostril plugged, said he was kicked and punched by a "group of around15-20 people who wore BJP badges."

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Ankit Lal said their alleged attackers had criticised AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and when the AAP workers objected, assaulted them.