Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked on Wednesday during a public grievance meeting (Jan Sunvai) at her residence in Civil Lines. Police said a man was taken into custody soon after the incident.
According to initial reports, the attacker allegedly slapped the chief minister and pulled her hair before being overpowered by security personnel. However, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who later met Gupta, denied these claims. He said the man only tried to pull the CM’s hand, which caused some jostling and “maybe her head touched the edge of a table a little.” Sachdeva said she was examined by doctors and is stable.
Delhi BJP, in its first statement, said that a “mishap happened during Jan Sunvai at CM Residence, Civil Lines” and strongly condemned the attack. Sachdeva added that police are investigating and details will come out soon. He also praised Gupta for showing strength, saying, “This has caused some shock, but she is a strong woman. Jan Sunvai will continue. She is resting now but has not cancelled her programmes.”
Officials from the CM’s office said Gupta was listening to people’s complaints when the man suddenly moved forward, handed her a piece of paper, began shouting and using abusive language, and then slapped her. Security guards quickly caught him and handed him over to the police. The attacker is now being questioned at Civil Lines Police Station. The motive is not yet clear.
Eyewitness Anjali, who claimed she was present during the incident, told ANI that the man “suddenly slapped her while speaking” and was immediately taken away by the police. “This is wrong. If the CM can be slapped, then it is a big deal,” she said.
Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor also said the man abused the CM and physically attacked her by pulling her hair. He added that the person seemed to have criminal intent and political leanings, and confirmed that he is now in police custody.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav called it “very unfortunate” and said, “The CM leads the entire Delhi, and such incidents must be strongly condemned.” He further pointed out that the attack shows how serious women’s safety issues are in the capital. “If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or woman be safe?” he asked.
