Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked on Wednesday morning during a weekly public hearing (Jansunwai) at her official residence. The assailant, a man in his 40s, reportedly approached her under the pretext of submitting a complaint before suddenly attacking her.
Security personnel immediately intervened and detained the attacker, who has been identified as Rajesh Sakaria, a resident of Rajkot in Gujarat. He is currently in police custody and being questioned. The Chief Minister was promptly taken to hospital, while senior Delhi Police officials reached the scene to secure the premises and oversee the investigation.
Leaders across party lines have condemned the attack and called for a thorough probe. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Harish Khurana confirmed the incident and questioned the motive behind it. “One person present at the meeting attacked the Chief Minister. Right now, doctors are examining the Chief Minister. We condemn the attack. It should be investigated if this attack was politically motivated,” said Khurana.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a Delhi minister, also suggested the attack could have political underpinnings. “Rivals cannot tolerate the Chief Minister’s work on the ground. An investigation is on to find out who is behind the attacker,” he stated.
According to individuals present at the scene, the attacker approached the Chief Minister holding some documents and engaged in conversation with her before attacking her without warning.
Opposition leaders have also expressed concern and condemned the incident in strong terms. Atishi, Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, stressed the importance of democratic principles.
“The attack on Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democracy, there is a place for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence,” she said. “Hoping that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe,” she added.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, with all angles including political motives are being explored.
