On a day when the Model Code of Conduct came into force, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and BJP supporters clashed in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat on Wednesday following the detention of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in Gujarat. Kejriwal had embarked on a four-day tour of the State to take on BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on his home turf.
Kejriwal was taken to Radhanpur police station in Patan district of north Gujarat and allowed to go after half-an-hour. The party claimed he was detained, but district administration denied it saying he was only briefed about the Model Code of Conduct.
As word about Kejriwal’s detention spread, AAP protestors, led by party leaders Shazia Ilmi and Ashutosh, started protesting outside the BJP headquarters in Delhi. The protest turned violent with both sides hurling stones at each other. Plastic chairs were also hurled from inside the BJP office on the crowds. “What was the need to detain Kejriwal? This rally was fixed days in advance. Modi is scared of Kejriwal. Rahul Gandhi is in Aurangabad but he wasn’t stopped,” Ilmi said.
Delhi Police used water cannon and mild force to disperse the protestors. About 75 people, including AAP leader and LS candidate from Chandni Chowk Ashutosh, were detained, while 11, including three policemen, were injured in the clash.