This Article is From Apr 18, 2014

BJP offers security to Arvind Kejriwal 'if he so desires'

BJP offers security to Arvind Kejriwal 'if he so desires'

Arvind Kejriwal is fighting Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi

Varanasi: After the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of being behind attacks on party leader Arvind Kejriwal, the BJP today hit back, saying politics in India cannot be fought with theatrics and offered security for the AAP leader. ('Mango man' Arvind Kejriwal, India's newest political star)

"Politics in India is not a film script and real issues of India will not be solved by theatrics," BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli told PTI on the AAP's accusations about the BJP being behind protests against Kejriwal.

Another senior BJP leader Sunil Oza, a former MLA from Gujarat, said the people of Varanasi would never indulge in activities like throwing eggs on anyone. (Thought public would praise us for quitting: Arvind Kejriwal to NDTV)

"If Kejriwal is worried about his security, we can provide that through our karyakartas (workers)," Oza said.

Kejriwal, who is fighting Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi against Modi, was gheraoed (surrounded) by a huge crowd of 500-700 people on Thursday night and police had to use mild force to disperse the crowd and whisk away the AAP leader. (India Votes 2014: full coverage)

He faced further protests today, after which the AAP accused BJP of being behind these protests. The party has also sought action by the Election Commission. (In Varanasi, Arvind Kejriwal faces a poster war)

BJP has, however, distanced itself from any such protests and said that it was not at all worried about Kejriwal in these elections, as he was a "mere distraction". (Stones thrown at Arvind Kejriwal in Varanasi)

Oza said BJP has been repeatedly appealing to the people of the city to restrain themselves and if Kejriwal is not being welcomed by people here spontaneously, he should seek
police protection.

"We are open to providing him our own workers to help him with his security, if he so desires," the leader said. (Arvind Kejriwal meets auto-driver who slapped him, gets an apology)

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