Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has criticised the BJP-led Delhi government over its response to concerns surrounding women’s safety, questioning advice reportedly asking girls to avoid stepping out after 7 pm. He said the government should strengthen security instead of restricting women’s freedom.
Sharing a video message on Tuesday, Kejriwal said the recent Aastha Kunj rape case had triggered anger among female students in Delhi, with students from several women’s colleges taking to the streets to demand greater security.
He questioned why restrictions on movement were being placed on women instead of improving security arrangements.
“The government has told girls to stop stepping out of their homes in the evening and at night. Why are all the restrictions imposed only on girls?” Kejriwal said.
He called for Delhi to be covered by a comprehensive CCTV network with real-time monitoring. He also proposed setting up a central command structure and installing streetlights at dark spots to improve security.
Kejriwal claimed that the previous AAP government had installed 2.62 lakh CCTV cameras and 2.80 lakh streetlights across Delhi. He alleged that more than half of these installations are currently non-functional and urged the government to restore them.
“Delhi is the national capital, and the government cannot provide security within Delhi?” he said, calling for immediate measures to strengthen surveillance and lighting infrastructure.
Kejriwal also suggested deploying two women police officers at every college to enhance the safety of female students.
The AAP leader further made allegations against the BJP, claiming that people accused of crimes against women sometimes receive political protection. He alleged that such incidents could create a perception that those involved in harassment or sexual offences could escape accountability through political connections.
Kejriwal concluded by asserting that women are independent citizens with fundamental rights and should not be told to remain indoors after a particular hour.
“Women have the right to live and the right to freedom. They should have complete freedom, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure their complete safety,” he said.
