New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was physically assaulted on Wednesday during a public grievances meeting (‘Jan Sunwai’) at her Civil Lines residence.
According to eyewitnesses, a man allegedly slapped and pulled the Chief Minister by her hair while she was interacting with citizens. Security personnel and attendees quickly overpowered the assailant, identified as 42-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a resident of Rajkot. He was immediately detained and later arrested by police.
The Chief Minister was examined by doctors and is reported to be stable.
Delhi BJP president clarified that Gupta sustained only a “light blow” during the scuffle, dismissing claims of stone-throwing or a hard slap. “The accused suddenly grabbed the CM’s hand while trying to pull her. People nabbed him instantly. Police are investigating further,” he said.
The incident drew sharp political reactions. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj termed the assault “cowardly, condemnable and a blow to democracy,” demanding the “strictest punishment” for the attacker. She praised Gupta’s “unwavering resolve” and said such “despicable acts against a woman leader” were unacceptable in society.
दिल्ली की मुख्यमंत्री रेखा गुप्ता पर हुआ हमला बेहद निंदनीय है। लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था में विचारों का मतभेद और विरोध स्वीकार्य है, लेकिन हिंसा के लिए कोई स्थान नहीं हो सकता।
मुझे विश्वास है कि दिल्ली पुलिस उचित कार्रवाई करेगी। आशा है कि मुख्यमंत्री पूरी तरह सुरक्षित और स्वस्थ हों।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 20, 2025
Former Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the attack, stressing that “differences in a democracy cannot justify violence” and expressing hope that Gupta remains safe and healthy.
Police are probing the motive behind the attack.
