Today, On 22nd January, BJP MP Parvesh Verma filed a Rs.100-crore defamation suit against AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann over alleged false statements. Verma claims the AAP made baseless accusations to influence voters, while Kejriwal criticized Verma’s remarks on Punjabis and demanded an apology. Verma pledged to use any awarded damages for the development of the New Delhi constituency.
New Delhi: BJP MP Parvesh Verma initiated a Rs.100-crore defamation lawsuit against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that they made false accusations against him.
Verma stated that if he wins the case, he intends to allocate the funds towards development projects in his New Delhi constituency, where he is contesting the February 5 assembly elections against Kejriwal.
In response to Kejriwal’s claim that Verma referred to Punjabis as a threat to the country, the BJP leader remarked,
“I don’t need to mention what I and my family have done for the Sikh community.”
Verma also claimed that numerous vehicles from Punjab, carrying AAP ministers, legislators, and even Chief Minister Mann, have recently entered Delhi to campaign for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Adding that he has lodged complaints with both the police and the Election Commission, Verma alleged,
“I have no issue with their campaigning, but they are influencing voters by distributing CCTV cameras from Chinese companies, liquor, and money,”
The BJP leader accused Kejriwal of resorting to lies out of frustration over his party’s “imminent defeat.” He further criticized Kejriwal for allegedly insulting Hindu sentiments with his comments regarding Ram and Hanuman.
Referring to the BJP’s election symbol, he said,
“The people of Delhi will respond on February 5, and on February 8, the lotus will bloom,”
Earlier, Kejriwal condemned Verma’s remarks about vehicles from Punjab posing a security threat ahead of the January 26 parade in a post on X.
Kejriwal stated in Hindi,
“Delhi is home to lakhs of Punjabis, whose families and ancestors have made countless sacrifices for the country. Many Punjabis also came to Delhi as refugees during the partition, leaving everything behind and enduring immense suffering. Punjabis have shaped Delhi,”
Criticizing Verma’s statement, Kejriwal added,
“By calling Punjabis a threat to the country, BJP has insulted lakhs of Punjabis living in Delhi. This is deeply painful to hear. BJP should apologize to Punjabis.”