CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Political row over Nishu Azad case, Congress-BJP face off
The Nishu Azad case linked to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has now taken a political turn. Allegations of assault on Nishu Azad’s father, Sanjay Kumar, during a protest have intensified the exchange of charges between the Congress and the BJP. The issue heated up further after videos linked to social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who is being described as an accused, and claims about his alleged political contacts surfaced.
Rahul Gandhi extends support to Nishu
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, while supporting Nishu Azad, said she need not be afraid and that he was with her. After this, Congress leaders raised questions over the Delhi Police action and the FIR in the case. Congress leader Pawan Khera and other leaders also demanded strict action in the matter. The Congress has alleged that police action was delayed because of political influence. Congress leaders have described it as a serious matter linked to law and order and the safety of protesters.
What does accused Swatantra Bhardwaj say?
Swatantra Bhardwaj, who is being described as an accused in the case, has claimed in his defence that whatever he did was in self-defence. He also said that if he had not defended himself, the situation could have become more serious. However, his claims are yet to be independently verified. The controversy escalated after a viral video linked to Bhardwaj. CJP and opposition leaders have raised questions over his alleged statements in the video. Delhi Police have rejected allegations of political interference and said the investigation is continuing.
BJP targets Congress
BJP leaders have accused the Congress of turning the matter into a political issue. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, questioning the activism of Rahul Gandhi and CJP, said that in a sensitive matter, the law should be allowed to do its work instead of political statements being made. The BJP has also said that a person cannot be held guilty on the basis of allegations and political claims. The outcome of the police investigation and legal process in the case should be awaited.
Questions also raised over police action
CJP staged a protest outside Delhi’s Parliament Street police station and demanded the arrest of the accused. Protesters said that sufficiently serious sections had not been included in the initial FIR. Later, it emerged that sections linked to the SC/ST Act were being added in the case and other legal provisions were being considered. On September 4, it was reported that police had assured action within 72 hours. After this, reports emerged that Swatantra Bhardwaj had been detained from Bulandshahr. It has also been said that more sections could be added to the FIR during the investigation.
Why did the case become a major political issue?
The Nishu Azad case is no longer being seen merely as an alleged assault incident. Issues such as the safety of protesters, police action, allegations of political protection and Dalit rights have also become linked to it. The Congress is calling it a question of law and order and the safety of weaker sections under BJP rule, while the BJP says the matter is being used for political gain. For now, the allegations are still under investigation. Therefore, the allegations against Swatantra Bhardwaj and the claims made by political parties should be viewed in the light of the final findings of the investigation.
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