JOIN USThe controversy over AAP leader Somnath Bharti’s matrimonial dispute is likely to be politically encashed during the campaigning for Bihar elections, projecting it as a case of victimisation by the Centre-controlled Delhi Police, AAP sources said.
Malviya Nagar legislator Bharti, who hails from Gaya district of Bihar, is likely to be projected as a victim of the “anti-Bihari” activities of the police controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, said a senior party leader. “Whether Bharti is arrested or not, the issue of NBW against him and the politicisation of his case is a classic example of victimisation of a Bihari by ‘Modi police’,” said an aide of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Kejriwal has firmly put his weight behind Bharti despite the fresh controversy surrounding the former law minister. In one of his tweets, the Chief Minister said “proud of you” Somnath Bharti. The tweet came at a time when political rivals, including the BJP, mounted pressure on Kejriwal to break his silence on the Bharti issue.
The AAP which has extended support to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the forthcoming Assembly elections in that state is planning to help the Janata Dal-United by sharing the horrible experiences of the Kejriwal government and Bharti’s alleged victimisation to run down Modi and the BJP ahead of balloting, said another source.
The five-phase Bihar elections would begin on October 12 and culminate on November 5.
Asked about the role of police in his case, Bharti said: “All that the investigators are interested is to create catchy headlines. They are not willing to question me while I am available.”
AAP sources said former law minister Bharti’s alleged harassment by police is likely to help polarise a large number of Bihar migrant voters living in Delhi who might go on long breaks to their home state ahead of Diwali.
“Most Bihari migrant workers in Delhi are aware of the Bharti case and his victimisation. Their presence in their state – around the time when the voting would be on – will help spread the anti-BJP sentiment,” said another AAP leader.
Police sources said Bharti’s wife Lipika Mitra Bharti said in her complaint that her husband allegedly let loose his pet dog on her and it bit her. She has also levelled allegations of misrepresentation by Bharti before their marriage.
At present, Bharti has been given a shield against arrest by a court and the decision on whether police should be allowed to question him in custody is pending.
Bharti has had a controversial past due to his infamous “raid” on the homes of women from African nations in South Delhi’s Khirki Extension area in January 2014. The incident made international headlines. Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung recently gave his assent to prosecute Bharti in the case.