Arvind Kejriwal: BJP Govt failed to ensure women’s safety, now restricting girls’ freedom
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, September 29, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has criticised the Delhi government over concerns surrounding women’s safety, saying authorities should strengthen security measures instead of advising women and students to avoid going out in the evening.
His remarks came amid protests by Delhi University students following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji. Students have raised concerns over inadequate lighting, surveillance and security around educational institutions and public spaces.
In a video message shared on Tuesday, Kejriwal said the government was “lecturing” girls instead of addressing the security concerns that had led students to protest.
“Why are all the restrictions imposed only on girls?” Kejriwal asked, arguing that women should be able to move freely and that the government’s responsibility was to provide adequate security.
Kejriwal said the government should expand CCTV surveillance across Delhi, establish real-time monitoring and improve street lighting, particularly in areas identified as unsafe.
He claimed that the previous AAP government had installed 2.62 lakh CCTV cameras and 2.80 lakh street lights, but alleged that more than half of these are currently non-functional. These figures and the claim about the present status were part of Kejriwal’s statement and were not independently verified in the material available.
He also called for two women police officers to be deployed inside every college to strengthen the security of female students.
“Women are independent citizens and have fundamental rights. They have the right to live and the right to freedom,” Kejriwal said, adding that women should not be told to remain indoors after a particular hour because of security concerns.
Kejriwal also made allegations about the political protection of people accused of crimes against women, claiming that those accused of rape or harassment are sometimes protected after joining the BJP. The allegation was made by Kejriwal and was not independently established in his statement.
The issue has triggered renewed scrutiny of women’s safety infrastructure in Delhi. Following the Aastha Kunj incident, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of parks, including checks on lighting, security arrangements and patrolling.
Delhi Police has also begun reviewing safety gaps in parks and other public areas, while students have continued to demand stronger security measures around colleges and roads used by women.
New Delhi, September 29, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has criticised the Delhi government over concerns surrounding women’s safety, saying authorities should strengthen security measures instead of advising women and students to avoid going out in the evening.
His remarks came amid protests by Delhi University students following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji. Students have raised concerns over inadequate lighting, surveillance and security around educational institutions and public spaces.
In a video message shared on Tuesday, Kejriwal said the government was “lecturing” girls instead of addressing the security concerns that had led students to protest.
“Why are all the restrictions imposed only on girls?” Kejriwal asked, arguing that women should be able to move freely and that the government’s responsibility was to provide adequate security.
Kejriwal said the government should expand CCTV surveillance across Delhi, establish real-time monitoring and improve street lighting, particularly in areas identified as unsafe.
He claimed that the previous AAP government had installed 2.62 lakh CCTV cameras and 2.80 lakh street lights, but alleged that more than half of these are currently non-functional. These figures and the claim about the present status were part of Kejriwal’s statement and were not independently verified in the material available.
He also called for two women police officers to be deployed inside every college to strengthen the security of female students.
“Women are independent citizens and have fundamental rights. They have the right to live and the right to freedom,” Kejriwal said, adding that women should not be told to remain indoors after a particular hour because of security concerns.
Kejriwal also made allegations about the political protection of people accused of crimes against women, claiming that those accused of rape or harassment are sometimes protected after joining the BJP. The allegation was made by Kejriwal and was not independently established in his statement.
The issue has triggered renewed scrutiny of women’s safety infrastructure in Delhi. Following the Aastha Kunj incident, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of parks, including checks on lighting, security arrangements and patrolling.
Delhi Police has also begun reviewing safety gaps in parks and other public areas, while students have continued to demand stronger security measures around colleges and roads used by women.