Arvind Kejriwal targets Parvesh Verma over ‘slap’ row, demands action on roads

The country's Gen Z expects honesty from the government, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday while slamming the BJP for its Delhi minister Parvesh Verma allegedly slapping a young man recording him inspecting a a road in Tilak Nagar.

Kejriwal also demanded action against those responsible for road work if there was any corruption found.

In a video posted on X, the former Delhi chief minister said a young man present at the site had been slapped and asked how the BJP could expect young people to connect with it when such incidents take place.

"This country's Gen Z expects honesty from you. It expects straightforwardness."

There was no immediate response available from the BJP.

Kejriwal questions BJP's outreach to Gen Z

Kejriwal also alleged that the road constructed in Tilak Nagar was being questioned over its quality and claimed that Delhi Police had been asked to protect the minister.

He also said that the government did not need to undertake social media activities to connect with young people and should instead focus on issues such as transparency and accountability.

His party colleague Saurabh Bharadwaj, in a post on X, also criticised those defending Verma, Delhi's PWD minister.

"To all those who are defending violence by Parvesh Verma and defaming a 22-year-old. As per your logic, CM Rekha Gupta was rightly slapped by a dog lover? She has a history of violence, so anyone can slap her and get away?," Bharadwaj said.

Video of alleged slap sparks political row

A video of Verma slapping the man was circulated across social media platforms on Sunday. This was after AAP MLA from Tilak Nagar Jarnail Singh, who was present at the spot, pulled out portions of the newly laid road surface by hand and questioned its quality. The young man standing nearby was recording the proceedings when Verma allegedly slapped him.

Kejriwal raises road quality concerns

Kejriwal alleged on Sunday that Verma lost his composure after local residents questioned the quality of the road.