Stop insulting holy Quran to defame us: AAP counters BJP

Denying allegations levelled against them of being behind the attacks on gurdwaras and churches, The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday appealed to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Akali Dal not to insult holy books or holy places just to defame the ruling Delhi government.

"I would like join hands and appeal to the BJP and the Akali Dal not to defame the Aam Aadmi Party, don't insult the holy book of Quran, or any other holy book or holy places. Rest whatever allegation you want to level against us, you can, but please don't insult any religion," AAP national spokesman Ashutosh told ANI here.

The BJP's Delhi unit on Sunday said that AAP MLA Naresh Yadav's alleged involvement in the desecration of the Quran in Malerkotla was not surprising and that other MLAs too have been involved in similar incidents in the past.

Speaking at the district executive meet yesterday, Upadhyay said, "Religious books were tampered with. Attempts were made to divide the city on religious lines. We saw attacks on churches and gurdwaras. The incidents did not appear serious at that point of time. We got some news of Tilak Nagar AAP workers being involved in such activities."

Refuting the allegations, Yadav, who is MLA from Mehrauli, alleged that it was a conspiracy to malign the party's image ahead of the Assembly polls in Punjab where it is stepping up campaign with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal embarking on a three-day visit on Sunday.