Kejriwal visits Dadri, slams parties over 'votebank politics'

After being initially stopped by administration, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today met the family of the man, who was lynched over rumour of beef consumption, and attacked parties alleging they were spreading poison between Hindus and Muslims for their votebank politics.

The Aam Aadmi Party chief was initially asked by local police not to visit Bishada village due to simmering tension. Some locals also protested against visitors, including politicians and mediapersons who have been flocking the village since the Monday night incident.

The Chief Minister questioned why AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Union Minister Mahesh Sharma were not stopped by the administration yesterday from visiting the family and alleged that other parties were vitiating the atmosphere for political gains.

"What happened in Dadri was against humanity. It was totally wrong. Who benefited from it, neither Hindus nor Muslims. Only political parties and politicians are benefiting," Kejriwal said.

He said political parties were engaging in vote bank politics.

"One political party is trying to consolidate Hindu vote bank while another is trying to make Muslim their vote bank by spreading poison between the two communities. It is wrong," he said.

"If somebody thinks Hindu religion is in danger and that is why Muslims are being targeted, then he cannot be a Hindu," he said.

Kejriwal also took to Twitter, saying, "We r stopped by police n admn. Mahesh Sharma n Owaisi not stopped yest. Then y me? I am most peace loving. Want 2 jst meet Ikhlak's family (sic)."

"I am being accused of doing politics. Yes, I am doing politics. But I am doing politics of unity and love. They are doing politics of hatred," the Delhi Chief Minister tweeted earlier.

Iqlakh was beaten to death and his 22-year-old son Danish was critically injured by a 200-strong mob which had barged into their house on Monday night following rumours that the family had consumed beef. Cow slaughter is banned in Uttar Pradesh.

"We firmly believe that Hindus n Muslims have to stay united and not become vote banks. They want to divide people," said Kejriwal in another tweet.