New Delhi, August 20 (H.S.) : Delhi’s Culture and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra has termed the attack on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as a “gruesome attempt to kill, not a political assault.” He said, “The assailant tried to knock down the Chief Minister with the intent to kill her. This is a terrifying development in itself.”
The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday during a public hearing at the Jan Seva Kendra, located near the Chief Minister’s residence on Raj Niwas Marg, Civil Lines. The assailant, later identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya from Rajkot, Gujarat, was immediately taken into custody by police.
According to Minister Kapil Mishra, the man carried no documents, no grievances—only a lethal intent. Investigators found surveillance-like videos of the Chief Minister’s residence on his mobile phone. Mishra asserted, “He came solely to launch an attack. But these cowardly assaults will never shake the Chief Minister’s resolve. She remains more committed than ever to serving the people. She will neither stop, nor bow, nor fear.”
Public Works Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh condemned the attack as “a direct assault on democratic values”, stressing that public hearings are vital bridges between citizens and their leaders. “This sacred democratic process must remain free from fear. Such an act is absolutely unacceptable, and strict action will follow,” he posted on X.
Echoing the outrage, Education Minister Ashish Sood described the assault on “a sensitive yet determined woman leader striving for Delhi’s welfare” as a cowardly, disgraceful and unacceptable act. He said it undermines not just democratic dignity, but also “attempts to sow chaos in society through violence.”
Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh remarked that “violence has no place in democracy”, adding that CM Gupta’s continuous engagement with people to address their issues makes the attack an even more appalling strike against democratic traditions.
Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh declared the government and people stand firmly behind CM Gupta. He denounced the attack as “tragic, condemnable and unacceptable”, assuring, “We will ensure strict action against the guilty. We, as her brothers and colleagues, stand by Rekha Gupta—today and always.”
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
