AAP seeks more forces in Varanasi

NEW DELHI: Close on the heels of an attack on former AAP minister Somnath Bharati in Varanasi, the party has moved the Election Commission against the "apathetic attitude" of the city authorities. In a letter to the EC, AAP leader Prashant Bhushan sought central forces and observers.

Bhushan met the Commission and also gave a copy of the complaint by Somnath Bharti to the Varanasi SSP detailing the serious assault on him, allegedly by BJP supporters.

"It appears that there is a concerted attempt on the instructions and instigation of sections of the leadership of the BJP to encourage and abet these attacks, which are preventing a fair campaign by us. We expect these attacks to become worse in the days to come. The local police authorities are unable and unwilling to do anything to stop there attacks or to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind these attacks," the letter said.

AAP has sought deployment of some central security forces and senior central observers in Varanasi urgently to ensure that the campaign is not marred by violence.