AAP To Gherao PM Modi's Residence On March 26 In Protest Against Kejriwal's Arrest: Delhi Minister Gopal Rai

Party leader Gopal Rai stated that in solidarity with Kejriwal's arrest, the party has decided not to celebrate Holi this year and he said on March 26, the entire Delhi will march towards the PM.

File photo of Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai

Source : PTI

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced plans to gherao the Prime Minister's residence on March 26 in protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Party leader Gopal Rai stated that in solidarity with Kejriwal's arrest, the party has decided not to celebrate Holi this year.

While speaking to ANI, Gopal Rai said, "People across the country have taken to the streets against this arrest... Tomorrow our ministers, councilors, officials, INDIA bloc leaders all will reach Shaheedi Park at 10 o'clock tomorrow to protest against this dictatorship...This year the Holi programme won't take place."

He further added, "On 25 March we will go to people and tell them what is happening in the country... On 26 March whole of Delhi will gherao PM's residence to mark a protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest," the Delhi Minister said. "Today the INDIA alliance leaders have met the EC... and requested for action on this (arrest of Arvind Kejriwal)."

He outlined the party's future course of action and plan of protest against the ED arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, stating, "On March 26, the entire Delhi will march towards the PM house."

VIDEO | Here's what AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai (@AapKaGopalRai) said on party's future course of action and plan of protest against the ED arrest of Arvind Kejriwal.

"Today, protest was held across the county against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. Tomorrow is… pic.twitter.com/cp49tGI3Lv

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 22, 2024

While addressing a press conference here, Rai alleged that MLAs and councillors of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were stopped from meeting the family members of the Delhi chief minister, reported PTI.

According to inputs, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will go to Delhi Shaheedi Park along with the rest of the party leaders and leaders of the partner parties of I.N.D.I.A. bloc. The AAP has urged its alliance partners to join the march. 

Protests across the country will continue on March 24.

I.N.D.I.A Bloc Leaders Meet Election Commission

On Friday, I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders met the Election Commission to address Arvind Kejriwal's arrest and the alleged targeting of Opposition figures nationwide ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Following the meeting, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi remarked, "Almost every opposition party is here. This incident happened late at night (arrest of Delhi CM). We have had a detailed discussion with the Election Commission", as per ANI.

The arrest of Kejriwal by the ED on Thursday night is linked to the Delhi Excise Policy case involving allegations of money laundering case. The case revolves around purported irregularities and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of the 2022 Delhi excise policy, which was later scrapped.

The letter submitted to the Election Commission by the I.N.D.I.A bloc on Friday strongly asserted that the arrests of individuals holding Constitutional posts are aimed at stifling democratic functioning and affecting the affairs of their respective states and parties. It further stated, "It is a move deliberately designed to demotivate and demoralise the members of these parties and the opposition at large."

The arrested individuals, including the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Working President of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, are elected leaders who have advocated for marginalized communities, including tribal groups, across the country. 

"Their arrests are meant to send a message straight to the voter. That the ruling regime will not countenance any real opposition to its electoral ambitions," it added.