Arvind Kejriwal Arrested: AAP Calls For Nationwide Protests, Delhi Police Issues Stern Warning Against 'Lawbreakers'
AAP leader Gopal Rai announced nationwide protests against the BJP today over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on corruption charges related to the city's liquor policy.
Arvind Kejriwal Arrested: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called for nationwide protests on Friday in response to the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday evening in connection with the excise policy case. The Delhi Police urged people not to jeopardise the capital's law and order situation. It has also stated that strict action will be taken against "lawbreakers".
AAP leader Gopal Rai made the announcement, denouncing the BJP's actions as an attack on democracy. Rai told reporters, "The BJP orchestrated the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal through various agencies... This is a direct assault on democracy". The protests are scheduled to commence at 10 am today, targeting the BJP's role in Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Rai said.
#WATCH | Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai says, "If the BJP thinks that they can finish the Aam Aadmi Party and threaten the entire Opposition by arresting Arvind Kejriwal, then they are wrong...A battle has begun. We have decided that we will stage a protest at the BJP… pic.twitter.com/PWRK4kqmuJ
— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024
When questioned about potential participation from opposition parties, Rai welcomed all those opposed to "authoritarianism" to join the protests.
"Tomorrow is an open protest. whoever is against the dictatorship all arewelcome to join." While AAP leader Atishi said that Congres has assured of support from I.N.D.I.A bloc members," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Additionally, AAP leader Atishi told reporters that the Congress has pledged support from members of the I.N.D.I.A bloc.
"We have applied the Supreme Court against the illegal arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. It will be mentioned in the Supreme Court tomorrow morning. We hope that the Supreme Court will protect democracy," Atishi said.
In Ernakulam, Aam Aadmi Party activists already staged a protest against the ED following Kejriwal's arrest in the Excise Policy Case, ANI reported.
#WATCH | Kerala: Aam Aadmi Party workers held a protest in Ernakulam against the Enforcement Directorate after the ED team arrested Delhi CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the Excice Policy Case. (21.03)
— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024
(Source: AAP) pic.twitter.com/TVNItTKhjL
It is to be noted that two senior AAP figures, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are currently in judicial custody related to the same case. Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26, while Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, was arrested by the ED on October 5.
Strict Action Against Those Breaking Law & Order: Delhi Police
Sources told ABP News that the Delhi Police will be taking strict actions against people engaging in vigilantism. Delhi Police has further urged the citizens to refrain from compromising the capital's law and order.
Kejriwal Moves Supreme Court Against ED Arresting Him:
Kejriwal has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against his arrest, although no special hearing was convened late last night, as reported by ANI citing sources.
Meanwhile, Atishi addressed the media, disclosing their submission of an application to the Supreme Court challenging Kejriwal's "illegal" arrest, which is set to be mentioned in court tomorrow morning.
Questioning the timing of Kejriwal's arrest, Atishi told the media that the lack of evidence found during the two-year investigation by the CBI and ED.
"Today, we all witnessed an attempt to murder democracy. Following the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, Arvind Kejriwal, a popular Delhi Chief Minister and prominent opposition leader, was arrested on false charges. This investigation has been ongoing for two years, and neither the CBI nor the ED have found a single penny. However, as soon as the election is announced, Arvind Kejriwal is arrested. Why? Because Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands that Arvind Kejriwal is the only leader capable of challenging him," she said.
#WATCH | Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi says, "We have put an application in the Supreme Court against the illegal arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. It will be mentioned in the Supreme Court tomorrow morning. We hope that the Supreme Court will protect democracy..." pic.twitter.com/hjhbEe9geF
— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024
Furthermore, the ED's arrest of Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) leader and daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on March 15 is also linked to the investigation into money laundering charges related to the now-defunct excise policy.
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