Arvind Kejriwal News Highlights: Delhi CM Arrested To Distract From BJP's Electoral Bond 'Vasooli', Akhilesh Yadav Says
Arvind Kejriwal News Highlights: Follow this space for all the latest developments about the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Liquor Policy case.
The Enforcement Directorate has taken cognisance of Delhi minister Atishi's statement that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sent her directions from the agency's custody to initiate public welfare works related to water and sewerage, official sources said on Sunday.The federal agency will conduct an investigation to ascertain if these directions from the arrested chief minister were in line with the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court's order issued to the ED and Kejriwal during his custody period, the sources said.While remanding Kejriwal in ED custody till March 28, the court had allowed his wife Sunita Kejriwal and personal assistant Bibhav Kumar to meet him every day for half hour between 6 and 7 pm, apart from his lawyers for another half hour. (PTI)
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal leaves from ED office. (PTI)
UP CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED, “Even the public knows how the BJP is using ED, CBI, Income Tax department and other institutions to put pressure on people to receive donations. They (BJP) haven't collected 'chanda' (donation), they have done 'vasooli' (extortion). While donations are given voluntarily, by using these institutions, they are asking for ransom. To distract from the electoral bonds issue, Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested.” (PTI)
Wife of Delhi CM and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Sunita Kejriwal arrives at ED office, ANI reported.
AAP leader Kuldeep Kumar, "Teams of Delhi Police have been deployed at AAP party offices and at places where AAP workers are protesting. Officers from different police stations have been given a duty to stop AAP workers from protesting instead of their actual duty, which is to protect women in Delhi." (PTI)
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi says, "Today, all AAP MLAs and Councillors are holding candle march in their areas against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. Democracy is being murdered in India...After the declaration of Lok Sabha polls, the Convener of a National party has been arrested, the bank accounts of a party has been frozen, AAP's office has been sealed and barricaded since 2 days...has PM Modi decided to end democracy? We are holding a candle march against this" (ANI)
AAP workers including Delhi Minister Atishi hold candle march against the arrest of Delhi CM and AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal.
BJP workers hold a protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal holding his effigy in their hands, in Chandni Chowk.
AAP leader Sandeep Pathak says, "There is a Kejriwal in every family of Delhi. The BJP has made a huge mistake by arresting Arvind Kejriwal. There are lakhs of Kejriwal in Delhi and they will come out on roads... People have doubts about how the party will run. The party has been and will keep running on the orders of Arvind Kejriwal. He is much stronger inside the jail than he was outside... The BJP has made a huge blunder. Their political strategy has failed... The public is asking him to run the government from wherever he is..." (ANI)
Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Sunday hit out at the Aam Aadmi party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, calling his instruction from ED custody to the water minister scripted and his arrest a cause of celebration for the people of the city. Tiwari said, In ED's custody there is a culprit and taking his reference today a script has been written that water and sewer-related facilities in Delhi are disorganised. Tiwari's remarks come after Water Minister Atishi, in a press conference, informed media that she received directions from the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal late Saturday, from ED custody, on running the city government.
"This (Kejriwal's direction) comes after no one in Delhi came to his support. The public didn't express sorrow at his arrest. In fact, they are celebrating, distributing sweets, and bursting crackers that the man who made Delhi cry is behind bars now," Tiwari claimed.
The actor-turned-politician, who is BJP's contender from North East Delhi's Lok Sabha seat, said the city is in a pathetic condition with sewers overflowing and people being forced to drink dirty tap water. "If you want to know the actual condition of Delhi, go and see the streets. The sewer water overflows and gets into lanes and homes. People get dirty tap water to drink. The water quality is bad enough to make you sick, he said. The BJP MP alleged that this is the result of the Kejriwal-led Delhi government's overlooking these matters for the past nine years that the people of Delhi lost trust in him. You got to know the problems of Delhi after you were sent into custody. Now you will realise what it means to not pay the pension of the elderly, give ration cards to the poor. But it's too late, Arvind Kejriwal ji," he said.
He added, "...he himself accepted that in the last nine years Delhi's condition turned pathetic, there will be no sympathy for you, no word, no agitation will be seen.' (PTI)
The opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc will hold a maha rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on March 31 to safeguard the country's interests and democracy, AAP leader Gopal Rai said on Sunday. The announcement comes after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (55) was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday from his official residence in connection with an excise policy-linked money-laundering case. A court on Friday sent the AAP national convenor to the central agency's custody till March 28. Addressing a press conference, I.N.D.I.A bloc allies AAP and Congress announced the rally. We will hold a 'maha rally' at Ramlila Maidan on March 31 against what is happening in the country. (PTI Input)
During the press conference, Gopal Rai condemned the arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal and alleged a systematic effort to eliminate opposition voices through coercion and false accusations orchestrated by PM Modi's government.
Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday accused the BJP of accepting approximately Rs 60 crore in donations from Sharat Chandra Reddy, a "kingpin" in the excise policy case.
Addressing a press conference, Bharadwaj flagged "three questions", urging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to speak up on the "money trail" allegations of the Delhi-ruling party in a Saturday press conference.
The party's Organizational General Secretary Sandeep Pathak will lead the meeting, gathering all leaders, MLAs, councillors, and office bearers to deliberate on the party's future strategies in light of recent events.
Leaders from the I.N.D.I.A bloc, including those from AAP, are set to address the media in Delhi today over the arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal effectively invited his own arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) due to his repeated failure to respond to summonses, suggesting that it might have been a tactic to garner political sympathy.
Sarma emphasised that when a person disregards nine summonses from the ED, it indicates a deliberate invitation for arrest.
He remarked that if Kejriwal had complied with the initial summonses, his arrest might have been avoided.
Speaking to reporters at the state BJP headquarters here after a poll-preparedness meeting on Saturday, Sarma said, "If the ED serves someone nine summonses and that person doesn't show up, it is evident that he is inviting his arrest. The ED didn't arrest Kejriwal, he invited the agency to arrest him." The BJP leader cited the examples of politicians such as Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, who appeared before the ED when they were issued summonses, implying that Kejriwal's actions deviated from this norm. (PTI Input)
Confirming the news that Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal issued his first directions as CM from Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, Delhi minister and party leader Atishi on Saturday said that even in such a situation, the CM is concerned about the people of the national capital and their problems.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders initiated a protest at the ITO foot-over bridge on Sunday morning, denouncing the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. According to news agency ANI, police personnel also arrived at the scene, urging the protesters to disperse. Kejriwal was apprehended on March 21 by the ED in connection with the Excise Policy Case.
READ | Arvind Kejriwal In ED Custody: AAP Leaders Stage Protest At ITO Over Delhi CM's Arrest — WATCH
Amidst the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leaders gather at the ITO foot-over bridge in protest, prompting police intervention to disperse the crowd.
Delhi's CM Arvind Kejriwal, despite being in ED custody, issues his first directive regarding the Water Department, prompting Minister Atishi to announce it in a press conference, news agency ANI reported citing sources.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is in the ED's custody in connection with an excise policy-linked money-laundering case, will be released and bring a revolution in the country, his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann said on Saturday.
Kejriwal (55) was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from his official residence on Thursday. On Friday, he was produced in a court, which sent him to the agency's custody till March 28.
Mann, Delhi ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai and Kailash Gahlot, and Mayor Shelly Oberoi visited Shaheedi Park on Saturday to commemorate the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru and take a pledge to safeguard democracy. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs and Congress leader Haroon Yusuf also joined the protest.
Supporters shouted slogans of "Kejriwal zindabad (long live Kejriwal)" and "Arvind tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhare sath hain (keep waging the battle, we are with you)".
"When the country became independent in 1947, we got the right to vote and began electing leaders. But today, the souls of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev must be in agony to see that the democracy for which sacrifices were made is no longer alive in this country," Mann said. (PTI Input)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal moved the high court on Saturday challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam but the court is unlikely to grant an urgent hearing.
According to highly-placed sources in the court, the plea is unlikely to be heard before March 27 as the court is closed for Holi.
Lawyers of Kejriwal, the sources said, have requested that the matter be listed for hearing on Sunday since the custody of a constitutional functionary by a central agency has been challenged.
The petitioner is a chief minister and therefore, seeks an urgent hearing from the court, the sources said. (PTI Inputs)
Delhi: Wife of Delhi CM and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Sunita Kejriwal leaves from ED office after meeting husband Arvind Kejriwal.
The Delhi HC refused to immediately hear the petition filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and detention by the ED in the liquor policy case.
Delhi: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, "High Court has denied Arvind Kejriwal's plea regarding the urgent listing of the case and to hear it so, this is a tight slap to the lie and propaganda of AAP and Arvind Kejriwal. When courts aren't granting you bail and other relaxation then those who claim that democracy is in danger are blaming the courts. This change is a political conversion from 'Swaraj to Sharab'... In Punjab also, 'Sharab Ka Kaarobar Bana Hai Maut Ka Hathiyar'. 21 people have been killed so far, it's a state-sponsored killing. The business of illicit liquor continued, even after the Supreme Court's order. In Sangrur, the home district of CM Bhagwant Mann 21 people have been killed and the CM is here to support a corrupt person..."
AAP leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said that if his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal is sent to jail, they will approach the court seeking permission to set up his office in prison to run his government from there. He also asserted that no one can take the place of Kejriwal in the party.
"It is not written anywhere that a government cannot run from jail, " Mann told news agency PTI videos in an interview when asked about the arrest of the Delhi chief minister and AAP chief by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy case and how he will run his government if he is sent to judicial custody.
While addressing the public meeting in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav says, "...The one who said in Delhi that I would fight against corruption, work for the poor, would send dishonest people to jail, his ministers went to jail. Now he (Arvind Kejriwal) also went to jail but is not ready to leave his post… Congress is also supporting him… Yesterday Anna Hazare also said 'Unfortunately, I have to say that my disciple is doing such work'…”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has challenged his arrest and the remand order passed by the trial court on March 22, 2024, before the Delhi High Court. He argues that both the arrest and the remand order are illegal, and he is entitled to be released from custody immediately.
On ED's remand of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says, "Our party has become so big in just ten years and we are in power in 2 states and hence the govt in Delhi and the party will continue to work. Whoever joins the BJP is believed that they have been cleaned by the washing machine. Those who are in opposition don't let them contest elections, is this the biggest democracy in the world?... Whoever trying to end the power of the BJP is a 'kingpin' as per them (BJP) and yes we are the kingpin and we will end their power in 2-4 years, and they (BJP) know this. Arvind Kejriwal is a big leader and he will come out soon, maybe in a few days. We have faith in the judiciary. This will be the 'last nail in the coffin' moment for the BJP."
India on Saturday summoned the German Deputy Chief of Mission to convey a strong protest against Germany’s foreign ministry's remarks on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. A spokesperson of the ministry said that they had taken note of the arrest of Kejriwal.
In a statement, the MEA said, “The German Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi was summoned today and conveyed India’s strong protest on their Foreign Office Spokesperson’s comments on our internal affairs. We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary.”
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticises access restrictions to AAP office, questioning the legality of police intervention and urges Election Commission for neutral action
D Raja, accompanied by a CPI delegation, expressed solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal's family, condemning BJP's alleged misuse of central agencies and affirming that attempts to silence opposition will be thwarted by the people.
In a statement, he said, "Arvind Kejriwal is a victim of BJP’s politics of abusing central agencies like ED & CBI for their own political interests. These attempts to silence the opposition will be defeated by the people".
According to Delhi Police sources, no AAP office is sealed, but warnings are issued against violating Section 144 as AAP workers continue to breach it, prompting police to deploy barricades and conduct checks. (Sources told ABP News)
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated, "From 'Swaraj' to 'Sharaab', from 'Anna Hazare' to 'Lalu Prasad Yadav', what we are seeing today is the 'satta ka nasha'... This is the first time the government will operate from the jail. Is this constitutional, legal, and morally permissible?... This demonstrates the transformation that has occurred, as Anna Hazare is in tears and Arvind Kejriwal is with Lalu Prasad Yadav.
On CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal's statement, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, "Where were you when he swore on your kids to never ally with other parties and broke that promise? Where were you when he promised he would not take a bungalow and government vehicles and eventually made a palace for himself? You entered the same house where bundles of money were being brought in... People of Delhi have no sympathy with you or Arvind Kejriwal now".
Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj in an X post said: "We will approach EC, the Central Govt has closed all access to AAP Head office at ITO, that too in Model Code of Conduct".
At Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi, BRS MLC K Kavitha said, "This is an illegal arrest. We are going to fight it out in court. It is a political case, a fabricated case, a false case. We are fighting it out. There is nothing new, they are asking the same things again and again."
AAP workers are being detained and taken away by Police as they protest against the arrest of Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal.
BRS MLC K Kavitha brought to Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi.
Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, reads out the CM's message from jail: "I also appeal to all Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers that the work of social welfare and public welfare should not stop with my imprisonment. Do not hate BJP members because of this. They are our brother and sister. I will be back soon."
Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, issues a video statement and reads the CM's message from jail.
She said, "...Several forces within and outside India are weakening the country. We must be alert, identify these forces, and defeat them...Women in Delhi must believe that Kejriwal is behind bars. Who knows if they will receive Rs 1000? I implore them to trust their brother, their son. There is no jail that can keep him in custody for long. I'll come out soon to keep my promise..."
AAP Ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Gopal Rai, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann pay floral tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev at Shaheed Park on Shaheed Diwas.
On Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj's statement of CM Arvind Kejriwal running the government from jail, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari told ANI, "This is the first of its kind of incident in the democratic history of India. The books of law are completely silent. One writ petition has already been filed in HC regarding this matter. We should wait for the court's verdict. I believe that arrests should be made in any incident only after the filing of a chargesheet. Otherwise, the ruling party at the centre will arrest any CM or leader."
Arvind Kejriwal Arrested: AAP backers rally at Shaheedi Park, Delhi, denouncing the arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal in a money-laundering case tied to the excise policy.
Taking a dig at Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar on Saturday said, "Truth has prevailed, I welcome him to the Tihar jail". Earlier on Friday, the jailed conman had written a letter in which he said that the "three brothers will now run the Tihar club".
Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, will hold a press conference today.
Background
Arvind Kejriwal News Highlights: Hello and welcome to the ABP Live blog. Follow this space for all the latest developments about the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Liquor Policy case.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for six days until March 28, subsequent to his arrest in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam. Allegations by the ED assert that Kejriwal was the "kingpin" behind the liquor scam, tracing illicit funds to the 2022 Goa election campaign. As per the ED, the chief minister solicited significant bribes from stakeholders in the liquor policy, promising them undue advantages, with these funds allegedly used during the Punjab and Goa elections. Senior advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, contested the remand, advocating for a reassessment of the necessity for Kejriwal's custody.
A day after a Delhi court remanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the ED's custody, senior AAP leader and minister Atishi made allegations claiming that the money trail led to the BJP's account. She challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ED to take action against BJP national president JP Nadda.
Speaking at a press conference, Atishi stated that, to date, no money trail has been uncovered linking any AAP leader. Highlighting the "money trail", Atishi said: "Sharad Chandra Reddy's statement resulted in Kejriwal's arrest. He is granted bail by the ED shortly after making his statement. Sharad Chandra Reddy transferred Rs 4.5 crore electoral bonds to the BJP during the excise policy scam. Following the arrest, the BJP received 55 crore in bonds."
"All of the money was transferred to the BJP's bank account. The ED should arrest JP Nadda. For the first time, the official money trail in the excise policy case has come to light," she added.
Meanwhile, in a dig at Arvind Kejriwal, Conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar on Saturday said: "Truth has prevailed, I welcome him to the Tihar jail".
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