Protest by the AAP: Arvind Kejriwal is being held by the ED until March 28.
New Delhi: In response to their attempt to stage a “gherao” protest against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration, a number of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers were taken into custody by the Delhi police on Tuesday. In the meantime, a rival protest has been formed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, calling for Kejriwal’s resignation.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested last week by the authorities for a money-laundering investigation related to a liquor policy scam. The BJP wants Kejriwal to step down as Delhi’s chief minister because of this. Kejriwal is now in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate until March 28th.
Here are the main highlights of the AAP’s protest against PM Modi regarding Arvind Kejriwal:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers and leaders, chanting slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Kejriwal Zindabad,” gathered at the area’s metro station in groups. Subsequently, numerous AAP workers, including Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains and Somnath Bharti, were detained. Somnath Bharti expressed dismay over the situation, criticizing the Delhi Police for arresting peaceful AAP supporters while taking no action against BJP supporters.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initiated a protest in Delhi calling for Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. State BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva asserted, “The Delhi CM is corrupt and dishonest, having plundered the people of Delhi. We are heading to the Secretariat to demand his resignation… The administration cannot function from behind bars. Like AAP’s conduct, the directives are also fraudulent… Arvind Kejriwal must step down.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Devesh Kumar Mahla, announced the deployment of extra security personnel around PM Modi’s residence. He further stated that 50 patrol vehicles have been stationed in the New Delhi area. Additionally, he clarified, “There are no restrictions on boarding or alighting at any Delhi metro stations.”
“Section 144 has been enforced, and protesting is prohibited here in New Delhi,” warned Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla. He emphasized the deployment of ample security personnel and cautioned that individuals attempting to protest would be detained.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced on X that, due to security concerns, “entry/exit at Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station, Gate no 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station, and Gate no 5 of Central Secretariat Metro station will remain closed until further notice.”
AAP leader Durgesh Pathak expressed that the residents of Delhi are infuriated with the BJP’s decision to arrest Arvind Kejriwal. “The people of Delhi and the entire nation are furious and are venting their frustration against the BJP. PM Modi has incarcerated a leader, Arvind Kejriwal, whose sole objective is to propel India forward. Modi harbors animosity towards Kejriwal and is apprehensive of him,” Pathak stated.
The Delhi Traffic Police has established seven diversion points to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the protest. An officer advised commuters to steer clear of Kemal Ataturk Marg, Safdarjung Road, Akbar Road, and Teen Murti Marg on Tuesday due to the demonstration.
Delhi Minister Gopal Rai had declared AAP’s intention to “gherao” the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday as part of their protest against Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest.
Arvind Kejriwal is alleged to have sought kickbacks from liquor traders in return for favors. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has labeled him the “kingpin and primary conspirator” behind the policy, which has since been revoked.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) asserts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fearful of Arvind Kejriwal and alleges that Kejriwal’s arrest was orchestrated to hinder his campaigning efforts for the Lok Sabha elections.
The Opposition’s INDIA bloc has scheduled a rally for March 31 to protest against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal.
Meanwhile, AAP leaders refrained from celebrating Holi on Monday. Atishi emphasized, “Holi is not merely a festival but a representation of the triumph of good over evil, of justice over cruelty. Today, every leader of the Aam Aadmi Party is tirelessly fighting against this evil, cruelty, and injustice. This year, AAP has decided not to partake in the festivities, to not play with colors, and to abstain from celebrating Holi.”
