The Delhi Chief Minister of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind Kejriwal, was arrested last Thursday by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This arrest took place after a raid on his residence and in relation to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.
Kejriwal was refused interim relief earlier that day by the Delhi High Court in the excise policy-related money laundering case. After Kejriwal declined to comply with nine summons, his subsequent detention took place. The ED’s actions, taking place only weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, have ignited a spark of public interest and controversy.
Even in the face of allegations of a conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the AAP maintains its steadfastness, asserting that Kejriwal will continue in his role as Delhi’s Chief Minister, even if that means doing so from behind bars. There have been denouncements of the arrest across the country from political leaders, viewing it as a scheme to suppress the voice of the Opposition.
The Supreme Court is expected to review Kejriwal’s petition that seeks to challenge his arrest. In the meantime, the AAP has incited nationwide protests against the BJP, with planned demonstrations outside the BJP’s headquarters in Delhi.
Kejriwal’s arrest is a major step in the ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor policy scandal, which has already resulted in numerous arrests and accusations involving other AAP leaders.
For full details on this arrest and the unfolding political situation in Delhi, visit Jurist – News.