New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has stirred controversy by calling for a ‘gherao’ at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s house in Delhi to protest against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the liquor policy case. However, the Delhi Police has firmly stated that they have not granted permission for any protest march or agitation.
KEY UPDATES
- Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest: Last week, Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi chief minister, was apprehended by the ED in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to the liquor policy scam. The BJP has vocally demanded Kejriwal’s resignation on moral grounds, intensifying the political turmoil in the capital.
- Security Measures: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Devesh Kumar Mahla, confirmed the deployment of additional security personnel around PM Modi’s residence, emphasizing that no protest would be permitted in the area due to Section 144 restrictions. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also announced the closure of certain metro stations for security reasons.
- AAP’s Response: AAP leader Durgesh Pathak condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, alleging it as a political vendetta orchestrated by PM Modi out of fear of Kejriwal’s growing influence. The party has announced plans to protest against the arrest, despite the police’s warning against any demonstration.
- Opposition’s Stand: The Opposition’s INDIA bloc has scheduled a rally on March 31 to protest Kejriwal’s arrest, denouncing it as an act of suppressing dissent and democracy. AAP leaders have refrained from celebrating Holi as a mark of solidarity and protest against what they perceive as injustice.
- Allegations Against Kejriwal: Kejriwal faces accusations of soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favours, with the ED branding him as the “kingpin and key conspirator” behind the now-scrapped policy. AAP, however, claims that Kejriwal’s arrest aims to stifle his campaign efforts for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted, “Due to security reasons, 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 till further notice.”
As tensions escalate between the ruling AAP and the central government, the streets of Delhi remain fraught with anticipation as the political standoff unfolds.
