Arvind Kejriwal Arrested in Corruption Scandal
NEW DELHI — The Indian political landscape is heating up as Delhi Chief Minister Aravind Kejriwal faces arrest by India’s financial crimes agency over an alleged policy scam.
His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for nationwide protests outside the offices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party in response, as the Supreme Court prepares to address a petition by Kejriwal challenging the central government’s decision to detain him.
The prominent opposition figure has been taken into custody in connection with corruption allegations linked to the state government’s policies on alcohol sales.
Kejriwal and his party vehemently deny any wrongdoing and claim the case is purely politically motivated.
His arrest comes just weeks before the commencement of India’s general election.
Police surrounded Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday as Enforcement Directorate agency members conducted a search.
The case revolves around accusations that a 2022 alcohol sales policy implemented by the Delhi government, which ended the government monopoly, provided unfair advantages to private retailers.
Kejriwal has repeatedly ignored summons related to the case.
The AAP has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in “dirty politics” and has urgently sought a Supreme Court hearing to secure Kejriwal’s release.
Reports indicate that multiple police teams from central district police stations have been deployed around AAP and BJP party headquarters in anticipation of large-scale protests.
India’s general election, scheduled over April and May in seven phases, with results to be announced on June 4.
Prior to the election, opposition parties have accused PM Modi’s BJP government of misusing government agencies for political gains.
Dilip Pandey, an AAP lawmaker and chief whip in the Delhi assembly, stated that Kejriwal’s arrest demonstrates Modi’s fear of him.
“They can arrest Kejriwal, but they cannot silence his ideas. We will continue to fight against his arrest and the unjust policies of Modi’s government,” Pandey asserted.
Last year, two other AAP leaders, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia, were also arrested in the same case, along with several other opposition figures facing politically motivated criminal investigations.
Indian opposition leaders have strongly condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, labeling it politically motivated.
Kejriwal’s arrest by a financial crimes agency deals a significant blow to the opposition just ahead of India’s general elections. AAP is part of the 27-party INDIA alliance aiming to challenge the BJP.
In a veiled reference to Modi, Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party insinuated on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday evening, “A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy.”
Various other opposition leaders have also criticized Kejriwal’s arrest, highlighting BJP’s alleged abuse of power and its impact on democracy.
As the political climate intensifies, the relentless targeting of opposition leaders by the BJP government is sparking public outrage and exposing the ruling party’s true intentions.
Several opposition leaders have faced imprisonment, questioning, or legal actions by federal agencies in recent times, further fueling tensions in the lead-up to the general elections.
Since coming to power in Delhi in 2013, AAP has secured notable victories in state elections and continues to challenge the dominance of PM Modi’s BJP. — Agencies
