Granting parole to Amritpal Singh to take his oath of office further exemplifies the strength of India’s democratic institutions, writes Dr. Jasneet Bedi
In a remarkable demonstration of the robustness and inclusivity of Indian democracy, two radical leaders, Amritpal Singh and Sheikh Abdul Rashid, are set to be sworn in as Members of Parliament. This development not only underscores the depth of India’s democratic framework but also highlights its capacity to accommodate diverse and even dissenting voices within its constitutional bounds.
Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher elected from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency, and Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a Kashmiri leader from Baramulla, have both secured their positions as MPs despite being incarcerated. Singh, who leads the ‘Waris Punjab De’ political group, contested the elections from Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act and emerged victorious with a significant margin. Similarly, Rashid, implicated in a 2017 terror funding case, has received approval from the National Investigation Agency to take his oath as an MP.
Engineer Rashid. (File Photo: IANS)
The fact that these leaders could contest and win elections from within jail cells is a testament to India’s commitment to democratic principles. It demonstrates that the Indian electoral system remains accessible to all, regardless of their legal predicaments. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of Indian democracy, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their ideology or legal status, has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Granting parole to Amritpal Singh to take his oath of office further exemplifies the strength of India’s democratic institutions. This decision, facilitated by the Punjab Government and approved by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, illustrates a respect for democratic mandates and the will of the electorate. By allowing Singh to be sworn in, the state upholds the principle that electoral victory bestows a legitimate mandate, which must be respected within the constitutional framework.
Moreover, the parole granted to Singh, with certain conditions, and the subsequent approval for Rashid to take his oath, reflect a nuanced approach to balancing security concerns with democratic rights. These decisions involve coordination between state authorities, judicial bodies, and national security agencies, highlighting the intricate checks and balances that sustain Indian democracy.
Tarsem Singh, father and Balwinder Kaur, mother of jailed pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, who won as an independent candidate from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency address to the media in Amritsar. (IANS)
Critics might argue that allowing individuals with radical or controversial backgrounds to hold office could undermine national security or the sanctity of democratic institutions. However, the Indian democratic framework is robust enough to manage these complexities. It is precisely this ability to incorporate diverse viewpoints and navigate challenging scenarios that strengthen democracy. Including radical voices within the constitutional framework serves as a safety valve, allowing dissent to be expressed within legal and institutional confines rather than through extralegal means.
The swearing-in of Singh and Rashid in the Speaker’s room, albeit under the supervision of concerned agencies, symbolizes a commitment to upholding democratic processes. It sends a powerful message that India values the rule of law and the democratic rights of its citizens, even when they hold dissenting or radical views.
The upcoming oaths of Amritpal Singh and Sheikh Abdul Rashid as MPs reflect the strength and resilience of Indian democracy. By accommodating radical voices within the constitutional framework, India reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity, democratic principles, and the rule of law. This approach not only strengthens the democratic fabric of the nation but also ensures that all voices, regardless of their nature, have a platform within the legal and constitutional boundaries.
(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author)
Uddhav Thackeray’s popularity graph has grown up tremendously in the state and also at national level. As political observers feels that Maharashtra and Mumbai can play a crucial role of “King Maker” in the formation of the government … writes VINOD RAGHAVAN
INDIA’s financial capital – Mumbai is all set to decide the fate of three heavyweight political leaders’ their future on June 4th.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is eyeing to break the record of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru by occupying the country’s top post for the third consecutive term, is not leaving any stone unturned. While, his close ally turned bitter foe Uddhav Thackeray, who has been bruised and badly hurted for breaking his Shiv Sena, which was founded by his late father, who is popularly addressed as Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray, in his home turf Mumbai capital of Maharashtra state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uddhav Thackeray interacting during the Dwishatabdi Mahotsav (200 Years) of Mumbai Samachar, in Mumbai. (File Photo: ANI)
Political veteran 84-year-old, Sharad Pawar, is all set to take revenge against Modi-led BJP for engineering split in his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and dividing his joint family, with Ajit Pawar taking away his party symbol of “Wrist Watch” and also the party symbol, which was founded by senior Pawar after leaving Congress party.
Mumbai, has six Lok Sabha seats, which is believed to be the stronghold of the united Shiv Sena. After the split in Sena led by Eknath Shinde with 40 MLAs and 13 MPs, the power equation shifted to the Shinde faction supported by BJP in Maharashtra. This is the time for Uddhav Thackeray to flex his muscle and to show Modi-Shah and also to the Election Commission of India, that the party cadres and the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra are with him and his is the real Shiv Sena.
Shiv Sena was founded way back in 1960s by Balasaheb Thackeray to fight for the causes of Marathi Asmita (Maharashtra’s pride) and to regain the Maharashtrian pride, Uddhav has toured every nook and corner of Maharashtra with his alliance partners NCP-Sharad Pawar group, Indian National Congress with other smaller parties, addressed in all the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies with huge rallies and systematically played the victim card vigorously, which has gone down well with the masses of Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray speaks during the floor test in assembly, Eknath Shinde, Jayant Patil and Aditya Thackeray is also seen. (File Photo: ANI)
Many old-timers from Mumbai and neighbouring Thane district feels that Uddhav has been back-stabbed by BJP-led by Modi-Shah. Shiv Sena which helped BJP for nearly three decades to grow from 2 MP party with Vajpayee and Advani at the helm, today they have become too big for their shoes.
In desperation, Modi addressed around 25 rallies in Maharashtra and Mumbai, also held a Road Show in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, which shows his panic. Modi might have realised Uddhav’s importance, thus recently, he told selected journalists that “I will be the first to reach Uddhav for any help” but while addressing public rallies, he takes potshot on Uddhav and also calls his Sena as “Nakli Sena” (Duplicate Sena)
Earlier, in 2014 and 2019 BJP with united Shiv Sena the combine had sweeped all the six Mumbai seats and also the neighboring Thane and Kalyan-Dombivali seats were in their kitty. While, the alliance had bagged 42 seats from Maharashtra in 2014 and 2019.
Interestingly, political observers feels that Uddhav, got good support from the people of Maharashtra and also Muslim communities are whole-heartedly supporting him, as they have seen him in discharging his duties as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Communists were Sena’s bitter rivals for decades, are also supporting Uddhav openly and sharing dias in many of their strongholds, with a sole aim of stopping Modi to come back to power for the third time, as they fear that he will change the Constitution and will sell off all the government properties to his good friends.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in conversation with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar during the INDIA bloc joint press conference, in Mumbai. (ANI Photo)
NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, is also facing the same problem, as his nephew Ajit Pawar, ditched him and fielded his wife Sunetra against Supriya Sule, a sitting MP and senior Pawar’s daughter from their stronghold Baramati near Pune.
Modi, who was seen as a new ray of hope in 2014 and 2019 with his charisma and speech, looks like he is fading as he has remained mum on his earlier poll promises of giving every year two crore jobs, bringing black money, giving Rs15 lakh, price rise of essential commodities. However, he is talking about his vision of 2047 and to make India powerful nation globally.
People burst into laughter to Uddhav Thackeray calling Modi as “Gajini” Aamir Khan’s film, where he forgets and moves ahead with new promises.
Uddhav Thackeray’s popularity graph has grown up tremendously in the state and also at national level. As political observers feels that Maharashtra and Mumbai can play a crucial role of “King Maker” in the formation of the government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes US President Joe Biden before before a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Friday, September 08, 2023. (Photo:IANS/PIB)
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby was responding to the question about the US president’s thoughts on India’s general elections.
Applauding people in India for exercising their right to vote in the general elections, the White House said on Friday that there are not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India.
National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby applauded the people of India for having a voice in their future government.
Kirby told reporters at a press conference, “Not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India and we applaud the Indian people for exercising you know their ability to vote and have a voice in their future government and we wish them well throughout the process of course.”
He was responding to the question about the US president’s thoughts on India’s general elections.
Responding to another question about the India-US relationship under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the White House official said, “I’m going to stick to the last three years…our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer.”
“You saw it on a State visit. We have launched all kinds of new initiatives working on critical emerging technologies together and bolstering and expanding the relevance of the Indo-Pacific Quad which India is a part of and then just the people-to-people exchanges and the military cooperation that that we share with India,” Kirby said.
Kirby said, “It is a very vibrant very active partnership and uh and we’re grateful for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
When asked if US President Joe Biden really believes that two of his quad partners India and Japan are xenophobic, Kirby stressed that the president was making a broader point.
“I mean the president was making a broader point here about the vibrancy of our own democracy here in the United States and how inclusive and participatory it is,” Kirby said. (ANI)
Yogi Adityanath held grand roadshows in Chittorgarh and Jodhpur in favour of party candidate CP Joshi, Union Jal Shakti Minister and BJP candidate Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, respectively.
The Chittorgarh constituency in Rajasthan braces for a high-stakes showdown as the Lok Sabha elections draw near, featuring a fierce contest between the BJP’s State President, CP Joshi, and Udai Lal Anjan, a former Rajasthan government minister
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party’s star campaigner, Yogi Adityanath, entered the electoral battle in Rajasthan for the second time on Saturday in view of the Lok Sabha elections. Yogi Adityanath held grand roadshows in Chittorgarh and Jodhpur in favour of party candidate CP Joshi, Union Jal Shakti Minister and BJP candidate Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, respectively.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address a rally on Sunday.
Speaking to ANI, BJP candidate Joshi said that the election is not just a contest but that a significant victory is awaiting them. He emphasised the developmental work done under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also asserted the BJP’s dominance in all 25 constituencies in Rajasthan.
On the other hand, Congress candidate Udai Lal Anjana, a former Rajasthan government minister, highlighted the ongoing issues facing farmers, promising to advocate for their rights. He criticised the BJP for neglecting farmers’ concerns and pledged to address them effectively. Anjana also pointed out the lack of substantial issues from the BJP’s side, emphasising the need for a discussion on national development.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP’s candidate, Chandra Prakash Joshi, won the seat by securing 982,942 votes. He defeated Gopal Singh Shekhawat of the Indian National Congress by a margin of 576,247 votes.
In the 2014 general elections, Joshi clinched the seat with 703,236 votes, surpassing Congress candidate Girija Vyas by 316,857 votes.
Voting for the 12 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan was held in the first phase on Friday.
The remaining 13 seats in Rajasthan will be contested in the second phase on April 26.
The remaining phases will be held on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases.
In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP registered a sweeping victory, winning 24 out of 25 seats in Rajasthan, while the remaining one seat was won by Rashtriya Loktrantrik Party candidate Hanuman Beniwal.
Adityanath holds roadshows in Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party’s star campaigner, Yogi Adityanath, entered the electoral battle in Rajasthan for the second time on Saturday in view of the Lok Sabha elections. Yogi Adityanath held grand roadshows in Chittorgarh and Jodhpur in favour of BJP state president and party candidate CP Joshi, and Union Jal Shakti Minister and BJP candidate Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, respectively.
He also addressed a huge public meeting in Rajsamand, seeking votes for BJP candidate Mahima Vishweshwar Singh Mewar.
During his roadshows, rose petals were showered on Yogi Adityanath.
The roadshow in Chittorgarh started at the Mall Road warehouse and culminated at Bhairo Singh Chowk, passing through the main market of the city. Despite the scorching heat, people gathered in large numbers to greet the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister throughout the roadshow while the continuous chant of ‘Yogi-Yogi’ filled the air. At Bhairo Singh Chowk, Yogi garlanded the statue of Bhero Singh and gave a speech.
Addressing the voters at the concluding point of the road show, Yogi Adityanath said, “I have come to pay respects to the land of valour, Mewar, from the birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya. The history of this land reveals that it has never deviated from nationalism and has always been eager to make sacrifices for the motherland. As a modern pilgrimage site in India, this land receives homage from the whole of India.”
Later, addressing a public meeting in Rajsamand, Yogi Adityanath urged voters in Rajasthan to relegate the Congress Party to history. “Bring the party to a state where people reminisce, ‘Once upon a time, there was Congress’,” he remarked.
CM Yogi said that his ancestors came from Rajasthan, pointing out that his grandfather guru arrived in Gorakhpur from Mewar and ignited the flame of nationalism there. He added, “I am a follower of truth, and on the land of Rajasthan, the voice of truth gets strengthened. That’s why I receive the most love here.” (ANI)
PM Narendra Modi also addressed the alleged narrative of the BJP being a party of the upper caste.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a scathing critique of governments in south India on Saturday while expressing confidence that the BJP’s vote share in the south would increase in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections compared to previous polls.
In an interview, Modi also addressed the alleged narrative of the BJP being a party of the upper caste.
“A narrative has been created in our country for a long time that the BJP means upper caste party. But the reality is that in the BJP, most are scheduled castes (SCs), most are scheduled tribes (STs), and most are other backward classes (OBCs). All these are, and most are OBCs in our ministry. Then they said that it’s a Bharat Urban Party. Today, the entire character of my party is such that it has the maximum number of rural people,” he said.
“Then they said this character was created because the BJP is a Puraan-Panthi (or old-school) party and can’t think of anything new. But today, if anyone is leading the digital movement in the world, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government. So this misconception that they are spreading is ‘wrong’,” the PM said.
Speaking on the BJP’s electoral performance in south India, the PM said, “You see Telangana, where our vote share has doubled. In the 2019 parliamentary elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the South. The BJP has the highest number of MPs. I believe that in 2024 (the Lok Sabha elections), the vote share is going to increase compared to the previous elections. Seats will also increase.”
Turning to regional issues, Prime Minister Modi condemned corruption within cooperative banks in Kerala, pledging decisive action against wrongdoers. He emphasised equitable development and refuted allegations of neglect towards southern states like Karnataka and Kerala.
“Secondly, the identity of the governments in the South—whether it is Congress, the LDF (Left Democratic Front), or the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)—what is their identity in all places? Today we (BJP) are in power in Puducherry, which is in the south. It should be known, we are in government. And our MPs win from Andaman and Nicobar, where most of our south Indian and Bengali brothers live. Hence, this simplification that is happening… Now, what is the style of their governments? Theirs are completely family-run governments, and there is rampant corruption. Now you see what the situation is in the south,” PM Modi said.
“When I go there during elections, why do I talk about cooperative societies? It’s the biggest crime against a poor man; it cannot be forgiven. Poor families keep their money in cooperative banks, put in societies hoping to get good returns. He feels that he would keep his hard-earned money for his daughter’s marriage—it’s the money of fishermen, farmers, and labourers. There are around 300 cooperative banks that are completely run by lefties. And about one lakh crore rupees of common and poor people are lying there. Their operators used this money to buy properties. We have just attached around Rs 90 crore and I’m currently taking legal advice on how to return this money to people who kept their money in the bank. I requested ED to start returning their money and attaching the properties of those who were looting these people,” he said.
“We have returned Rs 17,000 crore of seized money to whoever it was. This is not an election issue,” he added.
When asked about Kerala, PM Modi said that from the time of the BJP and Jana Sangh, “we want to serve in every part of the country. Work where there is political benefit, and don’t where it isn’t profitable—these are not our principles.”
“Jana Sangh’s biggest national convention was held in Kerala in 1967. For us, Kerala is not only a field to come into power. Kerala is also similar to other areas we serve, and we serve there with equal dedication. Hundreds of our workers were gunned down, and political murders were committed. Even today, we work there with the intention of serving Maa Bharti, and left cadres were convicted by courts for the murder of our people; many of them are in jail. Despite that, be it Kutch, Guwahati, Kashmir or Kanyakumari, every corner of the country is ours,” he said.
He also alleged that there is so much corruption inside Kerala, but the ecosystem there does not allow it to come out.
“You must have seen that in Tripura, the left ruled the state for three to four decades, and when the BJP came to power, people started releasing that they (the left) used to loot them. The BJP is doing so well in Tripura that they are making the BJP win from there again and again. The same is the case with Bengal and Kerala; there is so much corruption, but they have made an ecosystem that doesn’t let anything come out,” PM Modi added. (ANI)
New Delhi, Mar 22 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal in Rouse Avenue Court after his Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand hearing in an alleged Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi on Friday. He has been sent to ED custody till March 28 by the court. (ANI Photo)
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday sent CM Kejriwal to ED custody in the money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was on Friday remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for seven days i.e., till March 28, a day after he was arrested by the probe agency in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case linked to a money laundering case.
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday sent CM Kejriwal to ED custody in the money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.
Special CBI judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court passed the order after Kejriwal was produced on Friday following his arrest on Thursday night by the central probe agency.
Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Vikram Chaudhari, and Ramesh Gupta along with Advocates Rajat Bharadwaj, Mudit Jain and Mohd Irshad appeared for the Delhi CM Kejriwal.
ASG SV Raju and Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain appeared for the probe agency.
The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy case 2022, which was later scrapped.
“ED was asking for a 10-day remand. They said that to trace the money trail, a custodial investigation is necessary. Considering all aspects, the judge gave a 6-day custodial remand. He will be presented here again on 28 March. ED argued that the money used for the Goa elections was ill-gotten. They said they have statements of some witnesses which prove this fact.” Arvind Kejriwal’s lawyer Madan Lal told reporters.
After the court’s decision, Atishi said that the party would explore all possible legal routes for further actions.
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal in Rouse Avenue Court after his Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand hearing in an alleged Delhi excise policy case, in New Delhi on Friday. He has been sent to ED custody till March 28 by the court. (ANI Photo)
“We, very respectfully and humbly disagree with the decision of the court. ED has no proof even after 2 years of investigation… ED forced their witnesses to give statements against Arvind Kejriwal… We will explore all possible legal routes… One by one opposition parties are being targeted in front of the judiciary… Arvind Kejriwal will always be the CM of Delhi. There is no Constitutional bar on him not being the CM. He has not been convicted till now,” she said.
Terming the day as a “dark” one, Atishi further said that the ‘democracy in the country has been murdered today’.
“BJP wants to contest elections from behind the ED… Is ED a part of the BJP that the party is issuing their press release? To date, no proceeds of crime have been found by the ED against the AAP leaders… Today is a dark day in the history of democracy of the country. People of the country are seeing this murder of democracy which has been done today,” she added.
The arrest by the central agency has drawn severe criticism for the BJP-led centre from the opposition leaders.
Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot, while questioning the action by the federal agency said, “We met the family of Arvind Kejriwal after much delay… We have been saying from the very beginning that this case is false and the only motive is to stop Arvind Kejriwal. What recovery has been made by the ED till now?… It is the party’s stand that the CM should not resign. The government will be run from wherever the CM is. We have no problem with this and no law says he should resign…”
AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that the ‘countdown of the Central government has begun on 21 March’ with the arrest of Delhi CM.
“… It is Arvind Kejriwal today, it can be someone else tomorrow. This government will spare no one… The world is supporting Arvind Kejriwal. And when things like this happen at a global scale, revolutions happen and governments are overturned. The countdown of the Central government has begun on 21 March… BJP supporters are also coming to us and saying, all was fine till now, but this has become a little too much,” he said.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav voiced criticism of the arrest of Kejriwal, alleging that government institutions like ED, CBI, and income tax work as instruments for the government.
“These are government institutions, they’ll do what the government wants. This raises the question of whether in a democracy, institutions operate as instruments and are working as instruments to please the BJP. They are creating false cases to make records globally. They are not only making records globally but also creating records of false cases. The BJP is setting records in creating false cases worldwide,” said Akhilesh Yadav.
An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporter being detained during a protest against the arrest of CM Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged Delhi excise policy case, in Bhubaneswar on Friday. (ANI Photo)
Terming Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest “unethical and wrong,” Congress leader Sachin Pilot said on Friday that he had never seen such an action against an elected Chief Minister.
“I have never seen such an action on an elected CM. When the Model Code of Conduct is implemented in the country, going to arrest a CM at night, has been opposed by all. This is very unethical and wrong. The Election Commission should intervene in this matter,” Pilot said.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief and former Chief Minister of Telangana K Chandrashekhar Rao, whose daughter K Kavitha is also in ED custody in the same case called Kejriwal’s arrest a “dark day” in Indian democracy.
“The arrest of Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is a dark day in the history of democracy of the country,” said a press statement by KCR.
Raising slogans “Arvind tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhare sath hain” and “tyranny won’t last”, hundreds of AAP leaders and workers on Friday hit the streets to protest against the BJP over Kejriwal’s arrest, with AAP ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj and others being detained earlier in the day.
Several protestors were bundled into buses as they gathered at the ITO intersection around 10.30 am to proceed towards the BJP office on the DDU Marg.
Paramilitary personnel in anti-riot gear were also deployed to maintain law and order.
As Delhi cabinet ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj and others tried to proceed towards the BJP headquarters around 11 am, they were taken away in police buses.
Later, 21 workers including the ministers were released.
AAP leaders alleged that they were stopped by the police from meeting family members of the Delhi CM.
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi alleged that the party leaders who marched towards the residence of Delhi CM Kejriwal in the Civil Lines area were stopped and not allowed to meet Kejriwal’s family.
“We have come to meet Arvind Kejriwal’s family but police and administration are not allowing us to go inside. Democracy can’t be murdered like this and we can’t be stopped from raising our voices. The people of Delhi are with Arvind Kejriwal,” Oberoi told ANI.
Later, selected AAP MLAs, Chief Whip Dilip K. Pandey, Mayor Shelly Oberoi, Cabinet Ministers Imran Hussain and Raaj Kumar Anand, were allowed to enter the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
The AAP will gherao the prime minister’s residence on March 26 to register its protest against Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED, the party’s leader Gopal Rai said on Friday.
Speaking to ANI, Rai said that the party will not celebrate Holi this year.
“People across the country have taken to the streets against this arrest… Tomorrow our ministers, councilors, officials, INDIA bloc leaders all will reach Shaheedi Park at 10 o’clock tomorrow to protest against this dictatorship…This year the Holi programme won’t take place. On 25 March we will go to people and tell them what is happening in the country… On 26 March whole of Delhi will gherao PM’s residence to mark a protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest,” the Delhi Minister said.
Meanwhile, jibing at the AAP leader, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari said, “If no one has come today, then who is going to come after 2-4 days?… The people of Delhi are not even discussing them. No one is going to ask them.”
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, “I would like Gopal Rai to roam the streets of Delhi on March 25 and see with how much enthusiasm and joy the people of Delhi will celebrate Holi because on Holi, evil is destroyed and good wins. Yes, this time this work has been done in Delhi, evil has been destroyed.”
INDIA bloc leaders on Friday met the Election Commission against Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and the alleged targeting of Opposition leaders across the country ahead of Lok Sabha elections.
The letter submitted to the poll body by INDIA on Friday asserted that “arrests, of individuals holding Constitutional posts are clearly intended to have a stifling and deleterious effect on the democratic functioning of the affairs of their respective states, as well as the parties themselves”.
The letter further read, “It is a move that is deliberately designed to demotivate and demoralise the members of these parties and the opposition at large. These arrested individuals, one of whom is the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, and the other is the Working President of Jharkhand, Mukti Morcha, are elected leaders of our country who have championed the cause of those on the margins of our society, including our brothers and sisters belonging to the tribal communities.”
While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first found a mention in the ED’s chargesheet wherein the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair.
Nair was among the first people to be arrested by CBI in the case, in 2022. Subsequently, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the case. (ANI)
