AAP Calls for 'Gherao' of PM's Residence over Kejriwal's Arrest, BJP’s Calls for Counter-Protest demanding his Resignation; Delhi Police Heightens Security amidst the Political Showdown

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for a 'gherao' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Tuesday in protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi Police has heightened the security measures around the Prime Minister's residence. Traffic disruptions are expected in parts of New Delhi and Central Delhi due to the protests, with Section 144 of the CrPC already imposed around PM Modi’s house to prevent demonstrations. The Bharatiya Janata Party on the other hand has planned a counter-protest demanding Arvind Kejriwal's resignation.

AAP leader Gopal Rai announced plans for the protest, stating that AAP members would gather at the party headquarters before marching to the Prime Minister's residence. Meanwhile, the BJP's counter-protest, led by Delhi Chief Virendra Sachdeva, is set to start from the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium to the Delhi Secretariat. The demonstrations come amidst heightened tension following Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi liquor excise policy scam.

The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal has sparked widespread outrage, leading to calls for his resignation from the BJP. However, the AAP maintains that Kejriwal will continue to serve as Delhi's chief minister, even if it means operating from jail. AAP leaders have changed their social media profile pictures to show solidarity with Kejriwal, who issued a message from jail urging his supporters to remain steadfast in their commitment to society.

The protest by the AAP follows an earlier demonstration on Sunday, which saw the participation of representatives from the INDIA bloc. Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely criticized the BJP's actions, questioning the arrest of elected Chief Ministers and the seizure of accounts belonging to the grand old party. He emphasized the Congress's commitment to upholding democracy and supporting Rahul Gandhi's efforts to safeguard it.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor excise policy scam, shortly after the Delhi High Court denied him interim protection from coercive action. He was apprehended under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Following his arrest, a Delhi Court remanded Kejriwal to ED custody until March 28 in the excise policy case. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at the Rouse Avenue court issued the remand order after hearing submissions from both the ED and Kejriwal's counsel. The court directed the ED to present Kejriwal before it on March 28.

The Delhi High Court is set to hear Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest and the lower court's decision to grant the ED his custody. The AAP has accused the Delhi Police of obstructing their activities, claiming that their party office has been sealed off. Finance Minister Atishi has called for a meeting with the Election Commission to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a level playing field during elections.