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AAP Leaders to Stage Mass Fast at Jantar Mantar in Protest Against Kejriwal's Arrest
The Aam Aadmi Party leaders on Sunday are set to stage a mass fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP Chief was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate last month in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-defunct excise policy. He is currently under judicial custody until April 15.
AAP MLAs and office-bearers have gathered at Jantar Mantar for the mass fasting event. The security at the National Capital has been beefed up to avoid any untoward clashes. In solidarity to the protest event in Delhi, Punjab Chief Minister and other AAP leaders will also fast at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, in Punjab’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
Gopal Rai, the AAP Delhi Convenor has announced that simultaneous fasting events will be held in 25 states across India and key international hubs, including New York, Boston, Toronto, Washington DC, Melbourne, and London, to show support for Kejriwal. He also urged people who oppose Kejriwal's arrest to participate in collective fasting on April 7, inviting them to fast anywhere they prefer, whether at home or in their respective cities.
In the aftermath of Kejriwal's arrest in March, the Aam Admi Party had AAP had called for a 'gherao' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, resulting in several AAP leaders and workers being detained during the protest. The AAP leadership has hit out at the BJP ruled central government criticising the timing of Kejriwal's arrest, right ahead of the all important 2024 Lok Sabha elections, alleging political motives by the BJP to hinder Kejriwal's participation in the poll campaign.
Despite Kejriwal's arrest, the Aam Aadmi Party has affirmed that he would continue to rule the state from the jail. The arrest has also brought together the opposition INDIA alliance, with their recent mega 'Loktantra Bachao' rally accusing the BJP of undermining the Opposition through central investigative agencies.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 owing to allegations stemming out of the now-defunct liquor policy, which the ED claims funded AAP's election campaigns.
