Arvind Kejriwal Arrested by ED: INDIA Leaders Leaders Unite Against BJP's "Authoritarianism"

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The AAP Chief's arrest has stirred a massive political uproar ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal's arrest marks the first time a serving Indian chief minister has been arrested. However, the Aam Admi Party has stated that Kejriwal will continue to retain his post.

“We have received news that ED has arrested Arvind Kejriwal… We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," said senior AAP leader Atishi in the aftermath of Arvind Kejriwal's arrest.

A team from the Enforcement Directorate visited Kejriwal's residence in the evening to probe into the allegations of money laundering in the Delhi excise policy case. As per reports, the central agency seized 4-5 phones and two tablets from the CM's residence. The development follows the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant interim protection from arrest to Kejriwal earlier in the day concerning the summons issued to him by the ED in the liquor policy case.

Arvind Kejriwal has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the Delhi liquor policy, attributing the ED's actions to political motives orchestrated by the BJP. Kejriwal's legal team has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's decision, seeking an urgent midnight hearing.

The Delhi High Court deferred Kejriwal's plea for interim protection to April 22, alongside his main petition contesting the probe agency's summons. Despite multiple summons, Kejriwal had previously skipped appearances before the ED.

The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently revoked. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are currently in judicial custody in connection with the case, where Kejriwal's name has been repeatedly mentioned in the charge sheets filed by the ED, alleging collusion in formulating the excise policy.

In response to Kejriwal's arrest, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram decried the situation as "absolute fascism," questioning the weaponization of law. “The “law" has been weaponized. Will we the people save our nation?" posted Chidambaram on "X".

AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan criticized the BJP, alleging a three-point agenda aimed at stifling opposition. “First, whoever opposes the BJP, should contest from behind bars. Second, whoever is opposing BJP, will run out of funds and will be unable to use party funds. Third, whoever is out on bail, BJP will not have any hesitation to have an alliance with them," said the AIADMK Spokesperson.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin hit out at BJP, calling Arvind Kejriwal's arrest as a vindictive witch-hunt against opposition leaders. "Ahead of Elections 2024, driven by fear of a decade of failures and the imminent defeat, the Fascist BJP Govt sinks to despicable depths by arresting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal...Not a single BJP leader faces scrutiny or arrest, laying bare their abuse of power and the decay of democracy," posted the Tamil Nadu CM on X.

"The arbitrary arrest of yet another CM by ED reeks of political vendetta & growing authoritarianism. This cowardly act has exposed fears of the ruling party now resorting to desperate measures by manipulating elections even before they are held. History has shown that tyranny never prevails in the face of unified resistance. We will not be intimidated," posted PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, hitting out at BJP over the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal.

Taking to the social media platform "X", Sharad Pawar condemned the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister. Strongly condemn the vindictive misuse of central agencies to target the opposition, especially as general elections loom. This arrest showcases the depth to which BJP will stoop for power. ‘INDIA’ stands united against this unconstitutional action against #ArvindKejriwal," said Pawar.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came out in support of Kejriwal. "A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. While capturing all the institutions including the media, breaking up the parties, extorting money from companies and freezing the account of the main opposition party was not enough for the 'devilish power', now the arrest of the elected Chief Ministers has also become a common thing. INDIA will give a befitting reply to this," posted the Wayanad MP.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien vehemently condemned Kejriwal's arrest. "We vehemently condemn the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, an elected CM, especially when EC is in charge & MCC is in place. Earlier his administrative powers were snatched through an illegal ordinance. How can we expect fair elections in India if sitting CMs & prominent opposition leaders are arrested weeks before polls? If SC & ECI fail to act now, who will stand with people against BJP's oppressive politics in future?" posted O'Brien.

Following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been taken to the ED office, post 11 pm on Thursday.