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In response to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over a money laundering case related to the defunct Delhi excise policy, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav has condemned the action, anticipating it to catalyze a ‘mass movement’ (jan-andolan).
जो ख़ुद हैं शिकस्त के ख़ौफ़ में क़ैद
‘वो’ क्या करेंगे किसी और को क़ैदभाजपा जानती है कि वो फिर दुबारा सत्ता में नहीं आनेवाली, इसी डर से वो चुनाव के समय, विपक्ष के नेताओं को किसी भी तरह से जनता से दूर करना चाहती है, गिरफ़्तारी तो बस बहाना है।
ये गिरफ़्तारी एक नयी जन-क्रांति को…
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) March 21, 2024
Yadav criticized the BJP, insinuating that Kejriwal’s arrest was politically motivated, aimed at sidelining opposition leaders ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized that the BJP’s apprehension of electoral defeat drives such tactics, which, instead of quelling opposition voices, will spur a fresh wave of public resistance.
He expressed his sentiments via a post on social media, cautioning against the BJP’s purported attempts to stifle dissent and manipulate the electoral landscape.
Kejriwal’s arrest sparked outcry among opposition figures, with Rahul Gandhi condemning it as an attempt by a “scared dictator” to undermine democracy. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also condemned the action, labeling it as a “despicable” move by the BJP government.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader implications of targeting opposition leaders during the electoral process, urging collective efforts to safeguard democracy from impending threats.
Kejriwal’s arrest follows similar actions against his former cabinet colleagues, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, who are also facing judicial custody in money laundering cases related to the excise policy. The arrests have triggered protests among AAP supporters, reflecting growing concerns over the state of democracy amidst escalating political crackdowns.
