The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 sent shockwaves through the political landscape, triggering a flurry of reactions and actions. As the saga unfolds, let’s delve into the intricacies of the controversy surrounding the Delhi excise policy, the fallout of Kejriwal’s arrest, and the ensuing developments.
Some Key Points…
1. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, with the drama unfolding rapidly at his residence before he was taken into custody.
2. The charges against Arvind Kejriwal relate to corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped.
3. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken the matter to the Supreme Court to challenge Kejriwal’s arrest after the Delhi High Court declined immediate protection.
4. Kejriwal withdrew his writ petition challenging his arrest in the Supreme Court, opting instead to be produced before a Magistrate court at 2 p.m. for further proceedings.
5. BJP’s Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Arvind Kejriwal for not resigning upon arrest, while SAD’s Daljit Singh Cheema highlighted the irony of AAP’s roots in anti-corruption movements.
6. Traffic disruptions and heightened security were observed in central Delhi following Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, with AAP staging protests and Delhi BJP slamming the party for defending a leader accused of corruption.
7. Social activist Anna Hazare expressed disappointment over Kejriwal’s arrest, citing his earlier activism against alcohol and now involvement in liquor policies.
8. Kejriwal’s withdrawal of his plea from the Supreme Court against his arrest indicates a strategic shift in his legal approach, with senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi representing him in the ongoing legal battle.
The Drama Unfolds:
The drama unfolded swiftly as the ED team descended upon Kejriwal’s residence, leading to a high-paced sequence of events culminating in his arrest. Within hours, Kejriwal found himself en route to the ED headquarters in central Delhi, setting the stage for a legal and political showdown.
The Controversy Around the Delhi Excise Policy:
At the heart of Kejriwal’s arrest are allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22. The policy, which was later scrapped, came under scrutiny for purported irregularities, providing fodder for accusations against the Chief Minister.
AAP’s Response and Legal Maneuvers:
In response to Kejriwal’s arrest, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) swiftly moved to challenge the legality of the arrest, seeking relief from the Supreme Court. Despite the Delhi High Court’s initial refusal to grant immediate protection, AAP remained resolute in its pursuit of legal recourse, setting the stage for a potential legal battle in the apex court.
Kejriwal’s Withdrawal of Writ Petition:
In a strategic move, Kejriwal withdrew his writ petition challenging his arrest in the Supreme Court, opting instead to face the legal proceedings before the trial court. With his legal team prepared to seek bail and contest any request for remand by the ED, Kejriwal’s decision underscores a shift in his legal strategy amidst mounting pressure.
Political Reactions and Fallout:
The fallout of Kejriwal’s arrest reverberated across the political spectrum, eliciting a range of reactions from various quarters. BJP’s Sudhanshu Trivedi seized the opportunity to criticize Kejriwal for not resigning upon arrest, while SAD’s Daljit Singh Cheema lamented the irony of AAP’s anti-corruption roots juxtaposed with corruption allegations against its leader.
Public Disruption and Protests:
The arrest not only disrupted the political landscape but also caused public inconvenience, with traffic snarls and heightened security measures observed in central Delhi. AAP’s protests against Kejriwal’s arrest further exacerbated tensions, prompting a stern rebuke from Delhi BJP, which accused AAP of defending a leader embroiled in corruption allegations.
Anna Hazare’s Disappointment:
Social activist Anna Hazare expressed disappointment over Kejriwal’s arrest, highlighting the contrast between his past activism against alcohol and his involvement in formulating liquor policies. Hazare’s remarks underscore the disillusionment among erstwhile allies and civil society over Kejriwal’s trajectory in politics.
As the legal battle unfolds and political ramifications reverberate, the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal marks a pivotal moment in Indian politics. It serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and controversies inherent in governance, while also raising pertinent questions about accountability, transparency, and the integrity of public officials. As stakeholders brace for the legal showdown and navigate the turbulent aftermath, the repercussions of Kejriwal’s arrest are likely to reverberate far beyond the confines of Delhi’s political arena, shaping the discourse on governance and accountability in the broader national context.
Source: Live Mints