In a big change in the politics of the capital city, Delhi’s Chief Minister and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for allegedly being involved in a liquor policy scam. This arrest is significant because Mr. Kejriwal is the first sitting chief minister in India to be arrested. Despite this, his party has stated that he will remain in his position as Chief Minister.
Outside the chief minister’s residence on Thursday, Delhi minister Atishi stated, “We’ve received information that Mr. Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. His arrest seems to be a plot orchestrated by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite over 1,000 raids on AAP leaders and ministers during the two-year investigation, neither the ED nor the CBI has recovered any money related to this case.”
“Atishi stated in Hindi, ‘Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest following the announcement of the Lok Sabha election is a conspiracy. Mr. Kejriwal represents not just an individual, but an ideology. Arresting one Kejriwal cannot extinguish this ideology. He will continue to serve as the Delhi chief minister. We have always maintained that he will govern even from jail if necessary. There is no legal barrier preventing him from doing so.’”
Ms. Atishi highlighted that Mr. Kejriwal has not been convicted and stated that the fight will persist. She mentioned that the party has taken the matter to the Supreme Court regarding his arrest. “Our legal team is approaching the court for urgent consideration. We will request that the case be heard tonight,” she added.
