For AAP and BJP, Delhi’s politics now a ‘wait-and-watch game’
The arrest of a sitting Chief Minister without a conviction in a case — unprecedented in the history of the country — has put both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on opposite sides of a wait-and-watch game. What unfolds over the coming week to 10 days, especially legally, is expected to have “significant outcomes” for the political future of each side in the city.
While the AAP, according to insiders, is huddled over legal possibilities aimed at keeping Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal out of jail, the BJP’s leadership “at the highest levels” is said to be brainstorming legal scenarios to back the “removal of the AAP” — both from the Delhi government and the city’s politics.
ED takes cognisance of directions issued by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from custody
The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday took cognisance of Delhi Minister Atishi's statement that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had issued directions from the central agency's custody regarding public welfare works related to water and sewerage, news agency PTI reported officials as saying. The agency will conduct an investigation into whether these directions were in line with the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court's order to the ED and Delhi CM during his custody period, the PTI report further said.
Arvind Kejriwal arrested to distract from the electoral bonds issue: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesg Yadav on Sunday said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had been arrested to distract from the electoral bonds issue, news agency PTI reported. “Even the public knows how the BJP is using ED, CBI, Income Tax department and other institutions to put pressure on people to receive donations. While donations are given voluntarily, by using these institutions, they are asking for ransom," Yadav said.
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AAP National General Secretary writes to J P Nadda on alleged 'money trail found between BJP and Sarath Chandra Reddy'
AAP National General Secretary Pankaj Gupta on Sunday wrote to BJP President J P Nadda, seeking clarification on the alleged connection between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Sarath Chandra Reddy. Reddy is an accused in a money laundering probe related to the now-scrapped excise policy case. ED sources, at the time of his arrest, had said Reddy was instrumental in the cartelisation of licences and played a role in moving alleged kickbacks in the entire liquor licensing process, adding that Babu was part of the cartelisation process.
Police given duty to stop AAP protests instead of their actual duty which is to protect women: AAP leader Kuldeep Kumar
AAP leader Kuldeep Kumar on Sunday said that teams of Delhi police had been deployed outside the Aam Aadmi Party offices in the capital and in places where party workers were protesting, news agency PTI reported. "Officers from different police stations have been given a duty to stop AAP workers from protesting instead of their actual duty, which is to protect women in Delhi," Kumar said.
Public questioning arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: AAP leader Kuldeep Kumar
Aam Aadmi Party leader Kuldeep Kumar on Sunday said that the people of Delhi had taken to the streets against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while adding that the public was questioning as to why he had been put in jail. Kumar was participating in a candle march in New Delhi's Kondli area.
AAP leaders carrying out candle marches in every ward, constituency in Delhi: Atishi
Delhi Minister Atishi on Sunday said that Aam Aadmi Party workers in all wards and constituencies of the capital were carrying out candle marches against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, news agency PTI reported. "This is the first time that after the announcement of elections, the national convenor of a national party is arrested, and the bank accounts of the Congress party frozen," Atishi said. The PWD minister added that PM Modi was killing democracy in the country.
AAP workers led by Atishi protest against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in New Delhi's Govindpuri
The Aam Aadmi Party workers, led by Delhi Minister Atishi, held a protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the capital's Govindpuri area on Sunday.
Timing of Kejriwal's arrest makes it clear BJP has no respect for democratic process: Jharkhand Cong chief
Congress's Jharkhand unit chief Rajesh Thakur on Sunday said that the timing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest makes it clear that the ruling BJP has no respect for the democratic process, news agency PTI reported. Thakur alleged that misuse of the central agencies by the BJP and their corruption was evident through the electoral bond scam".
AAP General Secretary Sandeep Pathak says party to launch 'Main bhi Kejriwal' campaign
Aam Aadmi Party General Secretary Sandeep Pathak on Sunday said that the party would launch the 'Main bhi Kejriwal' campaign soon, with all workers and leaders being asked to paste a picture of poster of the Delhi CM outside their houses. Pathak also appealed to all the party MLAs, councillors, ward and mandal level leaders to set their differences aside and come together as a team. "Now, there are no different teams. There is only one team --Kejriwal team. And we have to work for that," said Pathak.
Received Kejriwal's instructions on holding mega rally, planning to begin from March 26: AAP leader Sandeep Pathak
Aam Aadmi Party leader Sandeep Pathak on Sunday said he had received first orders from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on how to run the government, along with the directions on holding a mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on March 31. Pathak said that the planning for the rally would begin on March 26 with a preparatory meeting wherein all MLAs from all constituencies, councillors, ward-level leaders and party volunteers would participate. "There are 13-14 thousand booths in Delhi and the total count will go up to around 1.3 lakh or 1.50 lakh. So, our target is to bring 1.5 lakh (ten from each booth) to Ramlila ground on March 31," Pathak said. The AAP general secretary also said that Kejriwal would convey his message to the people from jail on the day of the rally.
Kejriwal's order from ED custody part of 'script', says BJP MP Manoj Tiwari
Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Sunday said that Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal's instructions from the ED custody was scripted, news agency PTI reported. "In ED's custody there is a culprit and taking his reference today a script has been written that water and sewer-related facilities in Delhi are disorganised," Tiwari said. Delhi minister Atishi had, earlier today, held a press conference informing the media that the Delhi CM had issued directions pertaining to the Water Department.
Letter issued by Atishi forged, Delhi CM cannot pass any order without court's permission: BJP National Secretary
BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday alleged that the letter issued by Atishi regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's order from ED custody was forged. ""The letter that has been issued by AAP Minister Atishi through a press conference is forged...She has played a fraud on the people of Delhi," he said. Sirsa said that the Delhi CM, who was in custody, could not issue any order without the permission of the court. He further questioned the use of the Chief Minister's office in his absence.
His first responsibility is to serve the people of Delhi: AAP leader Sandeep Pathak on Kejriwal's first order from ED custody
Speaking on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issuing directions from ED custody, AAP leader Sandeep Pathak on Sunday said that his first responsibility was to serve the people of Delhi, news agency PTI reported. '“He is an elected Chief Minister. His first responsibility is to serve the public. Therefore, he has passed the orders from jail,' Pathak said.
'INDIA alliance will organise a 'maha rally' at Ramila Maidan to safeguard democracy,' says Atishi
'The entire INDIA alliance will organise a 'maha rally' at 10 am on March 31 at the Ramlila Maidan (in Delhi) to safeguard the democracy in this country,' said Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi on INDIA bloc's March 31 'maha rally'.
'PM is trying to murder democracy' says AAP leader Gopal Rai
“The PM is trying to murder the democracy; the way Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was arrested, and opposition leaders are being targeted; people can't even raise their voice against this. We are organising a rally against this at 10 am on March 31 at the Ramlila Maidan (in Delhi). All members of the INDIA alliance have been invited," said Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai on INDIA bloc's March 31 'maha rally'.
Oppn not just against Kejriwal’s arrest, but also against dictatorial rule, says CPI(M) leader Rajiv Kunwar
"The moment Arvind Kejriwal was arrested we had shown our opposition to the same, the opposition is not just towards the arrest of a Chief Minister but against dictatorial rule. Yesterday our party went to different areas in Delhi to hold demonstrations against Kejriwal's arrest...We will show up in large numbers on the 31st and appeal the same from the residents of Delhi," said CPI(M) leader Rajiv Kunwar during a joint press conference with Delhi’s INDIA bloc leaders.
'Democracy in danger, show up at mega rally in large numbers': Congress party's Arvinder Singh Lovely at INDIA bloc leaders' joint press conference
"The way this country's democracy is in danger like your brother Gopal Rai has just explained...Our leader Rahul Gandhi has been trying to save the country's democracy and we will stand by the AAP to save the CM," Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely during a joint press conference with Delhi’s INDIA bloc leaders.
"We will have a big rally on the 31st, this will not just be a political rally, it will be a rally where the whole country will question the threat that is looming over the country's democracy...I appeal not just the congress workers and sympathisers to take a part in the rally but also the RWAs and people of Delhi to show up in large numbers," Lovely said
Mega Opposition rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on March 31 against Kejriwal’s arrest, announces AAP
AAP leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday announced that they will organise a mega rally to protest against the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at Ramila Maidan on March 31.
“None of our Mantris Vidhayaks were allowed to meet Kejriwal during his arrest, and yesterday it was Shahidi Diwas we wanted to offer a tribute to Bhagat Singh but there too we were treated like we are criminals,” said Gopal Rai, during a joint press conference with Delhi’s INIDA bloc leaders.
"They (BJP) have received 8 thousand crore rupees in the form of electoral bonds but the accounts of the Congress have been sealed by the IT department due to which they cannot campaign anymore," Rai said.
'Wish he had done this 8-9 years ago': Delhi BJP chief on Kejriwal issuing orders to deploy enough water tankers in city
"Wish he had done this 8-9 years ago. He never wrote a letter over water-related issues in Delhi. I feel he is trying to give a hint to his minister about the Delhi Jal Board scam," says Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva on CM Arvind Kejriwal issuing first work order from ED custody.
‘People of Delhi have lost trust in you’, says BJP leader Manoj Tiwari as Kejriwal issues first orders from ED custody
"A script was made today in reference to a criminal in the custody of ED. It was done after no one showed support (to Arvind Kejriwal). If you want to see the condition of delhi, go and watch the lanes of Delhi. The drains are full of dirty water, coming into the streets, entering the houses and dirty drinking water in the houses... Now, Delhi will not listen to your script. The people of Delhi have lost trust in you," said BJP leader Manoj Tiwari, after Delhi CM Kejriwal issued his first orders from ED custody.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal issued his first direction while being under ED custody about the city government’s Water department today.
'Desperate for power' says BJP leader as Kejriwal issues first orders from ED custody
"Isn't it shocking that the man who claimed to be epitome of poverty and public life, and said that if there's any allegations, he would resign immediately. Here's we have allegations after allegations in the court of law. Despite that, Arvind Kejriwal is so desperate for power that he continues to say that he will run his party from jail," said BJP leader Shaina NC after Delhi CM Kejriwal issued his first orders from ED custody.
Who is Ram Gupta — the man in viral video from AAP stir
When Ram Gupta started from his Greater Noida house on Friday morning, little did he know that he would be the subject of several memes — some mocking him, others celebrating him — in less than 24 hours.
A member of AAP and vice-president of the party’s Uttar Pradesh Kisan Sangathan, 46-year-old Gupta, in a video, was seen standing next to a police officer and telling a mediaperson that he was not part of the AAP’s protest at ITO against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and that he should not be detained. (Click here to read more)
'BJP took around Rs 60 crore donations from kingpin of excise policy case' alleges AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj
“BJP took around Rs 60 crore donations from kingpin of excise policy case - Sharat Chandra Reddy. This isn’t an allegation. We have shown the proof. BJP took Rs 55 crore of donations from Sharat Chandra Reddy after arresting him (in excise policy case) and, surprisingly, they haven't said a word on this,” said Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj during a press conference today.
AAP leaders, MLAs, councillors to meet to decide strategy after Delhi CM Kejriwal's arrest: Sources
he AAP will hold a meeting of its leaders, MLAs and councillors on Sunday to decide its future strategy following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, party sources said.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak will preside over the meeting.
"This is the first big meeting after the arrest of the party supremo. There is likely to be discussions on the party's future strategy," a source said. (PTI)
Delhi CM Kejriwal issues first work order from ED custody, instructs to solve water-related problems
? Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has issued his first direction from ED custody, instructing Water Minister Atishi to solve water- and sewer-related problems in some areas of the city.
? Atishi said the directions, received late on Saturday, brought tears to her eyes with Kejriwal showing concern for the people of Delhi despite his own plight.
? The CM directed for deploying enough water tankers in areas where there is scarcity to strengthen supply ahead of the approaching summer months, Atishi said.
? The minister said Kejriwal directed to issue instructions to the chief secretary and other officers in this regard.
? He also suggested seeking the help of Lt Governor VK Saxena, if needed, and expects that he will extend all assistance, she said.
Arvind Kejriwal keeping a full tab on the ongoing works and Delhi govt: Atishi
'Even today from jail, Arvind Kejriwal ji is thinking about the people of Delhi and the ongoing works in Delhi. I assure you on behalf of Arvind Kejriwal ji that he is keeping a full tab on the ongoing works and Delhi govt and is taking care of the people,' said Atishi in a press conference today.
"CM Arvind Kejriwal has been reviewing the ongoing works and developments in all departments. All the projects and matters have been under his supervision. Now he is under the custody of the central government... Summers are also coming and several places face water supply problems, so he has given directions on how to address the issue... department and the officers will be directed as per the directions given by the CM," she said.
Her statement comes after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal issued his first direction while being under ED custody pertaining to the city government’s Water department.
Kejriwal issues first orders from ED custody, says take help from LG if needed
AAP leader and Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi on Sunday read our the directions sent by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal regarding the city’s water department, which he issued while being in ED custody.
“I have come to know that few areas of Delhi have been facing problems related to water and sewerage, that is why I am worried because I am in jail and because of that people of Delhi should not face any problem,” Kejriwal wrote.
“Summer is also coming...where there is a shortage of water, deploy water tankers in sufficient quantity and give orders to the Chief Secretary and officers so that the public does not face any trouble. Immediate and appropriate solution should be taken to address the public's problem,” he said.
“If needed, take help from the Lieutenant Governor, he will definitely help you,” said Kejriwal.
'You cannot stop Arvind Kejriwal from fulfilling his responsibilities': Atishi to BJP
"I want to tell the BJP people that you can arrest Kejriwal and put him in jail but you cannot arrest his love for the people of Delhi, you cannot stop from fulfilling his responsibilities," said AAP leader Atishi in a press conference today.
Her statement comes after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal issued his first direction while being under ED custody pertaining to the city government’s Water department.
'Who thinks about water problems of Delhiites despite being in jail,' says Atishi as Kejriwal issues first directive from ED custody
“Who is such a person, despite being in jail spends so much time thinking about the small water and sewer problems of Delhiites,” said AAP leader Atishi in a press conference today.
"No person can think like this... Only Arvind Kejriwal can think like this because he considers the 2 crores of people as his family. He has been taking care of Delhiites as his family for the last nine years. He has run the Delhi government and is taking care of Delhi as a father, son and brother. That's why despite these difficult times, he is only thinking about the people of Delhi," she said.
Her statement comes after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal issued his first direction while being under ED custody pertaining to the city government’s Water department.
As Delhi CM issues first directive from ED custody, Atishi says 'work for people of Delhi will not stop'
“Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested. He is in jail but the work of Delhi people will not stop,” said AAP leader Atishi in a press conference today.
“He has given me (water minister) these directions from ED Custody. my eyes swelled up with tears when I received this... Who thinks like this even in a situation like this? Even from jail, he is a person who is thinking about the people of Delhi,” she further stated.
Delhi CM issues first directive from ED custody
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has issued his first direction while being under ED custody on running the city government, AAP sources said on Sunday.
“He (Kejriwal) has issued his first direction from ED custody. The directions pertain to the city government’s Water department. Water Minister Atishi will announce the directions later in the day,” the party sources say.
AAP leader Atishi to address a press conference at 10 am today
AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi to address a press conference at 10 am today.
Kejriwal’s arrest: Has BJP over-reached or is it a decisive strike?
The Arvind Kejriwal arrest is different from the arrests of other Opposition leaders that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made of late. Will its timing, coming less than a month before the general elections raises several issues.
The Narendra Modi government may hope to ride out whatever storm the ED’s custody of the Delhi Chief Minister in the excise policy scam may generate, with the AAP workers hitting the streets in protest. From the first murmurings from the ground, people, including even those who don’t particularly like Kejriwal or his politics, see it as “zyadati” (excessive). “Thora zyada hee ho raha hai, (It’s a little too much),” they say, with a tone of worry. (Click here to read more)
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: AAP supporters continue their protests at ITO
AAP supporters continue their protests at ITO against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED in the excise policy case.
AAP supporters stage a protest at ITO against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED
AAP supporters on Sunday staged a protest at ITO against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED in the excise policy case.
Speaking to news agency PTI, one of the protestors said: "We will protest everywhere - on streets, roads and societies. Whatever Arvind Kejriwal has done for the people of Delhi, no one has done that. PM Modi is afraid of him. Why Arvind Kejriwal was arrested during the elections?"
What BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED in excise policy case
"If you think about a story following the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, then it's title would be 'ek safar - swaraj se sharab tak'. A journey had started which talked about 'swaraj', but it has ended on 'sharab'. Arvind Kejriwal has decided that neither he will follow the law, nor he will inspire anyone to follow the law," said BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED in excise policy case.
Delhi Police beefs up security ahead of AAP's protest
Ahead of a planned protest by AAP leaders and workers in the national capital on Sunday, the Delhi Police has ramped up security measures, officials said.
This comes after AAP decided to take out a candle march and burn the effigy of the BJP government against the arrest of party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by ED.
Heavy personnel deployment and multi-layer barricading have already been put in place on roads leading to the BJP headquarters, ITO, and in front of the ED office where AAP members are expected to gather
Bhagat Singh’s soul will shiver that democracy is finished in this country: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
Is it a free country when Opposition leaders are being sent to jail and not allowed to campaign? Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked Aam Aadmi Party workers at Delhi’s Shaheedi Park on Saturday — their second day of protest against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest.
Speaking in front of the sculptures of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, Mann said, “We are here to salute Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice… (which) was meant to bring democracy to this country. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Lala Lajpat Rai… their fight was to ask the British to leave, and say that we will vote for our own leaders. After their sacrifice, the country became free, and we began to choose our own leaders. Lekin aaj Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev ki aatma thadap rahi hogi ki iss desh mein democracy bachi nahi hain. (Read More)
ED arrest ‘illegal’: CM Kejriwal moves Delhi High Court for urgent hearing today
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday moved the Delhi High Court against his arrest and remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case.
The plea, as per sources, has claimed that the agency’s action is “illegal”, and requested for an urgent hearing of the matter on March 24 (Sunday). As per sources, the matter is unlikely to be heard before March 27, when the High Court will reopen after Holi vacation. (Read More)