Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate late on Thursday. (Express photo by Abhinav Saha)Arvind Kejriwal Arrest News Live Updates (March 23): Day after being sent into the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till March 28, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday moved the High Court seeking an urgent hearing on his arrest. Kejriwal has termed his arrest as “illegal” as he challenged the ED’s move.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi said that the party has sought an “urgent appointment” with the Election Commission to ensure a level-playing field in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “Despite the representation made yesterday, today the Aam Aadmi Party office was sealed. Lok Sabha candidates and party leaders could not come to party office for campaign meetings… There was an IT Dept raid on the home of one of our MLAs. It is the responsibility given by the Indian Constitution to the ECI to ensure a level playing field,” the Delhi minister said.
Sending a message from ED custody, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that “every drop of blood is for the nation” and that he would continue to work in the service of the country every moment, whether inside our outside the jail. ” “No such bars exist which can contain your brother and son for much time. I will come out soon and fulfil my promise. Has it ever happened so far that Kejriwal promised something and didn’t deliver on it?” he wrote in his message which was read out by his wife Sunita Kejriwal.
ED officials take Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to their headquarters in New Delhi after arresting him late on Thursday. (Express Photo)
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | Congress’s Kejriwal dilemma deepens as it balances ties with AAP – friends in Delhi, foes in Punjab
Between its show of solidarity with the family of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and statements by leaders of its Punjab unit welcoming the arrest, the Congress is walking a tightrope in its relationship with INDIA bloc ally, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
While both the parties did not stitch an alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for the 13 seats in Punjab in view of their state units’ opposition to it there, they have done so in Delhi with the AAP contesting on four and the Congress on three of the national capital’s seven Lok Sabha seats.
Interestingly, Kejriwal’s arrest is based on a batch of complaints alleging a “multi-crore scam” in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy, one of which was filed with the Delhi Police in June 2022 by former Delhi Congress president Chaudhary Anil Kumar.
Read more here
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | 'Country moving towards dictatorship,' says Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has raised concerns over the actions of the BJP-led government, stating, "People in not only India but those across the world have come to know that the BJP Government is busy in putting the entire Opposition in jail." Saurabh Bharadwaj compared the situation in India to countries like Russia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and North Korea. Saurabh Bhardwaj highlighted the detention of key opposition leaders and alleged intimidation tactics, stating, "Our top 4 leaders are in jail under false cases.
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Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | India Calls Up German Diplomat After Germany 'Takes Note' of Kejriwal Arrest
India on Saturday summoned the German deputy chief of mission in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest against the German foreign ministry’s remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson had “taken note” of Kejriwal’s arrest. “We assume and expect that the standards relating to the independence of (the) judiciary and basic democratic principles will also be applied in this case,” the German official had said.
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Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | Delhi CM moves High Court, seeks urgent hearing on ‘illegal’ ED arrest
Day after being sent into the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till March 28, Delhi Chief Arvind Kejriwal Saturday moved the High Court seeking an urgent hearing over his arrest. Kejriwal has termed his arrest as “illegal” as he challenged the ED’s move.
the ED had arrested Kejriwal on Thursday night, and has alleged that he is the 'kingpin' and 'key conspirator' in the alleged scam in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.
Former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh have earlier been arrested in connection with this case.
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | Where is this written that a government can’t run from jail?' asks Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who had participated in Aam Aadmi Party's protest against the arrest of Delhi CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal today, said, "“We call ourselves the biggest democracy of the world. But is there any democracy? To arrest anyone who is speaking against them? There is a need today to save the Constitution and 140 crore people of the country are aware of this.”
He went on to say, "“Where is this written that a government can’t run from jail? You arrest a Chief Minister suddenly and then you ask him to resign; they will arrest everyone like this. Law says that until a person has not been proven guilty, he can run a government.”
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | AAP party office not sealed: Delhi Police officer
Meanwhile, amid AAP allegations, a senior Delhi Police officer said that the party office has not been sealed and barricading was put up only after a call for gathering was made by senior leaders after paying respects at Shaheedi Park at ITO.
The officer said that permission for paying respect to Bhagat Singh was not granted and forces were already deployed but when leaders started marching towards the DDU Marg, forces were brought in and multiple layers of barricading put up in view of Section 144 imposition.
The officer further said that around 28 party workers were detained and have now been released.
The DDU Marg is currently operational and traffic flow is normal.
Enhanced barricading was also put up in view of other party offices on DDU Marg, including the Rouse Avenue Court, where production of a person in connection with the same case was being carried out, the officer said.
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates: AAP seeks ‘urgent appointment’ with EC to ensure level-playing field in Lok Sabha polls
Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Saturday said that the party has sought an “urgent appointment” with the Election Commission to ensure a level-playing field in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “Despite the representation made yesterday, today the Aam Aadmi Party office was sealed. Lok Sabha candidates and party leaders could not come to party office for campaign meetings… There was an IT Dept raid on the home of one of our MLAs. It is the responsibility given by the Indian Constitution to the ECI to ensure a level playing field,” the Delhi minister said.
India summons German envoy after Berlin’s remarks on Kejriwal’s arrest
A day after a spokesperson of Germany’s foreign ministry said that they had taken note of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, New Delhi on Saturday summoned the German Deputy Chief of Mission to convey their strong protest against such remarks.
The External Affairs Ministry, in a statement, said: “The German Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi was summoned today and conveyed India’s strong protest on their Foreign Office Spokesperson’s comments on our internal affairs. We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary.” (Read More)
Delhi Metro's ITO, Lok Kalyan Marg stations reopen
The Delhi Metro has reopened the ITO and the Lok Kalyan Marg stations, a day after these were closed in view of an AAP protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, officials said on Saturday.
"ITO metro station and Lok Kalyan Marg metro station are now open for entry/exit," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a post on X.
AAP stopped from going to their office, we want Election Commission to intervene: AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj
"It is clear that bullying is going on. There is no law and order. You have stopped us from going to the party office. How the AAP will contest the elections? Under which law does the police have the right to control us? AAP's ministers cannot go to the party office. They cannot even go to their official residence... We have asked for time from the Election Commission. We would want the EC to take action on this matter as a neutral agency," said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Saturday.
Earlier, Delhi minister Atishi had alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party's office in Delhi has been "sealed from all sides."
“Aam Aadmi Party office has been sealed off from all sides. How can access to a national party office be stopped during the Lok Sabha election? This is against the ‘level playing field’ promised in the Indian Constitution. We are seeking time with the Election Commission to complain against this,” wrote AAP leader Atishi on X.
Decode Politics: How Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest may play out politically — for AAP, Opposition
The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal less than a month before the Lok Sabha elections opens up the door for several possible scenarios and raises crucial questions for the AAP and the larger anti-BJP Opposition bloc.
What happens to AAP?
If Kejriwal does not get relief from the courts soon enough, the AAP is likely to face an existential crisis as it will in the short term lose the services of a leader who has no peer in the party in terms of mass appeal. This is likely to pose a serious challenge to the party and in a state like Punjab, it may even make voters sway more towards the Congress. (Vikas Pathak writes)
Delhi excise policy case: BRS leader K Kavitha’s ED custody extended by 3 days
A Delhi court on Saturday extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha by three days.
Kavitha, a member of the Telangana Legislative Council and daughter of former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has been accused of paying Rs 100 crore to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in return for liquor licences in Delhi.
Kavitha was produced before the Rouse Avenue Court last Saturday and was sent to ED custody for a week after the agency took her into custody from Hyderabad. (Read More)
We thank Congress, Left (parties), and INDIA alliance parties for standing together with Arvind Kejriwal, says AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj
“We (AAP) thank Congress, Left (parties), and INDIA alliance parties for standing together with Arvind Kejriwal and working to save the democracy,” said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj during the protest against the arrest of Delhi CM Kejriwal, at ITO’s Shaheedi Park.
Making so many political arrests at the time of elections wrong, ECI should intervene, says K Kavitha
"We are fighting. Making so many political arrests at the time of elections is wrong. ECI should intervene and protect democracy in this country...Jai Telangana,” said BRS legislator K Kavitha after her ED custody was extended by 3 more days by the Rouse Avenue Court.
Kejriwal Arrest: Saurabh Bharadwaj Swipes At BJP, Says Country's Heading Towards 'Dictatorship'
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has raised concerns over the actions of the BJP-led government, stating, "People in not only India but those across the world have come to know that the BJP Government is busy in putting the entire Opposition in jail." Saurabh Bharadwaj compared the situation in India to countries like Russia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and North Korea. Saurabh Bhardwaj highlighted the detention of key opposition leaders and alleged intimidation tactics, stating, "Our top 4 leaders are in jail under false cases."
Delhi Court extends ED custody of BRS leader K Kavitha by 3 days.
A Delhi Court on Saturday extended the Enforcement Directorate custody of BRS legislator K Kavitha by three days.
An MLC of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), a former MP, and the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, K Kavitha, who has been under the scanner of central investigating agencies for almost two years now, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi liquor policy case.
In Pic | Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg leading up to AAP office has been barricaded
The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg leading up to the AAP office has been barricaded.
Taking to X, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party's office in Delhi has been 'sealed from all sides.'
This is against the ‘level playing field’ promised in the Indian Constitution. We are seeking time with the Election Commission to complain against this,” wrote AAP leader Atishi on X.
'AAP office sealed from all sides' says Atishi
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi on Saturday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party's office in Delhi has been "sealed from all sides."
“Aam Aadmi Party office has been sealed off from all sides. How can access to a national party office be stopped during the Lok Sabha election? This is against the ‘level playing field’ promised in the Indian Constitution. We are seeking time with the Election Commission to complain against this,” wrote AAP leader Atishi on X.
Searches underway at K Kavitha's nephew's house, says ED
BRS's K Kavitha was produced at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday. Her ED custody ends today. The Enforcement Directorate is seeking a further 5-day custody extension.
Special Counsel of ED Zoheb Hossain: "We've issued summonses to Kavitha's nephew but they failed to appear. We have also filed an application for the interrogation of co-accused Sameer Mahendru to find the proceeds of the crime of the nephew of Kavitha. Searches are going on in his (Kavitha's nephew’s) home as we speak."
Advocate Nitesh Rana representing Kavitha files bail before the Court. Advocate Rana also requested the Court to issue notice to the agency.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja to pass an order shortly.
ED seeks 5-day custody extension for K Kavitha
BRS's K Kavitha was produced at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday. Her ED custody ends today.
The Enforcement Directorate is seeking a further 5-day custody extension.
Special Counsel of ED Zoheb Hossain: 'What we've done so far - we've taken statements from Kavitha on 17,18,19,20,22 March. She's conspired to give kickbacks to the tune of ?100 crores. Data on her mobile phone has been analysed. There was a deletion of data from her phone during the ED investigation.'
An MLC of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), a former MP, and the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, K Kavitha, who has been under the scanner of central investigating agencies for almost two years now, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi liquor policy case.
AAP supporters protesting at Shaheedi Park in Delhi over arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal detained
AAP supporters protesting at Shaheedi Park in Delhi over the arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal have been detained
'Whole nation is watching the death of democracy' says Atishi on Kejriwal's arrest
"Today the whole nation is watching the death of democracy that is happening. One by one attacks are happening on the opposition. First the sitting CM Hemant Soren was arrested, and then Arvind Kejriwal was arrested, if one by one opposition leaders are put in jail, what is the meaning of the election? This is dictatorship..." said AAP leader Atishi during a protest against the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at ITO’s Shaheedi Park today.
BRS K Kavitha produced in Delhi Court today
BRS K Kavitha was produced at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday. Her ED custody ends today.
'Appeal to all members of the AAP- don’t let any work of social service': Arvind Kejriwal message from ED custody
"I also appeal to all members of the AAP: don’t let any work of social service or that for the service of the people stop just because I’ve been sent inside. And also, do not hate the BJP because of this. They too are our brothers and sisters. I will return soon. Jai Hind," Arvind Kejriwal's message read.
Arvind Kejriwal was sent to six-day Enforcement Directorate custody in connection with the excise policy case on Friday.
'I will come out soon and keep my promise' Arvind Kejriwal's message from prison
'There are several forces within and outside India that are weakening the country. We have to be alert, identify these forces and defeat them...Women in Delhi must be thinking that Kejriwal is behind bars. Who knows if they would get Rs 1000? I appeal to them to trust their brother, their son. No jail can keep him behind bars for long. I will come out soon and keep my promise,' said Sunita Kejriwal reading out a message sent by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Sunita Kejriwal begins her press conference, reads message sent by Arvind Kejriwal from prison
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal on Saturday read out a message sent by him from prison. "Your son and brother Arvind Kejriwal has sent a message for you from prison.." she said.
It stated: "My dear countrymen, I was arrested yesterday. Whether I am inside or outside, I will continue to work in the service of the country every moment. Each moment of my life is dedicated to the nation, every drop of blood is for the nation. I have been born on this earth only to struggle. I have struggled a lot till this day and seem fated to take on bigger struggles in days to come That is why this arrest doesn’t surprise me. I have received a lot of love from you. I must’ve done many good deeds in my previous birth to have been born in a great land like Bharat."
'They can arrest Arvind Kejriwal but how will you arrest his thought that lives in the heart of every person,' says Bhagwant Mann
"The British sacrificed Bhagat Singh today at a very young age, I would like to inform people why Bhagat Singh was sacrificed, it was because wanted the country to be free, and it was because of sacrifices made by leaders like him that the country gained independence. They can arrest Arvind Kejriwal but how will you arrest his thought that lives in the heart of every person?" said Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann during a protest at Shaheedi Park against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest.
"Bhimrao Ambedkar’s constitution is in danger. These people only care about their own political benefits and nothing else for which they’re using ED and CBI as tools. What do they think democracy is? We will tell them that this country belongs to all of us, “ye desh kisi ke baap ka nahi hai,” he said.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann arrives at Shaheedi Park to protest against CM Kejriwal's arrest
Punjab CM and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann has arrived at ITO's Shaheedi Park to protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the ED.
Arresting the CM completely wrong, says Delhi Minister Kailash Gehlot
"Arresting the sitting CM is completely wrong, you can arrest Arvind Kejriwal but he is not just a person, he’s a way of thinking that cannot be arrested,” said Delhi minister and AAP leader Kailash Gehlot, during the protest at ITO’s Shaheedi Park.
ED failed to establish money trail against any AAP leader despite multiple raids, says Atishi
The ED has not been able to establish a money trail against any AAP leader despite multiple raids, arrests and two year-long investigations in the alleged excise policy scam, Delhi Minister Atishi claimed on Saturday.
The AAP leader also said the ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal merely based on the statement of one Sharad P Reddy. Reddy, of Aurobindo Pharma, was arrested by the ED in November in connection with the excise policy case. He gave crores of rupees to the BJP through electoral bonds, she claimed.
Atishi also challenged the ED to file a case against the BJP, saying the money trail of the so-called excise policy scam leads to the saffron party.
Crowd gathers at ITO’s Shaheedi Park to protest against Delhi CM Kejriwal’s arrest
Chants of ‘Arvind tum sangharsh karo’ echo inside Shahidi Park as people protest against Delhi CM Kejriwal’s arrest.
Crowd gathers at ITO’s Shaheedi Park to protest against Delhi CM Kejriwal’s arrest
A crowd has gathered at ITO’s Shaheedi Park to protest against Delhi CM Kejriwal’s arrest.
(Express Photos by Saman Husain)
AAP leader Atishi questions testimony of Aurobindo Pharma head in Delhi Liquor Policy case
"Arvind Kejriwal was arrested two days ago in the alleged liquor policy case. He was arrested based on the statement of just one person - Sarath Chandra Reddy, the head of the Aurobindo Pharma. He owns several other companies. Sarath Chandra Reddy was called for questioning on November 9, 2022. During the questioning, he said he never met Arvind Kejriwal and is not related to the AAP. However, he was arrested following this by the ED. After spending several months in jail, Sarath Chandra Reddy changed his statement, saying he had met Arvind Kejriwal. Following this, Sarath Chandra Reddy got bail,” said Atishi in a press conference today.
Sunita Kejriwal expected to hold a press conference today
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife- Sunita Kejriwal - is expected to hold a press conference today.
“Your Chief Minister has always stood with you… The public knows that he is Janardan”, said Sunita Kejriwal, hours after her husband and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case late Thursday night.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday afternoon, she said, “Modi ji got your thrice elected Chief Minister arrested out of arrogance of power. He is trying to crush everyone. This is a betrayal of the people of Delhi. Your Chief Minister has always stood with you. Whether inside or outside, his life is dedicated to the country. The public knows that he is Janardan. Jai Hind.”
Mumbai’s hawala operators were used to send money to Goa for AAP’s poll campaign: ED
Mumbai-based hawala operators or angadiyas were used to send money to Goa for the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP’s) election campaign during the Assembly polls in the state, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed in its remand application.
The ED has said that it has found that AAP was the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. Proceeds of the crime to the tune of approximately Rs 45 crore in cash were utilised in AAP’s election campaign in Goa for the Assembly elections 2021-22, the agency has claimed. (Click here to read more)
Aurobindo Pharma’s director an approver in Excise Policy Case; BJP taken money through electoral bonds from his companies, says AAP leader
“In June 2023, Aurobindo Pharma’s P Sarath Chandra Reddy became an approver in the case…through three of his companies the BJP took Rs. 50 crores via electoral bonds,” alleged AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj.
“It is public data which is available on the ECI website that Rs. 59.5 crores have been taken by the BJP from companies linked to the excise policy case,” he said.
“In the same way Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested and the ED wants to make the AAP a party in the case, the BJP should be made a party in the case for accepting proceeds of crime, JP Nadda should be questioned and arrested if he doesn’t cooperate,” he asserted.
Days after Aurobindo Pharma director’s arrest, BJP encashed `5-crore bonds bought by firm
Five days after Aurobindo Pharma Director P Sarath Chandra Reddy was arrested in a money laundering case tied to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy, Aurobindo Pharma purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 5 crore on November 15, 2022. On November 21, the BJP encashed this sum, bond data reveals.
The next year, in June, a Delhi court allowed Reddy, currently a non-executive director at the company, to turn approver in the case. The Delhi court had also granted a pardon to Reddy in the high-profile case. (Read our report here)
CM Kejriwal arrested based on the testimony of just one person, who was later let out on bail, says Atishi
“CM Kejriwal has been arrested based on the testimony of just one person — Sharath Chandra Reddy of Aurobindo Pharma. After being arrested and spending a few months in jail, he says he met Arvind Kejriwal and he was let out on bail,” said Atisi in a press conference on Saturday.
“Today, the actual money trail in the excise policy case has become clear: several crores were given in Electoral Bonds to the BJP by Reddy and his company…all the money went to the BJP’s accounts. The ED should make the BJP and its national president JP Nadda accused in the case,” asserted AAP leader Atishi in a press conference today," she said.
Anger, despair — and a will to fight back: The mood at 3 Delhi mohalla clinics over Kejriwal’s arrest
It is 1 in the afternoon. Around the mohalla clinic in the Peeragarhi Relief Camp, the topic of discussion among the patients as well as the residents of the locality is the same: The arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal late on Thursday.
While many expressed anger at the events of the previous night, some said they were ready to take to the streets, if required, to register their protest.
Set up in 2015, the Peeragarhi Relief Camp mohalla clinic in Shakur Basti — the constituency of jailed AAP former minister Satyendar Jain — is the first among a series of such clinics set up by Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government with the promise to provide free treatment to the residents near their home. (Read More)
In his constituency, the chorus: ‘galat hai’, in jail or out, should stay CM
Most in his constituency do not remember the last time Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited them. But they do not resent his absence, and in fact, the message from his New Delhi Assembly constituency is clear — fight and continue to lead the government.
Unlike the rest of the city, the New Delhi constituency is planned around wide tree-lined roads, Lutyen’s bungalows, and high rises housing the government officials of the national capital, with only a few jhuggi clusters in narrow lanes. (Read More)
At BJP’s Holi Milan, speculations on AAP’s future — and its own
A day after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, the BJP speculated on how it could seize the opportunity to bolster its campaign for not just one but two elections — the Lok Sabha polls and next year’s Assembly election — in Delhi. Leaders said the party now has ample fodder to mount an attack on the AAP and position itself as the sole alternative.
At a Holi Milan attended by party leaders Friday, Northeast Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari, arguing that gangs run from behind bars and not governments — a dig at the AAP’s announcement of not replacing Kejriwal either as CM or party chief — sought to paint a picture of “heightened celebration” in the Capital after the CM’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. (Click here to read more)
Security forces patrol central Delhi amid AAP call for protest at Shaheedi Park, ITO
Security personnel continue to patrol central Delhi on Saturday amid a call by the AAP to gather at Shaheedi Park to protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with an excise policy-linked money-laundering case.
Delhi Police officials said roads leading to Shaheedi Park have yet to be shut but may be closed depending on the situation.
"If they try to march or hold a protest, action will be taken," a senior officer said.
Traffic may also be hit in parts of central Delhi due to heavy barricading and police deployment.
AAP and INDIA bloc leaders will hold a mega protest outside Shaheedi Park in Delhi’s ITO to register a protest against Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with his party leaders will be in attendance.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj statement on Arvind Kejriwal continuing as Delhi CM
"Arvind Kejriwal will do what the public will say. He has always made major decisions based on what people have said. Before making this decision, he contacted all his MLAs, held meetings and met the Councillors. We also spoke with the people in all wards. Everyone said that Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the CM,” said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj when asked about whether Kejriwal would continue as Delhi CM.
Kejriwal finally brought to justice: BJP after Delhi CM sent to ED's custody
The BJP on Friday welcomed a Delhi court's decision to send Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the ED's custody in an excise policy-linked money-laundering case, saying the "kingpin of the crime" has finally been brought to justice.
"The news about the court sending him to (the ED's) remand has at least convinced the country that nobody is above the law. The kingpin of the crime, Arvind Kejriwal, has finally been brought to justice," said Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani.
"Kejriwal came with a promise of change and transparency. What he sought to do was use the state instrument to defraud the public exchequer. Today, he stands before the law to be adjudged and prosecuted, and then made to pay for his crimes.... This is the true face of the kingpin of the crime, Arvind Kejriwal," she alleged.
Opposition being scared into silence, alleges Saurabh Bharadwaj as ED raids AAP MLA Gulab Singh Yadav
"People in not only India but those across the world have come to know that the BJP Government is busy putting the entire Opposition in jail. This country is following the path of Russia...This has been seen in Bangladesh, Pakistan, North Korea and now India is on the same path. The largest democracy in the world is now on the path of dictatorship where the basic rights of people will be finished, where Opposition will be stopped...Our top 4 leaders are in jail under false cases. We are contesting in Gujarat, and the party's Gujarat in-charge Gulab Singh Yadav is being raided today. I am confident that in the time to come, AAP leaders and other Opposition leaders will be raided so that Opposition is scared into silence,” said Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on the ED raid being conducted on party MLA Gulab Singh Yadav.
After Kejriwal, could Punjab govt be next? ED watch on its MLA, excise officials, AAP fears worst
There is a palpable sense of fear in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ranks in Punjab, after Delhi Chief Minister and party chief Arvind Kejriwal was arrested Thursday in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The fear is compounded by the fact that last year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had raided the residence and office of AAP MLA and realtor Kulwant Singh in Mohali, and also questioned three Punjab officials.
On Friday, the BJP’s Punjab unit chief, Sunil Jakhar, demanded that the ED along with the Election Commission probe the AAP Punjab government’s excise policy. (Click here to read more)
From South Group ‘bribes’ to Goa polls via hawala – ED case against Kejriwal
“Bribes” received from the South Group were funnelled into the Aam Aadmi Party’s Goa Assembly poll campaign through a web of hawala transactions, the Enforcement Directorate has alleged in its remand application, while claiming that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was “intrinsically involved in the acts of (excise) policy formulation, kickback scheme and the final use of the proceeds of crime”.
The remand application, filed by the ED in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, details how the South Group – which involved politicians, businessmen and middlemen – paid money to gain undue benefits in implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. More significantly, the ED has delved into how the Aam Aadmi Party allegedly used Rs 45 crore for its poll campaign. (Read More)
ED conducting a raid at AAP Matiala MLA Gulab Singh’s residence, AAP sources allege
The ED is currently conducting a raid at AAP Matiala MLA Gulab Singh’s residence, as alleged by AAP sources.
The party is unaware so far of the case under which the raid is being conducted.
Medical team leaves ED office where Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been kept in custody
A medical team was seen leaving the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Delhi this morning, where Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been kept in custody since his arrest on March 21.
The Rouse Avenue court on Friday remanded Delhi CM in Enforcement Directorate's custody till March 28 "for his detailed and sustained interrogation" regarding his role in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
Boycott Holi celebrations, nationwide protests: AAP lays out 4-day protest plan
No Holi celebrations, protests against the BJP and the Prime Minister, and an all-India dharna — these top the list of activities planned by AAP, along with INDIA bloc leaders, to protest against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. The four-day protest plan will begin on Saturday, said Delhi minister and senior AAP leader Gopal Rai on Friday.
On Saturday, Rai said AAP and INDIA bloc leaders will hold a mega protest outside Shaheedi Park in Delhi’s ITO where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with his party leaders will be in attendance.
They will also observe Shaheed Diwas — the martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, which is annually observed on March 23, the day on which the three were hanged in 1931 in the Lahore conspiracy case. (Click here to read more)
Pratap Bhanu Mehta on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest: The mask is off, what stares us in the face
The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is a watershed moment in India’s slide towards a full blown tyranny. Much of what this government has been doing over the last few years — the selective use of the Enforcement Directorate to target the Opposition and protect its own, the clampdown on civil society, the suppression of protest, censorship and the mis-use of tax and administrative law — were designed to consolidate a pervasive culture of fear.
But even by those standards, the arrest of Kejriwal, in the middle of an election, is an unprecedented display of impunity. If this moment does not galvanise resistance in the name of democracy, India’s freedom will be imperiled for a long time to come. (Click here to Read More)
Express Explained | Kejriwal not named in excise case, can he be booked for money laundering?
“One need not be an accused in the predicate offence to be an accused under PMLA,” Additional Solicitor General SV Raju told a Delhi Court on Friday, while seeking remand of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
What Raju meant was that even if Kejriwal has not been named as an accused in the corruption case itself — the Delhi excise policy case — he can be booked for the offence of laundering “proceeds of crime” derived from the case. This distinction brings to focus the debate on whether money laundering is a standalone offence or if it is extrinsically linked to a larger predicate offence?
What is a predicate offence and how can an individual be booked for money laundering separately? (We Explain)
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | Case has no merit, that's why 10-day demand reduced to 6-day custody: Somnath Bharti
Talking to mediapersons after the Rouse Avenue court sent Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal to 6-day ED custody, party leader Somnath Bharti said, "The case has no merit and that is why, the demand for 10 days (for remand) was reduced to six. I believe that everyone knows how the Modi government is misusing ED and CBI. They are trying to weaken democracy. The people of Delhi have given the mandate to Arvind Kejriwal, so he has the right to run the government and he will do so."
Arvind Kejriwal Live Updates | Security increased at ITO after Kejriwal sent to 6-day ED custody
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | Delhi CM to be produced before court on March 28
Delhi CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will be produced before court next on March 28.
Today, the Rouse Avenue court remanded him to 6-day ED custody in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case.
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates: Delhi CM Kejriwal sent to 6-day ED custody in excise policy case
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was sent to six-day ED custody in connection with the excise policy case on Friday. Speaking for ED, S V Raju said that Kejriwal was the ‘kingpin’ of the alleged scam, and the money was used for the Goa Legislative Assembly elections in 2022. Before appearing at the court, the Delhi CM said, “Whether I stay in jail, or outside, my life will be dedicated to serving the nation.” Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency late on Thursday on charges of corruption in relation to the case. It is the first time in independent India that a serving Chief Minister has been arrested. The move came after Kejriwal skipped multiple summons by the investigation agency, nine in total, calling them “illegal”.
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates | ‘If we had spent like BJP, we would have won’: AAP Goa chief on ED claim that tainted money was used in assembly polls
With the Enforcement Directorate alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party received kickbacks from the Delhi excise policy to fund its campaign for the 2022 Goa assembly elections, the party’s Goa chief said if this were true, they would have won the polls.
The ED’s assertions come a day after AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in the case. It has alleged Rs 45 crore was channelled to the Goa campaign.
“None of the candidates received any money for elections… Whatever we spent was from our own pockets and accounted for,” AAP Goa president Amit Palekar told The Indian Express. “In fact, the BJP spent a huge amount of money during polls. Our only drawback was that we did not have money… yet we were able to win in two constituencies. If we had spent money like the BJP, we would have won the election.”
Pavneet Singh Chadha reports
Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates: AAP announces a four day protest against BJP
Delhi minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai said that the party cadre, along with leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc, will protest against CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest at 10 am tomorrow, at Delhi's Shaheedi Park, at ITO.
'Tomorrow, the Shaheedi diwas of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru...they sacrificed their life for the country...marking the day, on March 23, we will hold a protest outside at Shaheedi park, ITO,' Rai said.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will also be in attendance at the protest tomorrow.
On March 24, Rai said that effigies of PM Narendra Modi will be burned across the city.
He also said, that on March 25, the party leaders will not celebrate Holi and 'will go door to door and meet people tell them about BJP action.'He added that on the next day (March 26), 'PM house will be gheraoed. Protest will held outside his house.'
A 'mega protest' will also be held at an all-India level.
He added that 'arresting a CM after the implementation of MCC is against the code of conduct.'The MCC came into conduct on March 16. 'Yesterday night, PM Narendra Modi got the Delhi CM arrested. Everyone knows that the people of Delhi elected Arvin Kejriwal with a large number of votes. Today, everywhere the AAP model of governance is being discussed. The party has made government in Punjab. But the BJP which has got scared is trying to topple all the opposition parties through fake cases and illegal raids,' Rai said.
He added, 'The country is seeing the electoral bond corruption. If Kejriwal would have been outside, he would have raised the matter. That is why them have put him in jail.'
'All the gates of AAP headquarters were sealed. Our workers and ministers who were holding a silent protest were detained. Kejriwal's family is put under house arrest,' Rai said.Aakhir humare desh ka PM kya chahte hain (What does our PM want)? Even the BJP leaders are asking why actions are not being taken against top people who have committed corruption,' Rai said.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari writes | Arvind Kejriwal arrested: Under BJP government, fight against corruption is finally underway
"If Kejriwal had a clear conscience and was sure that he didn’t indulge in corruption, then why was he refusing to join the ED in this probe?"
"The way this whole scam was carried out has left Delhiites in shock. Here are a chief minister and a political party which came to power on the plank of weeding out corruption. Kejriwal and his colleagues went hammer and tongs against the Congress party and its leaders. He also swore that he would have no truck with the Congress party."
Read Manoj Tiwari's opinion here
It is not written anywhere that Kejriwal should resign: Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot
Delhi transport minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kailash Gahlot said, "The party has taken a stand that the government will be run from wherever the CM (Arvind Kejriwal) is...we also have some legal knowledge and it is not written anywhere that he should resign."
He added, "After hours of struggling, we met the family of CM Arvind Kejriwal...they are very sad...We have been saying from the very beginning that this entire case is false and baseless... ED has conducted several raids and searched his house but it found nothing...which clearly shows that this clear conspiracy to stop Kerjiwal ji from taking part in the upcoming polls".