Journalism of Courage
Rains played a spoilsport for the protesting Chief Minister as he had to sit in his car following the showers on Tuesday morning. As it rained, an umbrella has been made of ‘tirpal’ for those sitting at the protest venue. The CM went to sit in his car, while police personnel too have been asked to sit in the buses. (IE Photo: Amit Mehra)
Arvind Kejriwal has yet again been requested to shift the venue of protest to Jantar Mantar in view of the Republic Day rehearsals. However, Kejriwal ruled out any negotiations to scale down the protest, saying the safety of women in the capital is not a matter of negotiation. (IE Photo: Amit Mehra)
A bleary eyed Arvind Kejriwal said, “There are several hundred people sleeping here, and I have just woken up as well. All the toilets in the area have been closed on purpose. People are not being allowed to bring in food or water. Where will the women use the restrooms?” (IE Photo: Amit Mehra)
In an unprecedented action, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers today began a dharna outside Rail Bhavan demanding action against police officials who refused to carry out a raid on an alleged drug and prostitution racket in South Delhi last week.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during his protest outside Rail Bhavan with Manish Sisodia on Monday in New Delhi. (IE Photo: Renuka Puri)
Defying prohibitory orders in force in the high-security area near the seat of power, Kejriwal accompanied by six of his ministers attempted to go to North Block housing the Home Ministry to lodge their protest.
Police tries to stop Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's car. (IE Photo: Renuka Puri)
However, they were stopped near the Rail Bhavan as the nearby Vijay Chowk and the entire Rajpath were sealed for the Republic Day rehearsal that was going on. (IE Photo: Renuka Puri)
Making an impromptu address to his MLAs and supporters, Kejriwal put the blame squarely on the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the Centre for the situation that has led to his dharna and said he has come prepared for 10 days and would continue the agitation further if need be.
Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti stands next to CM Arvind Kejriwal's car as police tries to stop them from entering Vijay Chowk to protest against Delhi police in New Delhi on on Monday. (IE Photo: Ravi Kanojia)
Arvind Kejriwal said any crisis arising out of the situation will be the responsibility of the Centre. (IE Photo: Ravi Kanojia)
Rejecting Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's statement that action can be taken only after an inquiry, the Chief Minister demanded immediate suspension of the "corrupt" officials who refused to act in the interest of the public whose cause Law Minister Somnath Bharti had taken up.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal waves to his supporters as he sit on dharna against Delhi police in New Delhi on Monday. (IE Photo: Ravi Kanojia)
The Minister had created a controversy last week when he went to a locality in his constituency of Malviya Nagar, claiming a drug and prostitution ring was being run from a residence and demanded police raid the place. (IE Photo: Ravi Kanojia)
