Delhi: The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in the alleged liquor policy scam has sparked controversy and tension between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition BJP. The AAP has called for nationwide protests outside BJP offices, while the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Mr. Kejriwal’s petition against his arrest.
This is the first time a serving Chief Minister has been arrested in India, and the timing of it, just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, has raised suspicion of political motives. The Enforcement Directorate, investigating a money laundering angle, has branded Mr. Kejriwal a “conspirator” and arrested him after he skipped nine summonses. The Delhi High Court has also refused to grant him protection from arrest.
While legal experts warn of a potential constitutional crisis, the AAP has stated that Mr. Kejriwal will continue to run the government from jail. Delhi minister Atishi has accused the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of orchestrating the arrest as a conspiracy, and insists that Mr. Kejriwal will remain as Chief Minister despite his detention. The situation remains tense as thousands of party workers protest and Rahul Gandhi plans to visit Mr. Kejriwal’s family today.
