Delhi Cabinet ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj found themselves in police custody on Friday as AAP leaders rallied in protest against the BJP's role in Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy case.
Amidst heightened tensions, the ministers were confined to a police bus at the ITO intersection, a stone's throw away from both AAP and BJP offices, following orders under section 144 to disperse.
Chants denouncing the BJP-led central government echoed through the crowd of AAP supporters as police barricaded the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, home to both party headquarters, intensifying traffic disruptions. ID checks were implemented for those entering the area, reflecting the charged atmosphere spurred by Kejriwal's arrest on Thursday.
Addressing media concerns, Atishi expressed grave apprehensions about Kejriwal's safety and the unprecedented arrest of a national party leader before the Lok Sabha polls. Accusing the BJP of political vendetta, she highlighted the absence of evidence presented by the ED and underscored concerns over Kejriwal's well-being in custody.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal withdraws SC petition against ED arrest, will seek relief before PMLA court
Atishi pointed to the BJP's selective targeting and the freezing of Congress accounts as evidence of foul play. Emphasising Kejriwal's symbolic significance as a champion of democracy, she rallied support against the BJP's alleged assault on democratic values.
In response to Kejriwal's arrest, the AAP has mobilised nationwide protests, underscoring the escalating tensions and the fervour of their resistance against what they perceive as an affront to democracy. As the political landscape simmers with dissent, the stage is set for a showdown between opposing ideologies.
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