TMC Protests Against Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest; AAP Says 'Blatant Tanasahi' In Country

Despite earlier detentions by the Delhi Police, TMC leaders remained undeterred, continuing their protest and demanding justice for Kejriwal.

NEW DELHI: Top leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have taken to the streets to protest against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the excise policy case. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage among opposition parties, with TMC leaders leading the charge against what they perceive as "BJP's dictatorship".

Protest At Mandir Marg Police Station

Outside the Mandir Marg Police Station in New Delhi, where Kejriwal was reportedly detained, TMC leaders gathered in a show of solidarity. Despite earlier detentions by the Delhi Police, these leaders remained undeterred, continuing their protest and demanding justice for Kejriwal.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals of TMC delegation from the Mandir Marg Police Station.

We have relieved them. We have told them to go, but TMC leaders themselves did not go: Delhi Police https://t.co/moPT2geTBl pic.twitter.com/1HJNh54QbA — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2024

Delhi Police Responds

The Delhi Police, in response to the situation, confirmed the release of the detained TMC leaders but noted that they chose to remain at the protest site. This display of determination underscores the seriousness with which the opposition views Kejriwal's arrest and the broader implications it may have for democratic principles.

AAP Condemns Arrest As 'Blatant Authoritarianism'

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has vehemently condemned the arrest of Kejriwal. Saurabh Bharadwaj, a senior leader within the AAP and a minister in the Delhi government, characterized the arrest as a clear example of "blatant authoritarianism" prevailing in the country. Bharadwaj's statement echoes growing concerns among opposition figures regarding the misuse of governmental institutions for political purposes. "It's a blatant tanasahi (dictatorship) in the country today. What TMC legislators and MPs are saying? MCC is in force. PM is doing campaigning across the country; opposition leaders are raided by CBI, I-T, ED, and now NIA has reached also, but only against opposition parties, why? This indicates that these institutions nowadays come under the EC and have given open freedom to derail the campaign of opposition parties. If you raid someone's residence, will that person hold a campaign or will meet a lawyer?..." he said.

TMC Demands Institutional Change

In addition to protesting Kejriwal's arrest, TMC leaders have articulated broader demands for institutional reform. They have called for the replacement of top officials within key investigative agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Income Tax Department. A 10-member delegation also went to the Election Commission's office on Monday and submitted a memorandum highlighting that "BJP and NIA have been working hand-in-glove to selectively target and harass our party workers".

Legal Battle 

As the protest unfolds, the legal battle surrounding Kejriwal's arrest has intensified. The Delhi High Court is set to rule on a plea filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and the subsequent ED remand granted by the trial court. The bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma will pronounce the order at 2:30 pm. The same bench, last week had kept the matter reserved after the conclusion of detailed arguments from both sides. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has challenged his arrest as well as the ED remand granted by the trial court.