Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief
Minister of Delhi and a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was
detained after a raid on his residence in the capital by the federal financial
crimes agency, according to members of his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This move
adds to the challenges facing a coalition of opposition parties seeking to oust
Modi, who is aiming for a third consecutive term in office.
Kejriwal's arrest comes amid
heightened tensions before the crucial election, where Modi is expected to maintain
his dominance despite criticism over perceived threats to democratic principles
in India.
Accusations against Kejriwal and
the AAP involve favoritism towards certain alcohol dealers and alleged illicit
financing of an election campaign related to a now-defunct liquor policy.
Kejriwal has denied these charges, with his party alleging a larger conspiracy
behind his arrest.
This arrest follows the detention
of two other AAP leaders in the same case previously, with Kejriwal repeatedly
accusing Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating politically
motivated investigations through federal agencies.
AAP supporters protested outside
Kejriwal's residence, condemning what they see as politically motivated actions
by law enforcement agencies.
The AAP has filed a petition in
the Supreme Court seeking Kejriwal's release. However, the BJP has defended the
actions of the financial crime agency, stating that it's part of the legal
process to combat corruption.
Kejriwal's political rise stems
from an anti-corruption movement, and his AAP secured a significant victory in
Delhi in 2015, followed by another term five years later. Despite its limited
national presence, the AAP's control of Delhi remains a thorn in the side of
Modi's BJP.
The AAP is part of a broader
opposition alliance comprising 26 political parties that will contest the
upcoming general election.
Kejriwal's arrest coincided with
allegations from the Indian National Congress, the main opposition party,
accusing the BJP of using the tax department to financially cripple them. The
Congress claimed that their bank accounts were frozen, hampering their campaign
efforts.
Opposition leaders rallied in
support of Kejriwal, decrying what they perceive as authoritarian tactics by
the government to stifle dissent and undermine democratic institutions. This
arrest highlights the ongoing power struggle between the ruling BJP and the
opposition parties in India, underscoring the significance of the upcoming
general election in shaping the country's political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.
How
many times Kejriwal became CM of Delhi?
He took oath on 16 February 2020
as Delhi's chief minister for a third time at Ramlila Maidan.
2.
Can Arvind Kejriwal run his office from
prison?
Operating an
office while incarcerated is logistically challenging, although there's no
legal prohibition preventing a Chief Minister from doing so. According to the
law, a Chief Minister can only face disqualification or removal from office
upon conviction in a case. Arvind Kejriwal has not been convicted at present. The
Representation of the People Act, 1951 includes disqualification provisions for
certain offenses, but a conviction is essential for anyone holding the office. The
Chief Minister can be ousted from the position only under two circumstances: a
loss of majority support in the assembly or a successful no-confidence motion
against the government they lead. Nevertheless, governing from prison will pose
significant challenges for Kejriwal. Currently, two of his former cabinet
colleagues, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, are incarcerated. It's worth
noting that Kejriwal himself doesn't hold any portfolio in his cabinet.
3.
As Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested. Will he resign as Delhi CM?
Earlier,
Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel had asserted that Arvind Kejriwal would
continue to oversee the Delhi government "from jail" if arrested.
Goel reaffirmed that CM Kejriwal would not resign his position. He remarked,
"The excessive show of force at the CM's residence indicates that the ED
intends to arrest the Chief Minister. If the court has agreed to hear the case,
why is the ED so impatient? Manish Sisodia was also detained by the agency
without substantial evidence. While this may be a setback, the party will
emerge even stronger. All party members and MLAs have collectively decided that
CM Kejriwal will not tender his resignation post-arrest. The government's
affairs will continue to be managed from within the confines of jail," as
stated by Ram Niwas Goel.
