Curated By: Sanstuti Nath
News18.com
Last Updated: March 24, 2024, 21:20 IST
New Delhi, India
AAP workers and supporters raise slogans during a protest at ITO over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (Image: PTI)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers are staging protests in all assembly constituencies of Delhi today (March 24) against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. AAP said it will take out a candle march and burn effigies in protest against “BJP’s dictatorship” and the chief minister’s “illegal arrest”. Representatives of the INDIA bloc will also be reportedly part of the protest.
Ahead of a planned protest by AAP, the Delhi Police has ramped up security measures. As part of the heightened security measures, roads leading to both the BJP headquarters and the ED office in central Delhi have been closed. Paramilitary personnel, equipped with anti-riot gear, have also been stationed to ensure law and order there.
“Senior officers will continue to monitor the entire situation in their districts. Directions have been issued to the SHOs to keep a strict vigil in their area and to inform their senior officers immediately if they get to know about any protest,” a senior police officer said.
The police officer further said that they have asked the traffic police to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in Delhi and to arrange diversions immediately if AAP workers and leaders take out a protest march.
Delhi Minister Atishi said, “INDIA alliance is organising a ‘Maha Rally’ in the Ramlila Maidan on 31 March. This is not being organised to save Arvind Kejriwal but to save the democracy. The opposition is facing one-sided attacks.”
AAP has called a crucial meeting to evolve a strategy for the way ahead following Kejriwal’s arrest. Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak will chair the meeting.
This is AAP’s first meeting after Delhi CM’s arrest.
Kejriwal continues to perform his chief ministerial duties from jail. On Sunday, he issued the first order from ED custody.
Speaking about it, Delhi’s Water Minister Atishi said, “Arvind Kejriwal has written and said that I know there are sewage problems and water-related issues in some parts. People shouldn’t suffer. Summers are also approaching. You can get help from the Lieutenant Governor as well and know he will not refuse to help.”
“Work for the people of Delhi will continue. I had tears in my eyes when I received this note from CM…Arvind Kejriwal considers two crore people of Delhi as his family. He is with the ED but he continues to work. You can arrest him not the work,” she added.
(with PTI inputs)