AAP protests seek Kejriwal’s release, BJP his resignation
AAP workers were detained by the Delhi police, ater they tried to march towards Modi’s house to hold the ‘gherao’ protest over Delhi CM’S arrest
Several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers were detained by the Delhi police on Tuesday, ater they tried to march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s house to hold the ‘gherao’ protest over Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, has launched a separate protest, demanding Kejriwal’s resignation.
Kejriwal was arrested last week by the agency in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to the liquor policy scam. The BJP has been demanding Kejriwal’s resignation as the Delhi chief minister on moral grounds.
The Delhi Police have beefed up the security outside the Prime Minister’s residence and nearby metro stations in view of a protest call given for Tuesday by the Aam Aadmi Party.
“We have deployed layers of security to maintain law and order in the area and no permission has been given to the AAP to hold the protest,” said a senior police official.
“Due to security reasons, entry/exit at Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station, Gate no 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station and Gate no 5 of Central
Secretariat Metro station will remain closed till further notice,” Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a post on X.
“Large number of security personnel, including paramilitary forces, were seen deployed at Patel chowk ater a call was given by AAP to gather here before the march,” said the police official.
The Delhi Traffic Police have advised commuters to avoid routes, including Kemal Ataturk Marg, Safdarjung Road, Akbar Road and Teen Murti Marg.
“Commuters are requested to co-operate by avoiding/bypassing these roads, if possible, and make maximum use of public transport,” said the official.
“People, who are going towards Isbt/railway Stations/indira Gandhi Airport, are advised to carefully plan their travel with sufficient time at hand,” he added.
“General public and motorists are advised to keep patience, observe traffic rules and road discipline and follow directions of traffic personnel deployed at all intersections,” the official said.
The security arrangements and the advisory came in the wake of AAP Minister Gopal Rai’s announcement about the party’s plan to stage ‘gherao’ at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on Tuesday to protest against the arrest of Kejriwal by the ED.
Additionally, Minister Rai mentioned that a ‘mega protest’ will take place nationwide.
Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21 and subsequently remanded to ED custody until March 28 by a Delhi court, faces allegations of direct involvement in the alleged excise policy formulation which intentionally favoured certain specific individuals.
The Delhi Chief Minister is also accused of soliciting kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange for favours, as claimed by the probe agency.
The AAP leader has refuted the accusations levelled against him and has accused the Bjp-led Central government of “manipulating investigative agencies for political motives.”
The ED has said that Arvind Kejriwal is the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the alleged excise policy scam in collusion with AAP ministers, leaders and others.
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Delhi Chief Minister’s first order issued from the custody of the ED on Sunday, another directive has been issued to the health department by Kejriwal on smooth functioning of the AAP’S flagship Mohalla Clinics.
AAP sources confirmed that the directive pertained to the health department and it was conveyed by the Chief Minister through a memorandum to Delhi Minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, who oversees the health porfolio.
Addressing a press conference on the directive of the CM, Health Minister Bharadwaj stated that the CM is concerned about the lack of availability of medicines and free tests in many hospitals and Mohalla Clinics.
Bharadwaj said that CM Kejriwal has emphasised that no one should suffer, even if he is in ED custody.
“He directed me to take prompt and necessary actions to ensure that medicines and tests are both free and available at hospitals and Mohalla Clinics,” said Bharadwaj.