Kejriwal treated like terrorist: Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a fervent appeal for political solidarity as he attended the nomination rally of Umesh Makwana, the I.N.D.I Alliance candidate from Gujarat's Bhavnagar Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday. The rally, characterised by overwhelming public support, drew crowds of thousands from Bhavnagar.

In an emotionally charged address to the assembled throng, the Punjab CM recounted his recent visit to Tihar Jail to meet with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Arvind Kejriwal. Expressing dismay over the treatment meted out to Kejriwal, Mann lamented the characterization of the Delhi CM as a "terrorist," emphasising Kejriwal's stature as an elected representative and calling for greater respect for democratic institutions.

"They are treating him (Arvind Kejriwal) as a terrorist. This is reaching heights. He is a sitting CM of Delhi, and I met him in Tihar Jail as if I was meeting some big terrorist. I am a CM, he is also a CM," remarked Mann, reflecting on the surreal nature of his encounter with Kejriwal behind bars.

Asserting the political potency of the AAP in challenging established power structures, Mann rallied the crowd with a message of hope and determination. "Those ruling the country have a misapprehension. Only one party, and that is AAP, can defeat them (BJP). You can't stop the sea water; they make their own way," declared Mann, urging attendees to join in the refrain, "Jail Ke Taale Tutenge, Kejriwal Chutenge" (Prison bars will break, Kejriwal will be freed).