Atishi Connects Well With People

Atishi Connects Well With People; She Must Build A Counter-Narrative To BJP Rhetoric

Abhi, a Delhi college student, says Atishi must find means to function as an effective leader in order to survive in the volatile political environment in Delhi. His views:

As the Delhi political landscape prepares for assembly elections, all attention is on AAP and how it can revive to regain its former self. Comparatively, in terms of figures in AAP, Atishi stands above them all. As a college student, I take interest in observing the Delhi political drama.

Atishi Marlena has good education and intent to bring about tremendous change. She has been an MLA and super involved in creating constructive policies with regards to education and health. People surely have noticed the work she has put into the Delhi government–particularly striving to make public education better. This makes her a trustworthy leader, especially among the youth, like myself, as well as the educated voters.

The political environment in Delhi has been volatile; AAP must, therefore, play an effective game under both BJP and INC. Atishi will have to do everything to let AAP be different and she must make efforts to connect with the voters. She is an image that would appeal to the young voters, who cherish education and progressive policies. Atishi can appeal to these democrats by focussing on issues concerning students and young professionals, thereby changing the game for AAP.

I feel, she has good communication skills and can connect well with people. The way she communicates, simply tackling those bad stories and sharing AAP’s vision is very clear and convincing. She completely understands the local stuff that voters care about. This connection can really help AAP shape their campaign messages and target them towards specific worries of different communities.

ALSO READ: ‘Atishi Is Promising But Needs A Clear Vision For Delhi’

AAP has been under the microscope for corruption and mismanagement. Atishi has to make sincere efforts to deal with these problems and convince voters that the party is legit and is set to doing a good job. So far, BJP’s rallying and resource mobilizations are strong opposition. Atishi needs to work out appropriate techniques to resist BJP’s rhetoric and have AAP look like a viable alternative against the status quo.

AAP has been dealing with some internal drama and power struggles. Atishi has to bring everyone together and show a united front. Almost a decade of power is likely to mean signs of voter fatigue. Atishi would have to introduce new ideas and solutions to reignite interest and enthusiasm among the electorate.

Governance issues should be tackled head on and transparency commitment should be there; this will rebuild trust and accountability as there are regular updates with initiatives and open forums for suggestions. Alliances with local leaders and community organizations will also complement AAP’s outreach and credibility. It can amplify voices of those that resonate with voters. Her competence with the education sector, mobilizing the youth on street, and really making her voice heard, make her a good candidate for a campaign. If Atishi plays to her strengths and rides over these hurdles, she might just propel AAP towards a fresh electoral victory in Delhi. The next few months are really going to be super important to see if she can really turn things around for the party and make a bright future for AAP in the city.

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As told to Deepa Gupta

‘Atishi is Promising But Needs to Have a Clear Vision for Delhi’

Ravina, a college student in Delhi who loves reading, writing and  public speaking, voices her views on Atishi, the current chief minister of Delhi.

Atishi has consistently been recognized for her intellectual capabilities and hands-on approach to governance. Atishi’s credentials as an education reformer are well-established. Her work as an advisor to Delhi’s education department, prior to her formal political career, brought tangible improvements in government schools across the city.

Initiatives like the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ and the revamping of school infrastructure have earned both national and international acclaim. Many young people, myself included, see these reforms as progressive steps toward shaping an inclusive and innovative education system. This credibility in the education sector is a strong foundation for her leadership.

However, Delhi’s political landscape is complex. Over the years, AAP has experienced fluctuating public support, facing criticism on issues ranging from internal party dynamics to allegations of mismanagement in certain sectors. Atishi’s ability to navigate these challenges will be critical. As someone who has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability, her leadership could help restore public confidence in the party.

However, this will depend heavily on how she addresses key voter concerns, such as unemployment, women’s safety, and the quality of basic civic services, issues that resonate deeply with young voters like me. While AAP has historically focused on delivering essential services like electricity, water, and healthcare, the political narrative today often extends beyond governance to ideological and cultural issues.

Atishi’s strategy to balance effective governance with the ability to engage in these broader debates will likely determine her success. As a college student, I also feel that Atishi’s appeal to young voters could be a game-changer. Her emphasis on progressive values, coupled with her approachability, resonates with Delhi’s educated youth. For instance, her work reflects a focus on equity and opportunity, themes that align with the aspirations of students who want to see meaningful employment opportunities and a safe, inclusive city.

At the same time, scepticism among voters cannot be ignored. Political promises often face scrutiny for their implementation, and Atishi’s performance will inevitably be judged by the tangible outcomes she can deliver in the months leading up to the elections. To gain the trust of sceptical voters, she will need to demonstrate decisive action, effective communication, and a clear vision for Delhi’s future.

In conclusion, Atishi has the potential to be a transformative leader for AAP, but the task ahead is daunting. As a student observing the political climate, I remain cautiously optimistic. While her track record and dedication inspire confidence, the ultimate measure of her success will be her ability to connect with diverse voter groups, address pressing issues effectively, and present a compelling vision for Delhi in a highly competitive political environment.

As told to Deepa Gupta

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Delhi Excise Policy Case

Kejriwal Sent To Judicial Custody Till April 15

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to judicial custody till April 15 after he was produced before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at Rouse Avenue Court on Monday.

Kejriwal was produced before the court at the end of his remand period in the Delhi Excise policy money laundering case.

While entering the court complex the Delhi CM crticised PM Modi claiming he was not doing the right thing.

“Pradhan Mantri jo kar rahe hain woh desh ke liye achha nahi hai, (What the PM is doing is not right for the country),” Kejriwal said speaking to reporters while he was being produced in court.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) brought the Chief Minister to the court amid high security.

The ED moved an application in the court seeking direction to send Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody and stated that further custodial interrogation, at the moment is not required.

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju was appearing for the ED.

Kejriwal through his lawyers moved an application seeking permission to carry some prescribed medicine during Judicial custody in Tihar.

Kejriwal also moved an application seeking permission to carry several books including Bagwad Geeta, Ramayana and a book namely ‘How Prime Ministers decide’ authored by Neerja Chaudhary.

Earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal reached the Rouse Avenue court before her husband was produced before the court. Delhi Ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi were also present at the court on Monday.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in a money laundering case related to Delhi Excise Policy.

Earlier on Thursday, the Rouse Avenue Court extended the custodial remand of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by four more days in the case.

On Sunday, Kejriwal’s wife while addressing the INDIA bloc rally had made an emotional pitch to party supporters and people.

Reading a message from her husband, Sunita said, “Your very own Kejriwal has sent a message for you from custody. However, before reading out this message, I would like to ask you something. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi put my husband in custody. Do you all believe that he did the right thing? Do you believe that Kejriwal-ji is a true patriot and honest person? These BJP people are saying that since Kejriwal is in custody, he should resign. Do you all believe he should resign?” (ANI)

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CPI (M)'s Brinda Kejriwal

Had Kejriwal Bowed, He Would Have Been Fighting On BJP: CPI (M)’s Brinda

After the INDIA bloc’s ‘Maharally’ in protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat said if Arvind Kejriwal had succumbed to pressure, he might have ended up contesting elections on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket.

“We can say today that if Arvind Kejriwal had bowed, then today he would have been fighting on the ticket of BJP. Those people who are on the stage of opposition are not meant to be bowed, to be sold; they are to fight for people,” she said.

She underscored the need to safeguard the Constitution of India and ensure its vitality, rather than allowing it to languish in the ICU.

“The purpose is to take out the Constitution of India from ICU and keep it alive,” she added.

Meanwhile, when Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien was giving assurances on his party’s behalf to the INDIA bloc members in Delhi’s historical Ramlila Maidan, at the same time West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee’s struck a different tone in Nadia, stating that her party is fighting against the Congress and accused the grand old party as well as CPI(M) of indirectly supporting the BJP.

Despite O’Brien’s affirmation that “TMC is very much was, is and will be part of the INDIA alliance,” Banerjee, back at home, emphasized that “Voting for Congress means voting for BJP,” implying a strategic divergence from Congress.

She further claimed that the TMC is contesting against the alliance of CPM-BJP-Congress, denouncing any formal coalition formation.

“Congress is contesting the elections in alliance with the Left here. Voting for them means voting for BJP,” West Bengal Chief Minister said.

INDIA alliance leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, J-K NC leader Farooq Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Jharkhand CM Champai Soren and other leaders were present at the INDIA bloc rally in Ramlila Maidan, Delhi.

Opposition leaders came together in a show of strength at the capital’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday to protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case. (ANI)

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ED Kejriwal

Custodial Remand Of Kejriwal Till April 1

The Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday extended the custodial remand of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by four more days in a money laundering case related to Excise Policy.

ED, while seeking further remand, submitted that data on one mobile phone (belonging to the arrestee’s wife) has been extracted and is being analyzed. However, data from the other 4 digital devices seized during a search at Arvind Kejriwal’s premises on March 21, 2024 (belonging to the arrestee himself) is yet to be extracted as the arrestee has sought time to provide password/login credentials after consulting with his lawyers.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja extended the ED remand period until April 1, 2024.

During the hearing, Arvind Kejriwal himself addressed the court and said there were only four statements, including C Arvind, where he claimed that “he gave some documentation to Manish Sisodia in my presence”.

“Several bureaucrats and MLAs came regularly to my home. Are these four statements made by different people sufficient to arrest a sitting Chief Minister?” Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal also referred to the statements of C Arvind, Raghav Magunta and his father, and Sharath Reddy. Kejriwal made a statement about the issue of electoral bonds, stating that the BJP is getting money. Kejriwals pointed out that people are being turned approvers in the case and people are being forced to change their statements.

Kejriwal also said… “mujhe jitna remand pe rakhna hai rakh lo… I’m ready for every investigation. It’s being alleged that 100 cr was in a Liquor scam…Justice Sanjiv Khanna said that the money trail is not yet traced, said Arvind Kejriwal to court.”

“The real liquor scam begins post the ED investigation. The motive of the ED is to crush the Aam Aadmi Party,” said Arvind Kejriwal.

While seeking custodial remand ED said, statements of 3 other persons, relevant to the arrestee, have also been taken during the period of remand. During the ED Custody period, C. Arvind, PS to then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia who was handed over the draft GoM report 2021-22 at the residence of Arvind Kejriwal and in his presence, was confronted with him.

A statement of one of the candidates for the AAP of Goa elections in 2022 is also recorded during this period. He has revealed that he did not have any money and his election expenditure (all expenses for rallies/ events/public hoardings) was taken care of by AAP Office Delhi only through their associates.

During the hearing, Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Gopal Rai remain present in the courtroom. Arvind Kejriwal’s wife and two children also attended the court proceedings.

Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta and Advocates Rajat Bharadwaj, Mudit Jain, Mohd Irshad, and Vivek Jain appeared for Arvind Kejriwal while ASG SV Raju along with Zoheb Hossain, Naveen Kumar Matta, and Simon Benjamin appeared for Enforcement Directorate.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Petition moved by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest and also challenging ED remand granted by the trial court, while refusing to grant any immediate relief.

Bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma stated that that the respondent/ED has to be granted an opportunity to file a reply, as an opportunity for effective representation, and declining this opportunity would amount to denial of fair hearing as well as violation of one of the principles of natural justice, i.e., audi-alteram partem, which is applicable to both the parties and not one.

The court, while fixing matter for April 3, 2024, further stated that any release order from custody will amount to enlarging the accused/petitioner/ Arvind Kejriwal on bail or interim bail, as an interim measure. The writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is not a ready substitute for recourse to the remedy of bail under Section 439 of the Cr.P.C. ordinarily.

Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma further stated that This Court remains conscious of the fact that to reach a conclusion as to whether the petitioner/Arvind Kejriwal herein is entitled to immediate release or not, this Court will necessarily have to decide the issues raised in the main petition, as those issues are the edifice of arguments of the learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner seeking immediate release of the petitioner.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Arvind Kejriwal submitted that a sitting CM who was arrested one week ago during the Model Code of Conduct. The heart of democracy is a level playing field and a free and fair election: If you do something to disrupt the level playing field, you hit the heart of democracy. My prayer is release me now because the foundation of my arrest is flawed, this is my interim prayer.

Arvind Kejriwal, through his plea alleged that the DOE has, at the time of arrest has failed to establish that the petitioner is guilty of committing activities stipulated under Section 3, i.e., be it one of concealment, possession, acquisition, or use of proceeds of crime, as much as projecting it as untainted property or claiming it to be so.

The fact that the petitioner/Kejriwal was arrested without any interrogation or questioning clearly shows that the present proceedings of arrest are pre-meditated and nothing but an act of political vendetta to skew the balance and level-playing field in the 2024 General Election.

Appearing for Enforcement Directorate, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju sought time to file detailed reply in the matter and alleged that they deliberately didn’t serve us a copy so that we were not prepared, you talk of level playing field and their yardsticks are different

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to the excise policy case.

According to Kejriwal’s plea, both the arrest and the remand order are illegal and he is entitled to be released from custody.

The plea stated that without there being any material in possession of the Enforcement Directorate on the basis of which the petitioner (Arvind Kejriwal), can be believed to be guilty of an offence, the petitioner is being illegally and arbitrarily arrested by ED in the evening of March 21.

The plea further stated that the provisions of PMLA are being used to persecute and destroy the very basic fabric of the democratic and federal structures of this country.

“The attempt is to decimate a political party and topple an elected government of NCT of Delhi,” the plea stated.

The trial court on March 22, sent Arvind Kejriwal to ED remand till March 28. ED alleged that the Aam Adami Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the alleged liquor scam.

The agency claimed that Kejriwal was directly involved in the formation of the excise policy.

“Arvind Kejriwal has also been intrinsically involved in the entire conspiracy of the Delhi liquor scam, wherein the policy was drafted and implemented in a manner wherein certain private persons were favoured and benefitted in a quid pro quo of receiving kickbacks,” the central agency said in its remand.

It also claimed that due to the actions of Arvind Kejriwal involving excise policy formulation, hatching the conspiracy of kickbacks with the South Group members, and eventually using part of the proceeds of crime generated out of this scheduled offence in the election campaign of the AAP for the Goa Assembly elections, it is clear that all these activities were not only done with his knowledge but also his active collusion.

Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency late Thursday night on charges of corruption in relation to the case. It is the first time in independent India that a serving Chief Minister has been arrested. The move came after Kejriwal skipped multiple summons by the investigation agency, nine in total, calling them “illegal”.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy 2022, which was later scrapped.

While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first found a mention in the ED’s chargesheet, wherein the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair.

Nair was among the first people to be arrested by the CBI in the case, in 2022. Subsequently, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the case. (ANI)

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folk singer Sharda Sinha Kejriwal

Kejriwal Produced Before Rouse Avenue Court

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, has been brought before the Rouse Avenue Court on the conclusion of his Enforcement Directorate custodial remand on Thursday. The agency is seeking additional remand of the Delhi CM.

As he entered the courtroom Kejriwal said “This is a political conspiracy and the people will answer it.”

The Delhi Chief Minister’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, and son are at the Rouse Avenue court to attend the proceedings. Delhi cabinet ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Gopal Rai, and several MLAs are also present in the Rouse Avenue Courtroom.

Earlier on Wednesday, the wife of jailed Delhi CM Kejriwal, Sunita said that her husband, who is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged excise scam, will reveal the truth regarding the case in court on March 28.

“In the so-called liquor scam, ED has conducted more than 250 raids. They are searching for the money of this so-called scam. They have found nothing yet. Arvind Kejriwal has said that he will reveal everything in court on March 28. He will reveal where the money of the liquor scam is. He will also provide proof…” she had said.

The probe agency had arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with an alleged excise policy-linked money laundering case.

The case relates to alleged irregularities and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022.

In its initial prosecution complaint filed in November 2021, the ED stated that the policy was intentionally designed with loopholes, facilitating the formation of cartels clandestinely to favor AAP leaders.

Additionally, the ED accused AAP leaders of receiving kickbacks from a group of individuals referred to as the “South Group.”

The case originated from a report presented by Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena in July 2022, highlighting purported procedural deficiencies in the development of the policy.

The report said “arbitrary and unilateral decisions” taken by Sisodia in his capacity as Excise Minister had resulted in “financial losses to the exchequer” estimated at more than Rs 580 crore. This report was referred to the CBI, and led to Sisodia’s arrest.

While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first found a mention in the ED’s chargesheet, wherein the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair. (ANI)

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Arvind Kejriwal and BRS leader K Kavitha

Delhi HC To Hear Tomorrow, PIL Seeking Removal Of Kejriwal As CM

The Delhi High Court will hear a public interest litigation (PIL) praying for the removal of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from holding the post of chief minister of the government of NCT of Delhi on Thursday.

The bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora is scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday.

Recently, a plea stated that Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, in the money laundering case related to the alleged liquor policy scam. Prior to the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate, the High Court of Delhi had also refused to pass orders granting interim protection from coercive action to him in the said case.

The plea stated that after the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, Minister of Govt of NCT of Delhi Atishi gave interviews to various channels on March 21, stating and affirming that Arvind Kejriwal will not resign from his post and, if needed, will run the government from jail. She further said, “Arvind Kejriwal was the Delhi CM, is the CM and will continue to remain the CM, he will not resign, the plea read.

The plea filed by one Surjit Singh Yadav through lawyer Shashi Ranjan Kumar Singh stated that the continuance of Arvind Kejriwal as the chief minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the money laundering case related to the alleged liquor policy scam has degraded the credibility and image of the Government of NCT of Delhi in the eyes of the general public.

The continuation of Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Government of the NCT of Delhi will not only lead to the obstruction of due process of law and disrupt the course of justice but will also lead to the breakdown or the constitutional machinery in the state, the plea stated.

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case linked to a money laundering case and remanded the next day to the ED till March 28.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy case 2022, which was later scrapped. (ANI)

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Opposition bloc INDIA Kejriwal

Opposition To Hold Mega Rally At Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan On March 31

All the parties of the Opposition bloc INDIA will hold a joint mega rally on March 31 to register their protest against Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the alleged Liquor policy money laundering case, party MP Raghav Chadha said on Sunday.

The AAP leader in a post on X, said that the rally will be held to “save the country’s democracy” and stand in solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal.

“INDIA that is Bharat, will unitedly protest against Arvind Kejriwal Ji’s illegal and outrightly political arrest. All INDIA parties to hold a joint mega rally on 31st March,” Chadha said.

He further said that the mega rally will take place at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital.

“Historic Ramlila Maidan in Delhi will witness lacs of people coming together to save India’s democracy and stand in solidarity with #ArvindKejriwal,” he added.

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal earlier in the week on charges of corruption in the Delhi excise policy case.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in formulating and implementing the Delhi excise policy 2021-22, which was later scrapped.

While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first found a mention in the ED’s chargesheet wherein the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair.

Nair was among the first people to be arrested by CBI in the case, in 2022. Subsequently, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the case.

Several leaders of the INDIA bloc have come out in support of Arvind Kejriwal and accused the BJP and the Union government of arm-twisting the opposition.

However, the BJP has denied all the allegations.

INDIA bloc is a coalition of over 20 opposition parties formed last year to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the general elections, dates for which were announced earlier in the month.

Meanwhile, in response to the protests held by the AAP workers in Delhi against the arrest of Kejriwal, Bhartiya Janata Party workers, in the presence of Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, staged a demonstration and burned effigies of the Delhi CM.

Speaking to ANI, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said, “Holi is a festival of goodness over evil. Today we have done the Holika dahan of corruption. If there is one face of corruption in Delhi, that is Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Each and every delhite should wish for a Kejriwal free government, a corruption free government.” (ANI)

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Arvind Kejriwal Winter Action Delhi Planning Department

Kejriwal Moves Delhi HC Against Arrest

The Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, on Saturday moved to the Delhi High Court, challenging his arrest and the order of remand passed by the trial court on March 22.

CM Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case.

His legal team said that his plea in Delhi HC stated that both the arrest and the remand order are ‘illegal’ and he is entitled to be released from custody immediately.

An immediate hearing has been sought from the Acting Chief Justice, preferably on Sunday, March 24.

The ED, which was given the custody of Delhi CM till March 28 by the court, has alleged that the Aam Adami Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the alleged liquor scam.

The Rouse Avenue Court on Friday remanded Kejriwal to six days of ED custody in the money laundering case related to the alleged liquor policy scam case till March 28.

Special CBI judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order after Kejriwal was produced today following his arrest last night by the central probe agency. The ED sought 10 days remand of Kejriwal in its custody.

Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Vikram Chaudhari, and Ramesh Gupta, along with Advocates Rajat Bharadwaj, Mudit Jain and Mohd Irshad, appeared for the Delhi CM Kejriwal.

ASG SV Raju and Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain appeared for the probe agency. “Part of the proceeds of crime to the tune of cash of Rs 45 cr approx. has been utilised in the election campaign of AAP in Goa Assembly elections 2022,” the ED alleged.

The agency further claimed that Kejriwal was directly involved in the formation of the excise policy.

“Arvind Kejriwal has also been intrinsically involved in the entire conspiracy of the Delhi liquor Scam wherein the policy was drafted and implemented in a manner wherein certain private persons were favoured and benefitted in a quid pro quo of receiving kickbacks,” the federal agency said in its remand.

It also claimed that due to the actions of Arvind Kejriwal involving excise policy formulation, hatching the conspiracy of kickbacks with the South Group members, and eventually using part of the proceeds of crime generated out of this scheduled offence in the election campaign of AAP for Goa Assembly elections, it is clear it all these activities were not only done with his knowledge but also his active collusion.

Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency late Thursday night on charges of corruption in relation to the case. It is the first time in independent India that a serving Chief Minister has been arrested. The move came after Kejriwal skipped multiple summons by the investigation agency, nine in total, calling them “illegal”.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi Excise Policy 2022, which was later scrapped.

While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first found a mention in the ED’s chargesheet, wherein the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair.

Nair was among the first people to be arrested by the CBI in the case, in 2022. Subsequently, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the case. (ANI)

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Anna Hazare

Kejriwal’s Arrest Is Because Of His Own Deeds: Anna Hazare

Following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, social activist Anna Hazare on Friday said that the arrest of the AAP chief was because of his own “deeds.”

“I am very upset that Arvind Kejriwal, who used to work with me, raise his voice against liquor, is now making liquor policies. His arrest is because of his own deeds,” Hazare said on Friday.

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case on Thursday night, in which two senior AAP leaders are already in judicial custody.

Arvind Kejriwal had joined the Anna movement in 2011 against the then Congress government’s alleged corruption. He rode on to fame, floated his own political party in 2012, and contested for the chief minister’s office.

In another development, the Delhi Chief Minister earlier withdrew his plea from the Supreme Court against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case as it was clashing with his remand.

Kejriwal was arrested after skipping nine summonses issued against him by the Enforcement Directorate and Delhi High Court, which refused to grant him relief from any coercive action by the probe agency.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy case 2022, which was later scrapped.

In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister KP Maurya lashed out at the Congress, an AAP partner in INDIA bloc, for coming out in support of Arvind Kejriwal, said, “Congress is the mother of corruption… The language that their leader Rahul Gandhi is using will be decided in the Lok Sabha polls… People took it as their right to indulge in corruption.”

“They keep accusing the central agencies as if they are working at the orders of the PMO or the HMO. The agencies are working neutrally. Arvind Kejriwal was issued 9 summonses but he is has the pride of power. If the ED is wrong, then he should have gone to court…,” the BJP leader said.

Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest came days after the ED arrested K Kavitha, Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) leader and daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, in connection with its investigation into money laundering charges linked to the now-scrapped excise policy.

Earlier Manish Sisodia, who was the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 following several rounds of questioning. On October 5, ED arrested Sanjay Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member.

Kejriwal’s arrest also comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held from April 19 to June 1, as per the schedule announced by the Election Commission earlier in the month. (ANI)

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