Opposition Supporters
Scores of opposition supporters in the Indian capital were detained by police on Tuesday as they endeavored to march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in protest against the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Kejriwal, a prominent opposition figure and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has governed the national capital territory for a decade, was apprehended by the financial crime-fighting agency on corruption charges related to the city’s liquor policy. His detention came just weeks before India embarks on general elections starting April 19.
Remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate until March 28, Kejriwal faced allegations of being the “kingpin” in the case, necessitating interrogation, according to the agency’s counsel.
While Kejriwal’s party contends that he was unjustly detained in a concocted case, the federal government and Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) refute claims of political interference.
Despite facing obstacles from law enforcement, Kejriwal’s supporters attempted to march to Modi’s residence but were intercepted by police about five kilometers away.
Television footage depicted protesters chanting slogans while seated on the ground as police attempted to escort them onto buses.
Elsewhere in the city, police resorted to water cannons to disperse BJP supporters attempting to march to the Delhi Secretariat demanding Kejriwal’s resignation, leading to several detentions.
While AAP leaders affirmed Kejriwal’s refusal to resign and pledged to continue protests for his release, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai affirmed their unwavering resolve.
The arrest of Kejriwal, a high-profile figure who also governs the northern state of Punjab, has garnered international attention, with Germany and the US advocating for a fair trial aligned with democratic principles.
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