Tensions have escalated in the national capital as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) escalates protests following the detention of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the excise policy case. In a show of solidarity, AAP leaders and workers altered their social media profile pictures to feature Kejriwal behind bars, while initiating various demonstrations including effigy burnings and candle marches.
On Monday, AAP activists gathered outside the Patel Chowk metro station to protest against Kejriwal’s arrest, leading to the detention of Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains by Delhi Police as Section 144 was imposed. Meanwhile, Kejriwal, still in custody, issued his second directive focused on enhancing healthcare services. He has instructed for the provision of free medicinal tests at mohalla clinics and availability of free medicines at hospitals. Saurabh Bharadwaj, the Health Minister, emphasized that Kejriwal’s orders are paramount and vowed to adhere strictly to them.
Security measures were fortified around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in anticipation of AAP’s ‘gherao’ protest. The Delhi Traffic Police indicated likely disruptions in New and Central Delhi due to the protests. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also organized a counter-protest in the city. Alongside the protests, AAP has launched a social media campaign and the ‘Main Bhi Kejriwal’ initiative to gain public support and demonstrate their resolve to not let governance be impacted by Kejriwal’s detention. The party planned to demonstrate this commitment with a large rally on March 31. In the wake of these events, the ED expressed intent to probe Kejriwal’s directives issued from custody concerning their compliance with conditions set by the PMLA court.
Despite being in ED lock-up, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has maintained a stance of ensuring uninterrupted governance. Kejriwal’s resolve has been communicated by AAP ministers who have conveyed his orders about issues like the availability of medicines in government healthcare facilities and the functioning of mohalla clinics. BJP leaders, however, have criticized AAP’s stance, suggesting that true governance cannot be carried out from custody. Kejriwal, who remains in ED custody, continues to address public welfare issues through messages conveyed by his ministers, reinforcing his commitment to the welfare of Delhi residents notwithstanding his current situation.