AAP Stages Nationwide Mass Fasting In Solidarity With Arrested Arvind Kejriwal

AAP to observe mass fasting across nation

Members and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are engaging in a mass fasting, termed ‘samuhik upwas’, to protest the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case linked to the Delhi liquor policy. Gopal Rai, a prominent AAP leader, has stated that the fasting is not limited to Delhi but involves supporters across India and abroad. He encouraged people to observe the fast in their homes to express solidarity with the Chief Minister.

At Jantar Mantar, AAP MLAs and office-bearers have assembled for the day-long fast. Increased security measures have been implemented along the roads leading to the protest site in anticipation of a significant turnout. The heightened police presence and barricading may affect traffic flow in parts of central Delhi.

Last month, the AAP had called for a ‘gherao’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, leading to confrontations between AAP leaders, workers, and law enforcement personnel. The party has criticized the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, alleging that it was orchestrated to impede his participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. AAP ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj have assured Delhi residents that despite being in custody, the Chief Minister remains committed to their welfare.

Despite Kejriwal’s arrest, the AAP has affirmed that there will be no change in leadership, with Kejriwal continuing to function as Chief Minister even from prison. This stance has been dismissed by the BJP as a mere ploy.

Kejriwal’s arrest has garnered support from the Opposition, leading to a display of unity within the INDIA alliance, which held a large rally in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan to denounce the BJP’s alleged misuse of central investigative agencies.

Arrested on March 21, Kejriwal has been accused by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of being a “conspirator” in the liquor policy scam, which allegedly involved diverting funds for election campaigns. Other AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, along with Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, have also been arrested in connection with the case. The Opposition has refuted these allegations, accusing the BJP-led central government of employing probe agencies for political vendettas.

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Srishti Verma