The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sparked protests led by the Assam unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Raijor Dal across various parts of the state. Opposition parties strongly criticized the ED’s action against the AAP leader.
In Guwahati, AAP members initiated a procession from the party’s state headquarters, but their march was halted by security forces after covering about half a kilometer. Despite being unable to proceed further, the protestors disrupted traffic for a period, chanting slogans against the Narendra Modi-led central government. Congress’ Guwahati Lok Sabha seat candidate, Mira Borthakur Goswami, also joined the demonstration.
Similar protests were organized by AAP members in Dibrugarh, with the state party president Bhabesh Choudhury, and Dibrugarh Lok Sabha seat candidate Manoj Dhanowar participating actively. Choudhury emphasized, “Narendra Modi is afraid of Kejriwal ji’s popularity and wants to keep him confined in jail. But Kejriwal is not an individual, he stands for an ideology.”
Raijor Dal members also staged a separate protest in front of their city office, condemning the government’s actions. Party leader Bhasco De Saikia remarked, “This move is aimed at diverting attention from the pressing issues confronting the BJP-led NDA government, especially the truth about the electoral bonds.”
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Congress’ deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, denounced the government’s actions, stating, “Crushing the opposition is the second nature of this government.” He highlighted the simultaneous freezing of accounts of @INCIndia and the arrest of a sitting CM, accusing independent agencies of working at the behest of political bosses.
State Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah criticized Kejriwal’s arrest, emphasizing the need for a robust response from the nation. “INDIA will give a befitting reply,” he asserted, decrying the government’s attempt to “create a dead democracy.”
Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi described the ED raid and Kejriwal’s arrest as an assault on democracy, highlighting the undermining of justice and fairness.
Trinamool Congress chief Ripun Bora condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, alleging an undeclared emergency in the country. He questioned the fairness of elections if opposition leaders like Kejriwal are incarcerated and raised concerns about the silence of voices against BJP’s alleged atrocities.
