Kejriwal arrest: AAP plans mega rally, INDIA bloc to attend; details here

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up for an important rally at Ramlila Maidan on March 31, during which leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will participate in the ‘maharally’. This comes against the backdrop of Prime Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in Delhi, with the AAP looking to mobilize support against what they call a ‘dictatorship’ ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Who will be present at the rally?

Gopal Rai, a senior leader of the AAP, announced that authorities have granted permission for the rally, which is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors. Noted political figures including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray are expected to attend. Besides, representatives of the INDIA bloc such as TMC’s Derek O’Brien and DMK’s Tiruchi Siva will participate in the meeting.

“To make the mega rally successful and ensure the participation of as many people as possible, the Aam Aadmi Party has initiated the campaign for distribution of invitation letters,” a party statement said.

Why did AAP organize this rally?

The meeting is significant as it marks a collective resistance against recent developments including the arrest of Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the excise policy case. Rai highlighted the widespread discontent among the public following CM Kejriwal’s arrest, with people from different walks of life expected to participate.

The theme of the rally, “tanashahi hatao, desh bachao” (abolish dictatorship, save the country), highlights the AAP’s stand against what they consider authoritarianism. The party aims to increase public support and raise awareness about alleged political revenge and suppression of opposition voices.

“We are going door to door to distribute invitation letters and urge people to come to Ramlila Maidan and raise their voices peacefully against democracy and dictatorship,” Rai said.

What allegations has the Opposition leveled against the BJP?

The AAP has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of orchestrating a situation to provoke unrest, which could possibly pave the way for the imposition of the presidency in Delhi.

The Congress party has also accused the ruling party of unfair practices ahead of the general elections. Congress has said their bank accounts have been frozen because of a tax dispute over assessments from the 1990s. So far, the income tax department has issued notice to the party for funds worth Rs 1,823 crore.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh told ANI that the arrest of Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and CM Kejriwal “is an attack on democracy and our Constitution.”

“This is a politics of revenge at play. The BJP is afraid of the INDIA alliance. This is an attack on democracy and our constitution… There is only one thought in the Prime Minister’s mind: ‘Nation, not elections’. The entire country is in OPD one-person dictatorship,” Ramesh said.

What was the BJP’s response?

While the ruling BJP has rejected allegations of political revenge, arguing that those involved in corruption should be held accountable. The party staged a counter-protest earlier this week demanding Kejriwal’s resignation as chief minister, stating that he could not continue serving behind bars.

(With input from the agency)

First print: March 30, 2024 | 10:33 am IST