Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, has been arrested by India's financial crime agency in connection with graft allegations related to the city's liquor policy, leading to protests and clashes outside his residence. The arrest comes ahead of elections and follows the arrests of two of Kejriwal's deputies in the same case. The AAP has called it "dirty politics" and is seeking to quash the arrest, while opposition parties have expressed concern over the situation. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating allegations that a liquor policy implemented by the Delhi government in 2022 gave undue advantages to private retailers, which was subsequently withdrawn.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a prominent critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was arrested by federal authorities over alleged corruption, sparking allegations of political motivation ahead of India's upcoming election. Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a "huge conspiracy" behind the arrest, which comes amid heightened tensions before the election. The AAP, known for its anti-corruption stance, has faced allegations of favoritism and unlawful funding related to a now-scrapped liquor policy. The arrest has drawn condemnation from opposition leaders, including the Indian National Congress, which has also accused the BJP of using government agencies to stifle political opponents.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has indicated that his party, the Aam Aadmi Party, will contest all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, citing the decision of the "people of Delhi." This move could further fragment the Opposition front in India, as it follows similar decisions in Punjab and Bengal, where AAP and Trinamool Congress have opted to go solo. Kejriwal also expressed confidence in winning all seats in Punjab and Chandigarh, while criticizing the Congress and emphasizing the need to strengthen regional parties against the BJP.
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party received funds from the Jal Board scam and used it for election purposes, following raids on 12 locations connected to the leaders. AAP has denied the allegations, stating that no evidence has been recovered from the leaders. This is the second case in which central agencies have accused AAP of using kickbacks for elections. The ED has seized objectionable documents and digital evidence, along with goods worth Rs 1.97 crore and foreign currency worth Rs 4 lakh. The agency has arrested the former Delhi Jal Board Chief Engineer and a contractor in connection with the case. AAP has condemned any wrongdoing by DJB officials or contractors, and accused the ED of defaming the party without evidence.
Aam Aadmi Party minister Atishi accuses the Enforcement Directorate of coercing witnesses to give false statements against AAP leaders and deleting audio recordings of witness statements in the excise policy case, triggering a war of words between the two parties. The ED denies the allegations, calling them false and baseless, and is considering legal action against Atishi. AAP rejects the ED's response and challenges them to issue a formal signed statement on their letterhead.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asserts that the BJP has been attempting to poach AAP leaders, but he vows not to succumb to their pressure. He faces inquiries from the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate regarding these allegations. Kejriwal emphasizes that development work will continue despite any potential arrests, expressing discontent with the central agencies' actions against his colleagues. He inaugurates four new school buildings in Delhi and highlights the government's significant investment in education and healthcare. Kejriwal asserts that the cases against AAP leaders are false and accuses the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy to hinder his party's election campaign.
The Congress party is in damage control mode after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) threatened to boycott the next opposition meeting following remarks made by Delhi Congress leader Alka Lamba about contesting all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. The Congress has disavowed Lamba's statement, calling her an unauthorized spokesperson, and blamed the media for distorting her words. AAP has reacted strongly to Lamba's remarks and threatened to boycott the next INDIA alliance meeting if the Congress decides against an alliance in Delhi.
Actor Parineeti Chopra and Aam Aadmi Party politician Raghav Chadha are rumored to be in a relationship, with sources suggesting they may have been together for at least six months. While the couple has not confirmed their relationship status, AAP member Sanjeev Arora congratulated them. Parineeti's cousin Priyanka Chopra has also arrived in Mumbai, but it is unclear if they will have time to meet with Raghav. Singer Hardy Sandhu, who worked with Parineeti on a film, confirmed the relationship and wished her luck.
