Tuesday saw the streets of Delhi embroiled in a clash of protests, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking center stage. The reason? The arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. While AAP vehemently protested against his arrest, the BJP demanded his resignation. This showdown occurred just ahead of the Delhi High Court's scheduled hearing on the matter.
Among those caught in the fray were Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains, AAP's Malviya Nagar legislator Somnath Bharti, and Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly Rakhi Birla, all detained by the Delhi Police at Patel Chowk Metro station.
AAP's response was swift, organizing a march from the Metro station to the Prime Minister's residence to denounce Kejriwal's arrest over alleged irregularities in Delhi's now-defunct excise policy for liquor. However, the police invoked Section 144 and detained the gathering protesters.
Frustration brewed within AAP's ranks over what they perceived as unequal treatment. While their peaceful protests were met with detentions, the BJP's demonstrations faced no such hindrances. AAP members decried this as bias and an affront to democracy.
Simultaneously, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and party leaders faced detention during a protest march near the Delhi Secretariat, echoing the demand for Kejriwal's resignation. Interestingly, the BJP's protest coincided with AAP's, heightening tensions on the streets.
AAP supporters converged at the Metro station, though notable absentees were senior AAP leaders. Despite partial closures, police intervened as the crowd began to move, exacerbating the situation.
One AAP supporter expressed unwavering support for Kejriwal, asserting there was no substantial evidence against him and that his actions aimed solely at improving conditions in Delhi.
After the detentions, protesters were eventually released, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the temporary closure of Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station during the protests.
Meanwhile, BJP protesters accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy and power-grabbing, citing examples of leaders who resigned amidst legal troubles. They demanded Kejriwal's resignation, alleging misuse of power by attempting to govern from confinement.
A curious development emerged as Sunita Kejriwal, the Chief Minister's wife, delivered a statement resembling an official address from the CM's office. This prompted criticism from BJP MLA Vijender Gupta, who viewed it as an unauthorized assumption of authority.
AAP, undeterred by Kejriwal's arrest, reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people and dismissed the charges against him as baseless.
The situation escalated further as BJP MLA Vijender Gupta accused Sunita Kejriwal of assuming the CM's authority, igniting fresh controversy.
Despite the arrest, AAP remained steadfast in their support for Kejriwal, emphasizing his dedication to the welfare of Delhi's citizens and denouncing the charges as fabricated.
As the political turmoil rages on, the High Court prepares to hear Kejriwal's petition against his arrest, signaling further legal battles on the horizon.
In summary, the clash between AAP and BJP protesters in Delhi underscores the deep-rooted political tensions surrounding Kejriwal's arrest, with legal battles and continued political strife likely to follow in its wake.