“Insult to people of Delhi, and law”: Anurag Thakur on Kejriwal to continue as Delhi CM

Union Minister Anurag Thakur responded to the Aam Aadmi Party’s assertion that arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would govern from jail, labeling it as an “insult” to Delhi’s residents, as well as to law and democracy.

Expressing his dismay, Thakur remarked, “They are suggesting that Arvind Kejriwal will continue to govern from prison. This is disrespectful to the people of Delhi, as well as to the principles of law and democracy… It’s regrettable that a political party, which once exposed Congress corruption and called for Sonia Gandhi’s arrest, now avoids cooperating with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) despite nine summonses.”

Adding to the discourse, BJP leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri questioned the AAP government regarding the removal of Delhi’s new excise policy if it was truly beneficial. “I’ve consistently informed Arvind Kejriwal that this excise policy isn’t viable… This policy incurred a loss of Rs. 3000 crores. Eventually, we protested against the AAP government. If his new excise policy was indeed beneficial, why did the CM retract it?” Bidhuri queried.

In contrast, Delhi Minister Atishi reaffirmed Kejriwal’s position as the Delhi Chief Minister, asserting his ability to govern even from jail if necessary. “We’ve previously stated that if required, Kejriwal will continue leading the government from jail. He retains the position of Delhi Chief Minister as he hasn’t been convicted,” Atishi affirmed.

Meanwhile, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the Central government has barred anyone from meeting Arvind Kejriwal’s family since yesterday, highlighting concerns over basic human values being disregarded.

Commenting on the matter, BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra remarked that Kejriwal’s pride has been shattered, emphasizing the importance of abiding by the law. “There have been nine summonses since October 23, and Arvind Kejriwal failed to appear for any. Today, his pride has been shattered. According to the country’s law, if you’ve violated a law and are summoned, you must comply,” Patra stated.

Kejriwal is set to appear before a special court today following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the liquor policy case. A nationwide protest by Aam Aadmi Party workers is underway, with INDIA bloc parties supporting Kejriwal and condemning the BJP for allegedly weaponizing the ED against the opposition. Additionally, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maaran and Tamil Nadu Minister Sekar Babu staged a protest in Chennai Central against Kejriwal’s arrest by ED officials.