Kejriwal says his life dedicated to the nation, protests erupt over ED arrest.
Produced in a Delhi court after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asserted his life was devoted to serving the country regardless of circumstances. “Whether inside or outside, my life is dedicated to the nation,” the AAP leader said in response to a query in the Rouse Avenue Court complex on Friday.
The ED took Kejriwal into custody a day earlier concerning alleged irregularities in Delhi’s 2021-22 excise policy, a day after the High Court refused interim protection from arrest.
His detention triggered protests by AAP members. Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who was held during the demonstrations, alleged that Kejriwal’s family had also been placed under house arrest.
“The CM’s mother is unwell after returning from hospital. Family is barred from having visitors,” he said, accusing the government of crushing dissent to influence upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Bharadwaj stated peaceful agitation was not permitted, and party workers were disallowed.
The developments highlighted the political fallout of Kejriwal’s arrest even as his comments reaffirmed commitment to public service despite facing probe agencies’ action. As outrage mounted within AAP ranks, the episode invited opposition flak for muzzling democratic rights.
