The Enforcement Directorate's dramatic evening arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. Post an intense 2-hour interrogation at Kejriwal's residence, the central investigative agency detained him, leading to an overnight stay at their headquarters where a medical examination ensued. The legality of his arrest has been challenged in the Supreme Court, with a possible hearing set for today.
As a response to the events, Minister Aatishi Marlena has branded the arrest as an assassination of democracy, implying that Prime Minister Modi fears Kejriwal's influence, especially so soon after the announcement of parliamentary elections. Solidarity is strong within the Aam Aadmi Party, as they vow to take their grievance to the streets against the BJP.
- 3:07 AM
Kejriwal's Night in ED Custody: Provided an Air-Conditioned Room
According to sources, Arvind Kejriwal spent his night in the ED lockup inside an air-conditioned room. A medical team is slated for another check-up this morning before a potential court presentation. Confiscations of electronic devices and documents have been reported from Kejriwal's residence.
- 3:05 AM
Supreme Court Denies Overnight Hearing for Kejriwal's Petition
In a last-minute plea prior to the arrest, Kejriwal's legal team reached out to the Supreme Court's registrar, who deferred the matter. Later it was decided not to press for a hearing tonight, making it clear that the Supreme Court will hear Kejriwal's appeal only on Friday. Fascinatingly, this timing occurs right before the weekend break, as the judiciary's regular schedule pauses for a nine-day holiday.
- 1:20 AM
Mumbai Police Detains 20-30 AAP Activists, Prepares to File FIR
Mumbai Police are in the process of registering FIR against 20-30 AAP activists for unlawful assembly allegations. The individuals are to be presented in court today following their protests outside the Mumbai ED office after Kejriwal's detention.
- 1:03 AM
'It's Like the Film 'The Culprit Proclaims the Riot': BJP Reacts to AAP Claims
Responding to AAP's press conference after Kejriwal's arrest, BJP President Virendra Sachdeva recalls a famous film, 'The Culprit Proclaims the Riot', as AAP leaders like Gopal Rai and Aatishi melodramatize the event, projecting it as the murder of democracy. Sachdeva asserts that while the public indeed elects governments, it does not give them license for corruption.
- 12:58 AM
'We Will Protest at BJP Headquarters at 10 AM Tomorrow': Gopal Rai
In direct challenge, Minister Gopal Rai announces that if BJP believes it can intimidate the opposition with Kejriwal's arrest, they are mistaken. A battle has begun, and AAP has scheduled a demonstration at 10 AM the following day at BJP headquarters.
- 12:56 AM
AAP Takes to the Streets in Opposition to Kejriwal's Arrest: Aatishi
Minister Aatishi describes the arrest as a murder of democracy, suggesting fear is driving PM Modi's actions against Kejriwal following the election announcement. Assuring that AAP's fight continues on the streets and in the Supreme Court, Aatishi confirms their presence in the coming days.
