Delhi Government's Minister Atishi, during a press briefing, relayed, 'Through a close associate, I was approached with an invitation to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. I was told to switch sides to BJP and save my political career or face arrest within a month.'
She added, 'In the coming days, it's likely that several more leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party will be taken into custody. The Prime Minister and the BJP seem determined to crush the AAP and its leaders.'
Atishi remarked, 'AAP's senior leadership is under siege. However, after the outpouring of support at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday and the AAP's spirited public struggle, BJP plans to incarcerate four prominent leaders soon. Raids are anticipated at my personal residence and those of my relatives in the following days. Summons will be issued, and subsequent arrests are expected.'
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Four Leaders in the Arrest Lineup
Detailing the BJP's intentions, Atishi said that the party aims to arrest four additional AAP leaders in the couple of months leading to the Parliamentary elections. 'They will detain me, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Durgesh Pathak, and Raghav Chadha. A premeditated plan to throw us behind bars is brewing.'
Lashing out at the BJP, Atishi proclaimed, 'I want to tell the Bharatiya Janata Party today that we are not intimidated by your threats. We are disciples of Bhagat Singh, soldiers of Kejriwal. As long as there's a breath left in each AAP worker, under the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal, we will continue fighting to save this nation. Incarcerate every AAP MLA and supporter, and yet, ten more will rise to bear the mantle of this struggle.'
ED Purposely Mentioned Mine and Saurabh's Names
Discussing the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s mention of her name, Atishi mused, 'It is entirely plausible, as yesterday, the ED named Saurabh Bhardwaj and myself in court. They cited a statement which has been with the ED and CBI for over one and a half years, also included in CBI's charge sheet. So, what was the motive behind bringing this statement up now?'
Further read: The case of Vijay Nair, who reported to Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj – Kejriwal acknowledges his allegiance
Kejriwal Characterizes Vijay Nair as 'My Man' in ED Proceedings
Previously in court, ED highlighted several key points before Kejriwal himself. According to ED, Kejriwal had trusted Vijay Nair, suggesting people believe in him. ED claims that this entire conspiracy was executed by Vijay Nair along with others in collaboration with the 'South Group.' They assert that Vijay Nair worked for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
Arrests Executed on March 21
Delhi's so-called liquor scandal has also entangled Kejriwal, and the ED is probing his role. Regarding this scandal, ED issued a total of 9 summonses to Kejriwal; the first being sent on November 2 of the previous year. Kejriwal, however, did not appear for any. On March 21, he appealed to the High Court for relief from arrest, which was dismissed. That evening, the ED team arrived at Kejriwal's residence with the 10th summons, conducted a two-hour inquiry, and consequently arrested him.
Read also: For the first time in democratic history... Kejriwal will run the Delhi Government from jail!
Kejriwal is the first sitting Chief Minister to be arrested. The next day, the Rouse Avenue Court remanded Kejriwal into ED's custody till March 28, and then extended it to April 1. As of this Monday, the court has sent Kejriwal to 15 days of judicial custody.
