BJP workers took to the streets to protest, demanding the resignation of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, while on the other hand, AAP has called for a ‘Gherao’ around the house of Prime Minister Modi in response to the arrest. Amidst the call for a ‘Gherao’, tight security measures were implemented around Narendra Modi’s residence.
Last week, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai announced plans to ‘Gherao’ the prime minister’s residence on Tuesday to protest against Kejriwal’s arrest. Rai also called for “mega protests” by AAP workers nationwide.
The gathering by the BJP was organized near the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, marching towards the Delhi Secretariat. Many slogans were raised against Kejriwal and the alleged corruption he and AAP committed.
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case, which is linked to a money laundering investigation.
BJP Protests
Senior BJP leader and MP Harsh Vardhan and BJP national secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa have slammed Kejriwal for ‘immoral’ activities and opposed AAP’s decision to operate from jail. Sirsa alleged that AAP was creating drama and lodged a complaint with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for strict action.
“The CM of Delhi is corrupt and dishonest, and he has looted the people of Delhi. We are going to the Secretariat to demand his resignation.. The government is not run from jail. Just like AAP’s character, the orders are also fake. Arvind Kejriwal has to resign,” Sachdeva told ANI, referring to the two orders issued by the Delhi CM while in ED’s custody.
Kejriwal from Jail
On Tuesday, Health Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj issued directions from ED custody to ensure that medical facilities are available to people in government hospitals and Mohalla Clinics. He ensured that all medicines and tests were being taken care of positively.
While attending a press conference he read out a letter sent by the Delhi Chief Minister from ED custody and said “Kejriwal’s order is like God’s order”.
“Arvind Kejriwal feels that people’ should not suffer since he is in custody. He wants the people of Delhi to get free medicines, free tests.”
“The Chief Minister has received information that people are facing difficulties in the tests carried out at the Mohalla clinics. He has ordered that medicines and tests should be provided free of cost in Mohalla clinics.”
On March 24, Water Minister Atishi announced that the chief minister, from ED custody, would administer water and sewer-related issues in parts of Delhi.
Some Dispersed, Some Detained
On Tuesday, the protests were organized by AAP outside Patel Chowk to raise slogans against Kejriwal’s arrest. However, a counter protest was staged by BJP workers. Water cannons were used to disperse BJP workers from the location, whereas earlier, AAP protesters were detained outside Patel Chowk metro station while demonstrating against Kejriwal’s arrest. Among those detained was Punjab minister and AAP leader Harjot Singh Bains.
“No permission has been granted (to AAP for protest). We have made sufficient deployments at the PM residence and Patel Chowk metro station to maintain law and order,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla told ANI. “No march or demonstration will be allowed. No route diversions done.”
Section 144 of the CrPC had been enforced (prohibiting gatherings of four or more people in an area) around Patel Chowk. Security has been tightened in many other areas of Delhi besides Modi’s residence.
“Robust security arrangements have been made. We have installed layers of security to maintain law and order in the area,” an unidentified officer of the Delhi Police told PTI.
“Section 144 (of the CrPC) is already imposed around the prime minister’s residence, and no one will be allowed to protest,” he added.
