Kejriwal Arrest Highlights: AAP to gherao PM Modi's residence on March 26 as CM sent to ED custody

AAP invites I.N.D.I.A. allies to join protest

The Aam Aadmi Party, which has announced a nationwide protest against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, has invited the I.N.D.I.A. bloc to join it.

Scared BJP creating problems out of panic: Congress

Reacting to Kejriwal's arrest, the Congress said the "scared BJP" was creating problems for the Opposition out of panic.

Security has been beefed up outside both Kejriwal's residence as well as ED's office in Delhi, a day after the AAP leader was arrested by the federal agency in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

AAP calls for nationwide protest against Kejriwal's arrest

The AAP's Delhi unit convenor Gopal Rai gave a call on Thursday for a nationwide protest against the BJP following Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Rai said Kejriwal's arrest is the "murder of democracy" and an "announcement of dictatorship".

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Police detain an AAP volunteer during a protest against the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Mumbai, Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Arvind Kejriwal will continue as chief minister of Delhi, to run govt from jail: Atishi

Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi has said Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister and run the city government from prison if needed after his arrest by the ED. She also said that the AAP has moved the Supreme Court against the action by the federal agency.

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Atishi Singh looks on as Delhi Pradesh Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely talk to media outside the residence of Kejriwal after an ED team arrived there, shortly after the high court refused to grant Kejriwal protection from coercive action in an excise policy-linked money laundering case, in New Delhi, Thursday, March 21, 2024.

After no special Supreme Court bench was set up on Thursday night to hear Kejriwal's plea against his arrest by the ED, sources told news agency PTI that the plea was likely to be heard on Friday. The plea, filed hours after the Delhi High Court denied him protection from arrest in the case, did not show up in the list of businesses of the apex court for Friday.

Top headlines from this big story:

1. Supreme Court likely to hear Kejriwal's plea against Enforcement Directorate arrest today

2. AAP calls for nationwide protest against Kejriwal's arrest

3. Arvind Kejriwal will continue as chief minister of Delhi, to run govt from jail: Atishi

4. I.N.D.I.A. bloc rallies behind Kejriwal

AAP workers stage protest against Kejriwal's arrest by ED | In Pics

He will continue as the chief minister of Delhi. If need be, he will run the government from jail. There is no rule that stops him from running the government from jail.

Delhi minister Atishi after Kejriwal's arrest in excise policy case

Arvind Kejriwal is not a person but an idea: Bhagwant Mann

"You will arrest Arvind Kejriwal but how will you arrest his thinking...Arvind Kejriwal is not a person but an idea and we stand with our leader like a rock...Inquilab Zindabad," Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on X (formerly Twitter).

A team of doctors leaves ED headquarters after examining arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Kejriwal's arrest is a political conspiracy of BJP, alleges Atishi

“It has happened for the first time in the history of Indian democracy, that a sitting Chief Minister has been arrested by the central government. It has happened for the first time that a national convener of a national party has been arrested after the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. It’s totally clear that the arrest of the (Delhi CM) Arvind Kejriwal is a political conspiracy of BJP," Delhi minister Atishi was quoted as telling news agency PTI.

'Violative of the political rights of every Indian citizen': Shashi Tharoor on ED action against Kejriwal in excise policy case

"I call upon to take Suo Moto cognizance on what has happened... What has happened is violative of the spirit of democracy... The court has every right to take imminent action against anything that has a material effect on the elections... This is fundamentally violative of the political rights of every Indian citizen... At 11 am, there will be a march to the Raj Bhavan..."

(ANI)

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

Police bolster security at ITO near AAP office in Delhi, following Kejriwal's arrest.

After Kejriwal's arrest, AAP faces leadership crisis

Kejriwal's arrest has posed a leadership crisis question before the AAP as well as the Delhi government, with his wife Sunita Kejriwal and cabinet ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj being talked about as his possible replacement.

The challenge before the AAP now is to come up with a worthy leader who could handle both the party and its government in Delhi in absence of Kejriwal.

However, it's indeed a big task for the AAP leadership to come up with a name of a leader that at least comes closer to Kejriwal's stature as convener of the party since its inception in 2012 and holding the Delhi Chief Minister's post for three terms spanning nearly a decade.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

Decade-long AAP-BJP tussle reaches its crescendo

The decade-long rivalry between the AAP led by Arvind Kejriwal and the BJP ruling at the Centre reached a crescendo on Thursday with the arrest of the Delhi chief minister by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

The tussle between the two sides began with their almost simultaneous rise to power with the BJP led by Narendra Modi receiving a massive mandate in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the AAP forming the government in Delhi with a historic victory a year later by winning 67 assembly seats out of 70.

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Kejriwal's family under house arrest, nobody allowed to meet them, alleges Gopal Rai

“I came here to meet the family of Arvind Kejriwal but they have been house arrested. No body is allowed to come and meet them. No one knows how are they, what’s their condition from last night," AAP leader Gopal Rai was quoted as telling by news agency PTI.

AAP workers protest against kejriwal's arrest in Delhi

Kejriwal's arrest shows ruling party's 'remarkable degree of nervousness': Omar Abdullah

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was a "blot" on democracy, and shows the ruling party's "remarkable degree of nervousness".

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said his party stands with Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party. "Aisi Taisi Democracy. For all the talk of 400+ seats, the ruling dispensation is displaying a remarkable degree of nervousness. Having a sitting opposition CM arrested by a pliable central agency within days of the general elections being announced is a blot on democracy," Abdullah said in a post on X.

Security personnel keep a vigil outside the AAP's office, in New Delhi.

Here's what happened so far:

Security has been beefed up outside Kejriwal's residence amid AAP's call for nationwide protest against ED action. The police are also keeping a vigil outside the AAP office in Delhi. In the meantime, AAP leader Gopal Rai has alleged that Kejriwal's family has been put under house arrest, and nobody is being allowed to meet them. As AAP stares at a leadership crisis with its leader being arrested, all eyes will be on Supreme Court, which will take up kejriwal's plea seeking protection from arrest today.

Supreme Court agrees to hear Arvind Kejriwal’s plea against arrest by Enforcement Directorate today. (ANI)

AAP saying 'Kejriwal will run govt from jail' an insult to people of Delhi, law and democracy: Anurag Thakur

On ED arresting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "... They are saying that Arvind Kejriwal will run the government from the jail. This is an insult to the people of Delhi, law and democracy... It is unfortunate that a political party that spoke about the corruption of the Congress, and demanded the arrest of Sonia Gandhi, has refused to appear before the ED even after 9 summons. Why did have to remain away from the investigation... All of them are exposed in this liquor scam..."

(ANI)

AAP workers detained by police amid ongoing protest against Kejriwal's arrest

We have especially addressed the security concerns around the court... Section 144 is imposed on DD Marg because it is not a designated protest site. Section 144 is imposed because there are a lot of vital offices here...

DCP Central M Harsh Vardhan on security arrangements in Delhi after Kejriwal's arrest

Delhi minister Atishi is among AAP workers who have been detained by police during party's protest at ITO, Delhi. The party is protesting against CM Kejriwal's arrest by ED in excise policy case. (ANI)

A two-judge bench of Supreme Court headed by Justice Khanna tells senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi that if it is a writ petition, then it will be taken up before a three-judge bench. (ANI)

DMK leaders and workers protest against Kejriwal's arrest by the ED, in Chennai. "We condemn the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal," says DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran.

DMK leaders and workers protest against Kejriwal's arrest.

The arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has put forth serious questions for democracy. He has become first such CM in India's history who didn't consider stepping down despite being arrested.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi

ED to produce Arvind Kejriwal before PMLA court in Delhi excise policy case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to be produced before a special PMLA court by the ED on Friday for obtaining his remand for custodial interrogation in the money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22, officials said.

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Thanks for keeping up with DH so far as we bring you latest updates from Kejriwal's dramatic arrest. In the meantime, readers can also follow live updates on Supreme Court hearing over K Ponmudy's re-induction into Tamil Nadu government here.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari questions timing of Kejriwal's arrest

As ED makes the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in relation to the excise policy case, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "It's quite evident now, everybody knows it... A serving Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal), where was he running away?...By arresting him, they showed the repercussions of joining the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. I have a question on timing. Firstly- yesterday, in the Supreme Court, the State Bank Of India (SBI) said that they have provided all the details of electoral bonds...Secondly, for the first time, Gujarat's throne is swinging after Congress and AAP's decision to fight together in the state...The people of this country cannot witness the atrocities for always; the public silently shows its power during the ballot..."

Arvind Kejriwal withdraws from Supreme Court his plea against arrest by Enforcement Directorate. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi -- appearing for Kejriwal -- tells Supreme Court that Kejriwal is withdrawing the petition in the court as the hearing will be clashing with the remand proceedings before trial court.

I am very upset that Arvind Kejriwal, who used to work with me, raise his voice against liquor, is now making liquor policies. His arrest is because of his own deeds...

Social activist Anna Hazare

Bhagwant Mann to reach CM Kejriwal's house shortly, and hold a press conference at 2 pm.

Visuals from AAP's Delhi protest

AAP workers protest Kejriwal's arrest in Chandigarh

DH Opinion | Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest a smokescreen

The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 marks another low in the annals of Indian democracy.

It would be wrong to say that this takes another step forward in the weaponisation of law-enforcement agencies, because they have already been fatally compromised; but it does signal the determination of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to tilt the playing field in its favour in every manner possible.

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Watch: AAP leaders under detention at Delhi's Alipur Police Station

In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee condemns Kejriwal's arrest, calls it 'outrageous'

"I vehemently condemn the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the sitting elected Chief Minister of Delhi elected by the people. I have personally reached out to Smt Sunita Kejriwal to extend my unwavering support and solidarity. It's outrageous that while elected opposition CMs are being deliberately targeted and arrested while individuals accused under CBI/ED investigations are allowed to continue their malpractices with impunity, especially after aligning with the BJP. This is a blatant assault on democracy.

Today, our I.N.D.I.A. bloc will meet the EC to express our strong objection to the deliberate targeting and arrests of opposition leaders, particularly during the MCC period."

Punjab CM & AAP leader Bhagwant Mann reaches Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence. At 4:30 pm, I.N.D.I.A. bloc leaders will meet EC.

Watch: ED produces Delhi CM before Rouse Avenue court

Arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal produced before the court of Special Judge Kaveri Baweja in Rouse Avenue court.

ED seeks 10-day custody of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in liquor policy case.

Police use water cannons to disperse AAP workers protesting against Kejriwal's arrest in Chandigarh.

In Pictures: AAP workers stage protest in several states

Arvind Kejriwal's arrest is 'undemocratic': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Reacting to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah told news agency ANI, "The arrest of Kejriwal is only to threaten. There was no evidence to arrest him. I don't know why they have arrested him. It is undemocratic and it shows that this is a dictatorial government."

Kejriwal is 'kingpin' in demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen: ED tells court

After producing Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal before the Rouse Avenue court following his arrest, the central agency submitted before the court that he (Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) was directly involved in the formation of the excise policy.

"The CM (Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) is the key conspirator and kingpin in demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen," alleges the Enforcement Directorate while seeking the CM's 10-day custody remand.

Situation in country is like undeclared emergency: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Strongly criticising the arrest of the Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that the central agencies are being "used like a weapon".  

"The agencies are being used like a tool, like a weapon. Any opposition leader, who raises voice against the atrocities of the BJP, is raided by the ED, CBI and Income Tax. The situation in the country is like undeclared emergency," he told PTI

AAP not an individual but a company, so every person responsible for conduct of company will be held liable: ED tells court

Hawala trails of Rs 45 crores traced, the money was used in Goa election, says ASG SV Raju

The Enforcement Directorate Friday said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was a "key conspirator" in the liquor scam case along with other ministers and AAP leaders, as it sought his 10-day custody from a court here.

The ED told Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at the Rouse Avenue court that Kejriwal received several crores of rupees as kickbacks from the 'South group' for formulating and implementing Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

He demanded Rs 100 crore from some accused from 'South group' for contesting the Punjab elections, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, who is appearing for the agency, told the court.

The law officer said the money trail showed that Rs 45 crore "kickback" used in Goa elections came from four hawala routes.

He said the statements of the accused and witnesses have been corroborated by Call Detail Records (CDR).

via PTI

'Jas karni Tas Bharni', says Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Kejriwal was non-cooperative during search: ED tells court

Further investigation into money trail cannot be a ground for arrest: Arvind Kejriwal's counsel tells court

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Arvind Kejriwal opposes ED's remand plea

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Arvind Kejriwal opposes the remand plea of the Enforcement Directorate and submits that the first thing they need to show is the necessity to arrest. Power of arrest and necessity of arrest are two different things, adds Singhvi, reports ANI.

AAP Protest: DMRC shuts Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced closure of Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station in view of AAP's protest on Friday, officials said.

Earlier in the day, DMRC announced closure of ITO Metro Station from 8 am to 6 pm.

"On advice of Delhi Police, Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station will also remain closed in addition to ITO Metro station till further notice," the DMRC posted on X.

Via PTI

Kejriwal's arrest has sent a good message, says BJP Goa President Sadanand Tanavade

Kejriwal's arrest has sent a good message that law is equal for everyone, BJP Goa President Sadanand Tanavade told PTI.

PIL filed before Delhi HC seeking removal of Kejriwal as CM

A PIL has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi, reports LiveLaw.

Unjust done to Arvind Kejriwal: Yogendra Yadav

"I am astonished. What is going on in this country in the name of democracy? You change the referee before the match by appointing new ECs. You are freezing bank accounts of opponent. Notices have been given in 30-year-old cases. Do proper investigation. If court convicts, then be it PM or anybody else, they should be punished. Arresting before election by hook or by crook is like murder of democracy. Unjust has been done to Arvind Kejriwal. I'm sure people will teach them a lesson," PTI quotes political activist Yogendra Yadav as saying.

'My life is dedicated to the country,' says Kejriwal

Whether I am inside or outside, my life is dedicated to the country," said arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal as he was produced before Rouse Avenue court by ED following his arrest yesterday.

No direct evidence, Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Kejriwal says

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says that there is no direct evidence. Without there being any material in possession of the Enforcement Directorate on the basis of which Mr Kejriwal can be believed to be guilty of an offence, he is being illegally and arbitrarily arrested by the ED, submits Singhvi before Rouse Avenue court.

Please do not look at remand mechanically: Singhvi while concluding his arguments before the Special Judge

Singhvi while concluding his arguments before the Special Judge, requested that please do not look at the remand as a routine. It requires the application of significant judicial mind...there are larger issues of democracy involved, he added.

ED has become judge, jury, executioner: Kejriwal's lawyer to court

ED has become judge, jury, executioner: Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer Vikram Chaudhari to court during his remand hearing.

'What I had to say I have said in court,' says Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi

ED opposes Kejriwal's lawyers' submissions raising questions

How much weight should be given to an approver's statement can only be a consideration at the time of trial. It can't be argued in a remand application," says ED while opposing Kejriwal's lawyers' submissions raising questions over approvers' statements.

AAP leaders march towards residence of Delhi CM Kejriwal in Civil Lines area

EC should intervene, says Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Kejriwal's arrest

On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the ED, Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "I have never seen such an action on an elected CM. When the Model Code of Conduct is implemented in the country, going to arrest a CM at night, has been opposed by all... The Election Commission should intervene in this matter."

Delhi court reserves order on Kejriwal's remand

Delhi Rouse Avenue Court's Special Judge reserves the order on the ED application seeking 10 days custodial remand of CM Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The order will be passed shortly.

Watch | Delhi CM Kejriwal in Rouse Avenue court during his ED remand hearing

We asked EC to interfere: Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi

After meeting the Election Commission, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said, "Almost every opposition party is here. This incident happened late at night (arrest of Delhi CM). We have a detailed discussion with the election commission. This isn't about an individual or any party but it relates to the basic structure of the constitution. When a level playing field is needed for election and you do not let the field be levelled by misusing agencies, it impacts free and fair elections and ultimately democracy. The Election Commission has been given the responsibility and is the police to protect this level field. We asked the Election Commission to interfere. In the history of 75 years of independent India, the first time a sitting CM has been arrested. The account of the grand old and the biggest opposition party has been frozen. We have given evidence of the misuse of agencies against the opposition leaders. We asked if the election commission can change the DGP, secretary then why it does not control these agencies?..."

'This is an illegal arrest, no evidence against him', Advocate Vivek Jain, counsel for Delhi CM

'This is betrayal of Delhi people': Delhi CM's wife Sunita Kejriwal

Without a level playing field democracy is nothing, says CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury

After meeting the Election Commission, CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury says, "The process of election has begun. The model code of conduct is in force; despite that such actions (Arvind Kejriwal's arrest) are being taken, which is destroying the level playing field. Without a level playing field democracy is nothing...The Election Commission keeps control over the police, and the administration then why not on central agencies; they have to think about it."

'Country is in OPD- One Person Dictatorship': Congress MP Jairam Ramesh

On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal being arrested by the ED, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says, "This is a politics of revenge. BJP is afraid of the INDIA alliance... This is an attack on democracy and our constitution... There is only one thought in the Prime Minister's mind, 'One Nation No Election'... The entire country is in OPD- One Person Dictatorship."

AAP leaders allege CM's family placed under 'house arrest'

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs and councillors reached Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence in Civil Lines to meet his family on Friday, a day after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak said, "We have come here to meet his family. They are not being allowed to meet anyone. They have been placed under house arrest. Nobody knows what state they are in."

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AAP to gherao PM Modi's residence on March 26

AAP to gherao PM's residence on March 26 to register protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, party leader Gopal Rai said on Friday.

"Today the I.N.D.I.A. bloc leaders have met the EC and requested for action on this (arrest of Arvind Kejriwal). This year the Holi programme won't take place. On 25 March we will go to people and tell them what is happening in the country. On 26 March whole of Delhi to gherao PM's residence to mark a protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest," ANI quoted Gopal Rai.

Arvind Kejriwal sent to ED custody till March 28

Delhi court remands CM Arvind Kejriwal on ED custody till 28 March in excise policy case.

Kejriwal took advantage of being CM to facilitate liquor 'scam' money laundering by AAP: ED

Arvind Kejriwal "took advantage" of being the chief minister of Delhi to facilitate money laundering by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is a "major beneficiary" of the proceeds of crimes generated in the alleged liquor scam case, the ED claimed Friday.

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Dark day in history of India's democracy: Atishi after Kejriwal sent to ED custody

"BJP wants to contest elections from behind the ED. Is ED a part of the BJP that the party is issuing their press release. To date, no proceeds of crime have been found by the ED against the AAP leaders. Today is a dark day in the history of the Democracy of the country. People of the country are seeing this murder of democracy which has been done today."