Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED in liquor probe, AAP demands immediate SC hearing | Latest News India – Hindustan Times
For a considerable duration, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had been prophesying the arrest of its leader, Arvind Kejriwal. The long-anticipated day arrived on March 21, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) taking Kejriwal into custody over alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor scandal. Following Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren, Kejriwal now potentially marks the first incumbent chief minister to face arrest.
Curiously, both leaders found jeopardy in disregarding the ninth summons by the central agency. Upon Kejriwal’s detention, AAP sought a late-night hearing from the Supreme Court, which was dismissed. Subsequently, the party retracted its plea and plans to pursue legal recourse in a trial court. Nevertheless, obtaining reprieve from the stringent measures of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, presents a formidable challenge.
A Significant Setback This recent turn of events deals a severe blow to AAP. With Delhi’s former deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, already incarcerated over a corruption case, it’s ironic that a party born from an anti-corruption movement now grapples with the arrest of its top echelon in corruption allegations.
The ramifications of this case are multifaceted – encompassing legal, political, ethical, and moral dimensions. While AAP accuses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating its demise through central agencies, the BJP rebuts, asserting that justice is being served, and the party is facing consequences for its unlawful actions in the liquor case. AAP questions the timing of the arrest, alleging it as a ploy to impede Kejriwal’s electoral campaign for the impending Lok Sabha election. Conversely, the BJP contends that Kejriwal strategically timed his actions to elicit voter sympathy.
Who Will Assume Chief Ministership? Despite AAP’s assertion that Kejriwal will govern from jail, is it legally permissible? Holding no official portfolio, Kejriwal, as an unconvicted individual, retains eligibility as an MLA and potentially as chief minister. Yet, does this align with the essence of the law? Is it morally or ethically justifiable for him to continue as chief minister? Could the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G), with whom AAP shares a strained relationship, intercede to oust Kejriwal or assume governance? This remains uncertain.
Will Kejriwal’s Arrest Garner Sympathy for AAP? This pivotal question underscores the consolidation of AAP’s support base among its loyal constituents. However, beyond the realms of Delhi and Punjab, this sympathy may not resonate as strongly. Given AAP’s national aspirations, the arrest jeopardizes its image as a “differentiated” political entity.
Will Sympathy Translate into Electoral Gains? Delhi witnesses a dichotomous voting pattern, where AAP secures state elections but faces stiff competition from the BJP in national polls. Thus, the impact of Kejriwal’s arrest on swing or neutral voters remains uncertain. Despite some viewing it as BJP’s targeted maneuver, will this sway electoral outcomes in AAP’s favor in state or general elections?
With Delhi’s polls slated for May 25, the BJP might inadvertently hand AAP a strategic advantage. As the party braces for its tenth year in office in 2025, can it mitigate anti-incumbency sentiments in the upcoming assembly elections?
Can Kejriwal’s Arrest Forge Opposition Unity? Amidst key allies exiting and seat-sharing pacts unresolved, the Opposition grappled with disarray. However, the Congress, erstwhile exposers of the alleged liquor scandal, now vocally supports AAP. This arrest serves as a rallying point for the Opposition, bolstering their narrative of BJP’s anti-competitive tactics and threats to democracy.
Might It Recoil Against the BJP? Despite favorable opinion polls, complacency could undermine BJP’s electoral prospects. Historical precedent suggests that incumbent parties’ overconfidence often galvanizes opposition forces and sways undecided voters favoring a robust opposition.
Who Will Spearhead AAP’s Lok Sabha Campaign? AAP heavily relies on Kejriwal’s charisma as its star campaigner. With dissent brewing among founding members and Sisodia’s incarceration, AAP lacks leaders with pan-Indian appeal. The onus might fall on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, with Atishi and Saurav Bhardwaj shouldering responsibilities in Delhi.
Is It the Demise of AAP? Emerging from an anti-corruption movement, AAP swiftly ascended to national prominence. As the sole party, besides Congress and BJP, with multistate governance, AAP’s potential as a major opposition force is palpable. The fallout of Kejriwal’s arrest will delineate the trajectory of AAP’s political journey.
The unfolding legal and political landscape will discern the impact of Kejriwal’s arrest on Lok Sabha election outcomes.
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