Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an excise policy-linked money laundering case has sparked intense political reactions, especially with the Lok Sabha elections looming. The arrest, deemed significant as the first of a sitting chief minister, followed the Delhi High Court's denial of protection to Kejriwal from coercive ED action.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly condemned the arrest, affirming Kejriwal's continuity as Delhi's chief minister even from jail if necessary. Conversely, the BJP demanded Kejriwal's resignation on moral grounds.

The sequence of events unfolded rapidly, with an ED team conducting searches at Kejriwal's residence following the high court's decision. Kejriwal's repeated evasion of ED summonses was noted, with the latest summons scheduled for March 21 labeled as "illegal" by him.

During these developments, heightened security measures were observed, anticipating potential protests by AAP supporters. The ED's planned interrogation of Kejriwal after his arrest added to the charged atmosphere.

Kejriwal's arrest mirrored a similar recent incident involving Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who is currently in ED custody related to the same case.

The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering tied to the formulation and execution of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently annulled. Kejriwal's name features prominently in the charge sheets, with the ED alleging connections between AAP leaders and undue benefits received through the excise policy.

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already in judicial custody in connection with this case, further intensifying the political heat surrounding the situation.

AAP members, including Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, voiced strong opposition, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of orchestrating Kejriwal's arrest out of fear. The party rallied support under the hashtag #IstandWithKejriwal, highlighting widespread public backing.

Contrarily, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva called for Kejriwal's resignation and cooperation with the ED, citing moral responsibility.

The legal battle escalated as the Delhi High Court declined immediate protection for Kejriwal, scheduling further consideration for April 22 alongside his primary petition challenging the summonses. Kejriwal also faces ED scrutiny concerning alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board.

Overall, Kejriwal's arrest has ignited fierce political debates, setting the stage for heightened tensions and legal confrontations in the run-up to the elections.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an excise policy-linked money laundering case has sparked intense political reactions, especially with the Lok Sabha elections looming. The arrest, deemed significant as the first of a sitting chief minister, followed the Delhi High Court's denial of protection to Kejriwal from coercive ED action.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly condemned the arrest, affirming Kejriwal's continuity as Delhi's chief minister even from jail if necessary. Conversely, the BJP demanded Kejriwal's resignation on moral grounds.

The sequence of events unfolded rapidly, with an ED team conducting searches at Kejriwal's residence following the high court's decision. Kejriwal's repeated evasion of ED summonses was noted, with the latest summons scheduled for March 21 labeled as "illegal" by him.

During these developments, heightened security measures were observed, anticipating potential protests by AAP supporters. The ED's planned interrogation of Kejriwal after his arrest added to the charged atmosphere.

Kejriwal's arrest mirrored a similar recent incident involving Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who is currently in ED custody related to the same case.

The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering tied to the formulation and execution of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently annulled. Kejriwal's name features prominently in the charge sheets, with the ED alleging connections between AAP leaders and undue benefits received through the excise policy.

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already in judicial custody in connection with this case, further intensifying the political heat surrounding the situation.

AAP members, including Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, voiced strong opposition, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of orchestrating Kejriwal's arrest out of fear. The party rallied support under the hashtag #IstandWithKejriwal, highlighting widespread public backing.

Contrarily, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva called for Kejriwal's resignation and cooperation with the ED, citing moral responsibility.

The legal battle escalated as the Delhi High Court declined immediate protection for Kejriwal, scheduling further consideration for April 22 alongside his primary petition challenging the summonses. Kejriwal also faces ED scrutiny concerning alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board.

Overall, Kejriwal's arrest has ignited fierce political debates, setting the stage for heightened tensions and legal confrontations in the run-up to the elections.