AAP Minister Atishi raised concerns over the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) approach to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence for questioning, describing the presence of extensive security forces as indicative of a premeditated plan to detain the AAP leader. The operation saw Kejriwal’s home surrounded by four buses of police and two buses of RAF personnel, raising questions about the intent behind such a heavy deployment for a supposed interrogation.
Despite ignoring ED’s summons on nine occasions, the dramatic arrival of a 12-member ED team at Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday evening, following the Delhi High Court’s refusal to offer him interim protection, has been interpreted by Atishi as a blatant move to arrest him. This action coincided with Kejriwal’s ninth summons by the ED in the excise policy case, a summons he has consistently evaded while seeking legal recourse.
Atishi’s comments underscored the gravity of the situation, portraying Kejriwal not merely as an individual but as a symbol of a broader political ideology under threat. “Arvind Kejriwal is not a person; he is an idea… If a popular CM is arrested this way, his supporters from all over Delhi will come here,” she stated, emphasizing the disproportionate security measures for what was officially a search operation.
The AAP has firmly stated that Kejriwal will continue his duties as Chief Minister from jail if necessary, underscoring their commitment to his leadership and the cause he represents. This stance is echoed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who remarked on social media that the BJP’s use of the ED cannot quell Kejriwal’s ideological influence, asserting that ideology is indomitable.
Despite not being named directly in the initial FIRs related to the excise policy case, Kejriwal’s involvement was suggested in the ED’s chargesheet, alleging his communication with one of the accused, Sameer Mahendru, through a video call, as per the ED. This case has already seen significant arrests, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, highlighting the intensifying legal scrutiny surrounding the AAP leadership.
