AAP workers detained while moving towards PM's residence; BJP stages counter-protest

Scores of AAP workers were detained outside the Patel Chowk Metro Station in New Delhi on Tuesday (March 26) as they were marching towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in Lok Kalyan Marg to protest against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by ED in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy case.

Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains and senior party leader Somnath Bharti were among the AAP leaders detained by police. Raising slogans of "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Kejriwal Zindabad", AAP workers and leaders reached the area's metro station in groups, with the party calling for a march to the PM’s residence for a "gherao". However, the Delhi police did not give permission for the protest.

DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla said, “Any kind of protest will not be tolerated. We have significantly increased security. Permission for protest has not been sought and there is proper security arrangement in place.”

On the other hand, Delhi BJP leaders and workers took out a protest march, demanding the resignation of Kejriwal for his alleged involvement in the excise policy-linked money laundering case. They gathered near the Ferozshah Kotla stadium and marched towards the Delhi Secretariat, raising slogans against Kejriwal and alleging corruption in his government. 

Senior BJP leader Harsh Vardhan said Kejriwal has been arrested, and therefore, he should resign on moral grounds and give his responsibility to someone else. Slamming Kejriwal for issuing directions to his ministers while being in custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), BJP national secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa said a chief minister cannot issue directions while being in custody and alleged that the AAP was creating a drama. He said he has lodged a complaint in the matter with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for strict action. Later, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva was detained along with his supporters while staging the protest. 

Meanwhile, the police have beefed up security in several other parts of the national capital. A Delhi Traffic Police officer said movement is likely to be affected in parts of New Delhi and Central Delhi due to the protest. "Robust security arrangements have been made. We have installed layers of security to maintain law and order in the area," the Delhi police officer said. "Section 144 (of the CrPC) is already imposed around the prime minister's residence and no one will be allowed to protest," he added.

Delhi Minister Gopal Rai had earlier announced plans to "gherao" the prime minister's residence on Tuesday to protest against Kejriwal's arrest. He had also said that "mega protests" would be held nationwide.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy on March 21. He is in the agency's custody till Thursday. The AAP national convenor is accused of soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favours, the central agency has claimed.

The ED has also accused Kejriwal of being the "kingpin and key conspirator" in the now-scrapped policy, in collusion with AAP leaders, ministers and other persons. Kejriwal has refuted the allegations and accused the BJP-led Centre of "manipulating investigative agencies for political motives".

No permission granted

Meanwhile, the Delhi police said no permission has been granted to the AAP for staging a protest in the national capital.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Devesh Kumar Mahla told ANI, “No permission has been granted (to AAP for protest). We have made sufficient deployment at the PM residence and Patel Chowk metro station to maintain law and order. No march or demonstration will be allowed.”

‘Don't fall prey to rumours’

In another related development, the Delhi government on Tuesday appealed to citizens to not fall prey to misinformation being spread by notorious elements who are trying to "take advantage" of the situation arising from the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

A statement issued by the Planning Department said "speculations and rumours are being spread by notorious elements with vested interests in Delhi" that "welfare schemes and subsidies given by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi will be stopped".

"Even as the law takes its own course in the process of criminal investigation, it merits clarification that administration of schemes and governance are never specific to individuals and shall continue in normal course, as in the past," it read.

Police advisory

The Delhi police has also issued an advisory though it does not specifically mention the AAP protest. It simply mentions a “special Law & Order arrangement on 26.03.2024”.

“General public and motorists are advised to keep patience, observe traffic rules and road discipline, and follow directions of traffic personnel deployed at all intersections, and remain updated,” it read, and gave links to the traffic police's website, the force's handles on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), along with some helpline numbers.

The Delhi Traffic Police has also arranged seven diversion points for the smooth movement of vehicles in view of the protest. "Commuters must avoid Kemal Ataturk Marg, Safdarjung Road, Akbar Road and Teen Murti Marg on Tuesday in view of the protest," an officer said.

As per the advisory, the traffic police will not allow vehicles to be parked or halt on Tughlaq Road, Safdarjung Road, and Kemal Ataturk Marg. The general entry of public is prohibited too. People have also been advised to leave for inter-state bus terminals/railway stations/international airport keeping sufficient time in hand.

(With agency inputs)