NEW DELHI: Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for a ”gherao” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on Tuesday to protest against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with the excise policy case. AAP earlier said that it won’t celebrate Holi this year as their senior party leaders, Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia, are currently in jail. The party said the AAP workers and leaders will ”gherao” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg to register its protest against Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Delhi Minister Gopal Rai had earlier warned that “mega protests” would be held nationwide in the days to come.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police said the security at PM Modi’s residence has been strengthened as no permission has been granted to the AAP to hold any protests today.
Security Tightened In Delhi
The Delhi Police has strengthened security at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in view of AAP’s call for a “gherao” to protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The police have also beefed up security in several other parts of the national capital.
#WATCH | On PM residence ‘gherao’ protest by AAP in Delhi today, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Devesh Kumar Mahla says, “Considering everything we have deployed security at PM residence and other important points. There is no restriction on boarding/deboarding at all Delhi metro… pic.twitter.com/kvPvOmeAqj
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024
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.
The Delhi Traffic Police has 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.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said, “Due to security reasons, entry/exit at Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station, Gate no 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station and Gate no 5 of Central Secretariat Metro station will remain closed till further notice.”
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) says, “Due to security reasons, entry/exit at Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station, Gate no 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station and Gate no 5 of Central Secretariat Metro station will remain closed till further notice.” pic.twitter.com/ligx5r9UqH
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024
Kejriwal’s Arrest By ED
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”.