Arvind Kejriwal arrest: INDIA bloc to hold 'maha rally' on March 31 to ‘safeguard country’, says AAP

AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai on 24 March said that INDIA bloc to hold 'maha rally' on March 31 at Ramlila Maidan to ‘safeguard country'. His statements during the INDIA alliance press conference over the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged Delhi excise policy case.

During the conference, Rai also said that, “The way Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested, all those people across the nation who love and respect constitution, there is anger in their hearts. It is not just about Arvind Kejriwal but one by one to wipe out the entire opposition, PM Modi is misusing central agencies, buying MLAs...either MLAs are being bought by money or they're being threatened to join BJP. Those people who are not ready to be sold, bow down, fake cases are being registered against them...”

Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely was also present in the presser and and said that the party is standing strong with the partners of INDIA alliance. He added, “Democracy is in danger. Our leader (Congress MP) Rahul Gandhi is fighting to save democracy. We are standing strong with the partners of INDIA alliance.”

Further speaking on the Maha rally, Lovely Singh added that "it will not be 'political' but a call to save country's democracy, raise voice against Centre."

Atishi also spoke on the INDIA alliance maha rally, she told ANI that, “INDIA alliance is organising a 'Maha Rally' in the Ramlila Maidan on 31 March. This is not being organised to save Arvind Kejriwal but to save the democracy. The opposition is facing one-sided attacks...”

Earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal has issued his initial directive from ED custody regarding the administration of the city.

Delhi CM further instructed Water Minister Atishi to address water and sewer-related issues in certain areas of Delhi.

At a press briefing, Atishi expressed her emotions, stating that the instructions, received on Saturday evening, moved her to tears as Kejriwal displayed empathy for the residents of Delhi despite his own challenges.

In a post on X, Atishi wrote, “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is worried about his family and the people of Delhi even from jail. They have sent me a written order from jail, I had tears in my eyes while reading it. Which Chief Minister is there who, despite being in jail, is not worrying about himself but is thinking about the people? The Chief Minister considers the people of Delhi as his family, hence he has always run the government as a father, a son and a brother.”

Kejriwal, aged 55, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday at his official residence in connection with a money laundering case related to an excise policy.

On Friday, a court granted custody of the AAP national convenor to the central agency until March 28th.

“The chief minister also directed for deploying enough water tankers in areas where there is scarcity to strengthen supply ahead of the approaching summer months,” Atishi said.

The minister said Kejriwal directed to issue instructions to the chief secretary and other officers in this regard.

He also suggested seeking the help of Lt Governor VK Saxena, if needed, and expects that he will extend all assistance, she said.

(With inputs from agencies)