AAP BJP

1. Key AAP figures defect to BJP in Assam, marking notable political change.
2. Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s National Convenor and Delhi CM, was arrested by ED.
3. Arrest amplifies controversy, sparks protests across Delhi and planned nationwide demonstrations.

Guwahati, March 22: Several key figures from Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, signaling a significant political shift in the region.

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced the microblogging platform X, highlighting the notable defections from AAP to BJP.

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s National Convenor and the Chief Minister of Delhi faced a major setback with his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

This unprecedented development marks the first time a sitting chief minister has been apprehended, intensifying the ongoing controversy surrounding him.

The news of Kejriwal’s arrest sparked widespread protests across the national capital, with AAP supporters vehemently opposing the ED’s actions.

Opposition parties also joined in criticizing the arrest, adding to the already tumultuous situation.

Despite seeking an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court, AAP’s plea for a midnight session was denied, prompting the party to organize a mass demonstration outside its headquarters in Delhi’s ITO at 10 am on Friday.

Additionally, AAP planned nationwide protests outside BJP’s offices.

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AAP affirmed its stance for Kejriwal to continue governing even from behind bars, potentially raising constitutional questions.

Kejriwal’s arrest stems from a money laundering investigation linked to the Delhi government’s excise policy.

The Enforcement Directorate alleges Kejriwal’s pivotal role as the mastermind behind an alleged liquor scam, implicating AAP leaders in receiving kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crores.

The case revolves around suspected corruption and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently revoked.

In anticipation of the planned protests, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closure of the Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station due to security concerns, given its proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.

Additionally, the ITO Metro Station was temporarily closed from 8 am to 6 pm as a precautionary measure.