An Indian court has rejected an appeal challenging the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a corruption case, dealing a blow to the opposition just ten days before the general elections. Kejriwal, who leads the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 over allegations related to corruption in Delhi’s liquor policy. The court extended his detention until April 15 and transferred him to Tihar jail, where two other senior AAP leaders are also held in the same case. A third AAP leader was granted bail earlier this month after six months in detention.
The Delhi High Court ruled on Tuesday that Kejriwal’s arrest was lawful and could not be deemed illegal. AAP has announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, maintaining that Kejriwal’s arrest was orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine him. The BJP, however, welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it was based on solid evidence and had exposed AAP’s arrogance.
AAP, a member of the ‘INDIA’ alliance of opposition parties, has garnered support from other opposition groups, accusing federal agencies of conducting politically motivated investigations. Meanwhile, the Congress party has criticized the government for alleged “tax terrorism” and interference ahead of the elections. The government denies these allegations, asserting that enforcement agencies are merely carrying out their duties.
