Arvind Kejriwal Writes from Jail, His Wife Reads Out Statement; Anna Hazare’s New Letter: Delhi Drama Continues | Updates

Days after his arrest, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunitha Kejriwal on Saturday made her first appearance before the media and read out a letter from him. In the letter written from jail, Kejriwal said several forces trying to break India and also assured the people of Delhi that he would remain in their service.

“There are several forces within and outside India that are weakening the country. We have to be alert, identify these forces and defeat them. Women in Delhi must be thinking that Kejriwal is behind bars. Who knows if they would get Rs 1000? I appeal to them to trust their brother, their son. No jail can keep him behind bars for long. I will come out soon and keep my promise,” Kejriwal wrote.

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare in a letter said Kejriwal’s arrest is an outcome of his deeds and it was unfortunate that an agitation against corruption was used for political gain. He also released a letter written to Kejriwal by him at the time of Delhi liquor policy implementation.

Earlier, another AAP leader Gulab Singh Yadav’s residence was raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, the probe agency clarified that the raids at Delhi MLA’s house are not currently related to the Excise policy case.

These raids come on the day when Kejriwal, whom the ED arrested on Thursday in connection with the Liquor policy scam case, was sent to 6-day custody by a Delhi Court. Kejriwal will remain in ED’s remand for further interrogation until March 28.

Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal’s Surprising Show of Gratitude For ED Officials But Unhappy With Delhi Police Cop. Here’s Why

Meanwhile, AAP leader Atishi while addressing media asked why the ED and CBI are not presenting a paper trail in the excise policy case and also questioned the role of Aurobindo Pharma owner Sharat Chandra Reddy in the case.

“Where is the money trail? Where did the money go proceeds of crime were recovered from any leader, minister or worker of AAP Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in the same case two days back based on the statement of just one person – Sharat Chandra Reddy. He is the owner of Aurobindo Pharma. He clearly said that he never met or spoken to Kejriwal. As soon as he said that, he was arrested the next day by the ED,” Atishi said.

The AAP leader also alleged a quid pro quo arrangement between the BJP government and Chandra adding that after being in jail for several months, he changed his statement and said he met Kejriwal over the excise policy matter. He was granted bail as soon as he said that,” she alleged.

Amid this development, the opposition BJP has expressed concerns about the continuity of the chief ministerial position. However, AAP leader Atishi reiterated that Kejriwal will continue to serve as the Chief Minister of Delhi and govern the state even from within the confines of jail.

On the other hand, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari strongly criticised the AAP’s stance, suggesting that jails are only meant for the operation of gangs and not for the administration of a government.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organised a large-scale protest against Kejriwal’s arrest and has announced its plans to encircle Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on Holi. The party leaders also decided not to celebrate Holi as a mark of protest.

As the political furore around Kejriwal’s arrest continues to grow, here’s a 10-point cheatsheet on the latest developments:

• Delhi Rouse Avenue Court sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to a 6-day ED custody till March 28 in the excise policy case.
• Kejriwal’s wife Sunitha Kejriwal addressed people of Delhi, read out letter written by Chief Minister from jail.
• AAP leaders announced a gherao of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in protest against Kejriwal’s arrest on Holi.
• Another Aam Aadmi Party leader Ghulab Singh Yadav’s residence was also raided by ED on Saturday. However, ED says it is not connected to the excise policy case as of now.
• INDIA bloc to carry out a massive rally against Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by ED on March 31.
• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called Kejriwal’s arrest “politics of vengeance” adding that it is an attack on the constitution.
• BJP criticise AAP’s ‘government from jail’ stance. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said only ‘gangs can operate from jail.’
• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday talked to  Kejriwal’s family over the phone, affirming their support.
• DMRC announced the re-opening of ITO Metro station and Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station after it was temporarily closed given AAP agitation.
• Kejriwal on Friday withdrew from the Supreme Court his plea challenging his arrest by the ED in connection with the excise policy case.
• The AAP supremo praised the treatment given  by ED officials to him after the arrest and said: “They behaved well with respect.”
• ED on Friday claimed that Kejriwal “used” the post of chief minister of Delhi to facilitate money laundering by the AAP, which is a “major beneficiary” of the proceeds of crimes generated in the alleged liquor scam case.
• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia called for Kejriwal’s resignation and said “I believe that a man who has such huge allegations against him should step down from his post on moral grounds.”
• AAP leader Atishi asked for a paper trail in the excise policy case and also alleged a quid pro quo arrangement with Sharat Chandra Reddy.
• Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare said Kejriwal had himself to blame for his arrest in the liquor policy case and said he wrote a letter to him against the liquor policy.

The case pertains to the alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped after the allegations.

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were arrested by the ED earlier and are in judicial custody currently.