As a demonstration of solidarity following the detention of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, prominent figures from the opposition coalition INDIA are organizing a ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally in Delhi on Sunday. Among the speakers anticipated at the rally are Sunita Kejriwal, the Chief Minister’s spouse, and Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
On March 21, Arvind Kejriwal was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding a money laundering case associated with an excise policy. The ED asserted that Kejriwal played a significant role in the alleged liquor scam, receiving substantial kickbacks from the ‘South Group’ for shaping the Delhi excise policy and utilizing those funds in electoral campaigns in Goa and Punjab.
The ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally is scheduled to commence at the Ramlila ground in the capital city, with the participation of prominent leaders from various political parties. Expected attendees include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav, NC leader Farooq Abdullah, among others. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai informed the news agency PTI that Sonia Gandhi is also expected to join the rally, while Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, is likely to attend as well.
#WATCH | Delhi Minister Atishi says, “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…” pic.twitter.com/vt85dI2DrP
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2024
The authorities have granted permission to the AAP to organize the rally with a crowd exceeding 20,000 people. In the meantime, Atishi, a leader of the party, stated to reporters that the primary aim of the rally is to safeguard democracy.