In light of the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Assembly has made the decision to cancel its scheduled sitting for today. The assembly, instead, will convene at 11 am on March 27.
Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested on Thursday evening in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged liquor policy scam.
The Deputy Secretary of the assembly issued a notification stating, “Hon’ble members are hereby informed that the Hon’ble Speaker has directed the sitting of the House scheduled for today i.e., 22 March 2024, stands cancelled.”
Furthermore, following the provisions laid out in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi, the next sitting of the House has been scheduled for March 27, 2024, at 11 am.
Kejriwal is expected to appear before a special court today.
The Enforcement Directorate team had arrived at Kejriwal’s residence on Thursday to question him regarding the liquor policy case. Subsequently, Kejriwal was arrested during a search operation at his residence after failing to secure interim protection from arrest in the liquor policy case from the Delhi High Court.
In response to Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP workers have initiated a nationwide protest, with prominent leaders like DMK MP Dayanidhi Maaran and Tamil Nadu Minister Sekar Babu demonstrating in Chennai Central against the Enforcement Directorate’s actions.
AAP leaders have denounced Kejriwal’s arrest as a desperate move by the BJP to stifle opposition voices ahead of the elections. They have labeled it as a political conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP.
While AAP workers and leaders have rallied behind Kejriwal, the BJP has maintained its stance, accusing Kejriwal of corruption and asserting that the law must take its course.
In solidarity with Kejriwal, the INDIA bloc parties have criticized the BJP for using the Enforcement Directorate as a tool against political opponents.
The excise policy case has already seen two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, placed in judicial custody. Sisodia, the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26, while Sanjay Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, was arrested by the ED on October 5.
