Following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a liquor scam, social activist Anna Hazare shared a heartfelt reaction social media platform X.
#WATCH | Ahmednagar, Maharashtra: On ED arresting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Social activist Anna Hazare says, “I am very upset that Arvind Kejriwal, who used to work with me, raise his voice against liquor, is now making liquor policies. His arrest is because of his own deeds…” pic.twitter.com/aqeJEeecfM
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
In his reaction video, Anna Hazare reminisced about the anti-corruption movement in 2011, a time when a bespectacled man in a muffler stood shoulder to shoulder with him to fight against corruption and uphold the principles of democracy. Arvind Kejriwal, an IIT-qualified individual, emerged as a beacon of hope for the people of Delhi, championing the cause of the common man and founding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2012. The subsequent year, in 2013, the citizens of Delhi placed their trust in Arvind Kejriwal, electing him as their Chief Minister with high hopes for a cleaner and more transparent political system. However, the recent arrest of Kejriwal in the liquor scam has brought about a stark transformation in the political landscape, especially with the Lok Sabha Elections on the horizon.
Expressing his deep concern, Anna Hazare highlighted the irony of a leader who once raised his voice against corruption now being embroiled in allegations of the same. He remarked on the painful contradiction of witnessing someone who initially fought against corruption now being involved in formulating liquor policies.
Kejriwal rose to prominence through the anti-corruption movement spearheaded by Anna Hazare against the UPA II government. His formation of the AAP and subsequent electoral success in Delhi marked a significant shift in Indian politics, focusing on issues of corruption and governance. The arrest has generated a wave of sympathy among Kejriwal’s supporters and the general public. Many view his arrest as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine opposition leaders. The narrative of Kejriwal, a former anti-corruption crusader, being targeted for his activism has resonated with some segments of the electorate, leading to speculation about a sympathy factor in his favor.Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have condemned Kejriwal’s arrest as undemocratic and accused the BJP government of using central agencies for political vendetta. The arrest has also brought alliance partners within the INDIA bloc together, with renewed calls for unity against perceived government overreach.
The arrest of Kejriwal has added a new dimension to the electoral landscape, raising questions about the potential impact on the AAP’s prospects and the overall dynamics of the upcoming elections. The coming days will reveal how this development shapes voter sentiments and political alliances, with implications for the broader political landscape in India.
