Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of incarcerated Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is slated to deliver a message from him at a large rally organized by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the national capital today. Notable opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, have attended the 'Loktantra Bachao' (Save Democracy) rally at Ramlila Maidan. This event comes in the aftermath of Mr. Kejriwal's arrest in the Delhi liquor policy case last week and is viewed as a demonstration of solidarity and strength by the opposition ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Criticism of the rally came from BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, who described it as a veiled attempt to safeguard dynastic political families rather than democracy. "It's not a 'Loktantra Bachao' rally but, in reality, a 'Parivar Bachao, bhrashtachar chhupao' rally," remarked Mr. Trivedi.
Various leaders voiced support for Kejriwal, highlighting his contributions to Delhi's education system and public welfare. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed solidarity, asserting, "The entire country is with you. We are not afraid."
The rally also witnessed strong criticism of the BJP's alleged misuse of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and Income Tax Department. This issue gained prominence following the arrests of Mr. Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with the issuance of tax notices to Congress leaders.
Prominent figures in attendance included Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray, and other leaders from across the political spectrum.
Congress described the rally as a decisive message to Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister's residence, signaling the BJP-led government's purported waning influence. Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the event was not centered on any individual, but rather aimed at upholding democracy collectively with the involvement of around 27-28 political parties.
The BJP maintained that Kejriwal's arrest and the tax notices issued to Congress were executed by agencies independently and in accordance with legal procedures. Additionally, it criticized AAP's insistence on Kejriwal governing from jail.
