Hundreds of protesters in India's capital have taken to the streets for a second day, demanding the immediate release of a prominent rival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Arvind Kejriwal, New Delhi’s top elected official, was arrested by the federal Enforcement Directorate on accusations of accepting bribes from liquor contractors nearly two years ago.
Kejriwal's party, the Aam Aadmi Party, has denied the allegations and vowed to challenge his arrest in court. Despite being taken into custody for seven days, Kejriwal remains defiant, stating that he is prepared to face the challenges ahead.
The arrest has sparked outrage among opposition supporters, who accuse Modi's government of using law enforcement agencies to suppress dissent ahead of the upcoming national election. Protesters have voiced concerns about the state of democracy in India and have called for an end to what they perceive as authoritarian tactics.
Leaders from opposition parties have joined the demonstrations, condemning Kejriwal's arrest as an attack on democracy. They have criticized the government for targeting political opponents while allowing defectors to escape scrutiny.
The arrest of Kejriwal, a key figure in the opposition alliance INDIA, has further intensified political tensions in the country. The opposition parties have accused the government of misusing its power to undermine their influence and have vowed to challenge such actions through legal means.
As India prepares for the general election starting April 19, the arrest of Kejriwal and other opposition leaders has raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. The opposition is calling for greater transparency and accountability to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
The ongoing protests reflect the deep divisions within Indian society and the growing discontent with the current government's policies. The coming weeks are likely to see further political turmoil as the country braces for a fiercely contested election.
