Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of Delhi and an important figure in an opposition alliance to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was arrested in March in relation to a long-running corruption investigation. This is the first time a serving chief minister has been arrested, according to reporting by Scroll.

Background

According to reporting by Al Jazeera, Kejriwal’s government is accused of receiving kickbacks while distributing liquor licenses to private companies. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which arrested Kejriwal, claimed that his party and ministers accepted 1 billion rupees in bribes, according to reporting by the AP. 

Kejriwal’s party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleges that the case is politically motivated. The ED has launched investigations into Kejriwal and at least four other state chief ministers or their family members. Nearly all probes involve political opponents of Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Various rallies have been held in support of Kejriwal after his arrest. Many directed their remarks to Modi, highlighting his abuse of law enforcement agencies to target political opponents. Kejriwal launched the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012 and campaigned with promises to remove corruption and inefficiency from India’s political system.

Charges and Allegations

Kejriwal was arrested under various charges, one under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Current Status

As of April 29, 2024, the Supreme Court will hear Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest on Tuesday, April 30, according to reporting by The Hindu. 

Last Update

As of May 9, 2024, Kejriwal remains in jail after the ED opposed interim bail plea. 

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