AAP's Reaction To Anna Hazare's Comments On Kejriwal's Arrest: Expresses Pain And Sadness

The reaction of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to social activist Anna Hazare's comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was characterized by expressions of pain and sadness regarding such behaviour and comments made by the renowned activist.

AAP leader Dilip Pandey conveyed the party's sentiments, noting that while Anna Hazare commands respect from all quarters, there seemed to be a lack of consistent outcry from him when individuals with controversial pasts joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and assumed prominent roles.

Photo Credit: X/ANI

AAP expresses disappointment over Anna Hazare's statement

Pandey pointed out instances where leaders such as Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had faced allegations of corruption in the past, were embraced by the BJP and even elevated to the position of Chief Minister, without significant protest from Anna Hazare or similar voices.

Likewise, Pandey highlighted the case of Ajit Pawar, who had faced corruption charges, yet was appointed as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister after aligning with the saffron camp. Despite these instances, Pandey expressed disappointment that Anna Hazare did not speak out against such moves, reported ANI.

In his statement to ANI, Pandey emphasized the party's frustration and sadness over the perceived inconsistency in addressing political issues by someone as respected as Anna Hazare. He stated, "It's very unfortunate, he is respected by all of us but it's sad and we are also pained sometimes when people like Himanta Biswa Sarma against whom the BJP has campaigned in the past get into the BJP and become the CM, no one raise the voice. When people like Ajit Pawar get along with the BJP, this very respected person (Anna Hazare) says nothing. This behaviour is painful and sad..."

Overall, AAP's reaction underscored a sense of disappointment and dismay over what they perceived as a failure to address political issues consistently by a figure as influential as Anna Hazare.

AAP leader's comments follow Hazare's criticism of Kejriwal's arrest, attributing it to his actions.

"Hazare expressed disappointment with Kejriwal, citing his involvement in the excise policy, stating, 'He got arrested due to his deeds. Had he not done anything, there was no question of his being arrested. Now law will take its course and the government will do the needful, " reported PTI.

Kejriwal, who previously participated in Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement in 2011, founded his political party in 2012 and subsequently became the Chief Minister of Delhi in 2013.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kejriwal on Thursday night in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, joining two other senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain, who are already in judicial custody. Kejriwal's arrest came after he ignored nine summonses from the probe agency and the Delhi High Court, which declined to grant him relief from coercive action.