Sharad Pawar Backs Arvind Kejriwal, Says Centre Misusing Power to Discourage Political Dissent

Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar has accused the Centre of misusing power to discourage those who do not share similar political views, citing the Enforcement Directorates summons to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.

In a show of support for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Thursday accused the central government of misusing power to discourage those who hold different political views. Pawar made these remarks while addressing party workers in Shirdi, Maharashtra.

ED Summons to Kejriwal and Hemant Soren

Pawar expressed concern over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issuing summons to not only Kejriwal but also Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He feared that Soren could also face arrest, similar to the ongoing attempts to arrest Kejriwal.

Kejriwal's Clean Image and Political Targeting

Pawar highlighted Kejriwal's popularity among the people of Delhi, who have voted him to power for the past 10 years. He pointed out that several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers have been jailed, and now steps are being taken to arrest Kejriwal himself. Pawar emphasized Kejriwal's simple lifestyle and clean image, expressing surprise at the possibility of his arrest.

Misuse of Power to Discourage Dissent

Pawar alleged that the central government is misusing its power to discourage those who do not share similar political views. He viewed the ED summons and potential arrest of Kejriwal as attempts to silence dissent and suppress political opponents.

Kejriwal Skips ED Summons

Kejriwal, who is also the AAP national convener, has skipped three summons issued by the ED for questioning in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor scam. The scam is related to the excise policy 2021-22, which was scrapped by Kejriwal's government after the Delhi Lieutenant Governor recommended a CBI probe into irregularities in its implementation.

Sharad Pawar's support for Arvind Kejriwal and his criticism of the central government's actions highlight the ongoing political tensions in India. The ED's investigation into the alleged liquor scam and the targeting of opposition leaders have become contentious issues, sparking debates about the use of power and the state of democracy in the country.