Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: Ramlila Maidan Mega Rally Today, Show Of Opposition Strength

Days after the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate, participation in the Opposition's 'Loktantra Bachao' (Save Democracy) rally at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan on Sunday will include top leaders of the INDIA bloc.

It would include Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi as well.

Photo Credit: PTI

'Loktantra Bachao' Rally

The Maharally is being viewed as a display of strength and unity by the Opposition, against the backdrop of Kejriwal's arrest on March 21 in connection with the excise policy-linked money-laundering case, an opportunity to save the image of the alliance.

The rally, besides Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, will also see participation from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav, Bihar's former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, among other leaders. Sonia Gandhi is also expected to attend the event, as per sources. Additionally, attendance will include Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal.

INDIA Bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao' Rally and Security Measures - Top Updates

• Consent from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Delhi Police has been received by the INDIA bloc for their 'Loktantra Bachao' rally today at Ramlila Maidan.
• Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Delhi Police, including checking at every gate and deployment of paramilitary personnel in and around the venue.
• Conditions laid down by the police for the rally include no march, no tractor-trolleys, and no weapons in central Delhi.
• AAP has been granted permission by the concerned authorities for holding a rally with an attendance of more than 20,000 people, as confirmed by AAP leader Gopal Rai to news agency PTI.
• The event, scheduled from 9:30 am to 2 pm today, has been detailed in the notice issued by Delhi Police.
• Kalpana Soren, spouse of ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, is expected to attend the rally. Hemant Soren was arrested by the ED in January in an alleged land mining case.
• While AAP leaders have depicted the rally as the Opposition's protest against Kejriwal's arrest, the Congress has clarified that it is not a 'person-specific' rally.