Maharally Against Kejriwal's Arrest: INDIA Bloc Leaders Huddle At Ramlila Maidan

At the demonstration held by the INDIA bloc on Sunday at Ramlila Maidan in the capital, opposition politicians continued to arrive to voice their opposition to the detention of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case.

Remarks were made by Aam Aadmi Party Minister Gopal Rai during the Maha Rally, expressing difficulty in comprehending why an incumbent chief minister had to be arrested.

Photo Credit: X/ANI

Maharally Against Kejriwal's Arrest

"It has been observed that protests have erupted throughout the country after March 21. The arrest of a sitting Chief Minister is puzzling to many. However, it is not limited to Arvind Kejriwal alone. Prior to the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was also arrested. The misuse of the ED and CBI has led to an attack on democracy," Gopal Rai said during the rally on Sunday, reported ANI.

Commenting on the gathering of the INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate stated, "Democracy is under attack. The entire country stands in support of democracy. We have gathered here to convey the same message." DMK MP Tiruchi N Siva mentioned that Chief Minister MK Stalin was unable to attend the rally due to the upcoming state elections scheduled for April 19.

"The INDIA bloc is organizing a large rally today. Regarding Tamil Nadu, parliamentary elections are scheduled for the first phase on April 19. Therefore, our leader and Chief Minister MK Stalin, who was supposed to participate in this rally, is unable to attend. Hence, he has delegated me to represent the rally," he stated.

Congress MP Deepender Hooda, also present at the Maha Rally, stated, "This battle aims to protect the nation, democracy, constitution, future of the nation, youth, farmers, and women. It is a battle for justice and truth. We believe that the entire country will support the INDIA bloc in this fight. Everyone will unite to wage this battle," as per ANI reports.

Various INDIA bloc leaders, including former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and others, were present at the rally in Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

The grand rally was also attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal, and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren, reported ANI.

"We are organizing this to safeguard the democracy of our country. The INDIA Alliance parties have gathered here, and through this, we want to convey to the people of the nation and those who have gathered here today that they must come forward to fight for their democracy," Kalpana Soren said while speaking to reporters.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren arrived in Delhi to attend the Maha Rally. "This Maha Rally of the grand alliance aims to save democracy and to inform people about how the central government is promoting dictatorship," he said.

Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating, "The BJP is being criticized all over the world after Arvind Kejriwal's arrest... The Opposition and the ones who speak the truth are being attacked, and the BJP is being criticized." Congress General Secretary KC Vengopal accused the central government of refusing to provide a level playing field to opposition political parties ahead of the elections.

"The Government of India under the leadership of PM Modi is completely refusing to provide a level playing field to political parties, especially the opposition parties. How can free and fair elections be ensured in this environment? They want to hijack the entire election process, which is why they are targeting only opposition parties and leaders. This is the biggest rally that we are organizing against BJP," Venugopal said, as per ANI reports.

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark, "Can't trust Congress," the senior Congress leader said, "The issue now is that there is no level playing field for political parties in India, especially opposition parties. The government is misusing the agencies. ED is now working like BJP goons, and we are opposing it."

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari stated that the opposition and the people have come together at Ramlila Maidan. "The Opposition and the people have come together here. Now, it is BJP versus India. There should be a change, and the dictatorial government should go now," Tiwari said. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 and is in custody until April 1.