Guwahati, 22nd March: Several prominent leaders from Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the microblogging platform X.
The defections come in the wake of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. This unprecedented move, marking the first arrest of a sitting chief minister, has intensified the ongoing controversy surrounding Kejriwal’s administration.
Following Kejriwal’s arrest, fervent protests erupted across the national capital, with AAP supporters rallying in condemnation of the ED’s actions. The Opposition also voiced its disapproval, adding to the tumultuous atmosphere. Despite seeking an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court, the AAP was denied a midnight session, leading the party to organize a mass demonstration outside its headquarters in Delhi’s ITO at 10 am on Friday. Nationwide protests outside the offices of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were also planned by the AAP.
In response to the scheduled protests, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closure of the Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station, citing security concerns due to its proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The ITO Metro Station was also temporarily closed from 8 am to 6 pm as a precautionary measure.
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