National Desk, 31st March: In a unified demonstration against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, leaders from various opposition parties forming the INDIA bloc are gearing up for a massive protest rally titled ‘Loktantra Bachao’ (Save Democracy) in Delhi, scheduled for Sunday.
Key figures expected to participate include Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference (NC), alongside other prominent leaders. The rally is anticipated to feature speeches from Sunita Kejriwal, the Chief Minister’s wife, and Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, in connection with a money-laundering case related to the excise policy, has sparked significant controversy. The ED has accused Kejriwal of being a central figure in a liquor scam, alleging substantial kickbacks from the ‘South Group’ for his involvement in formulating the Delhi excise policy.
These funds were purportedly utilized during electoral campaigns in Goa and Punjab. The ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally, set to commence at the Ramlila ground in the capital city, is expected to draw participation from a multitude of opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Bhagwant Mann, Akhilesh Yadav, Mehbooba Mufti, Tejashwi Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, and others.
Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai conveyed to PTI that Sonia Gandhi, the Congress chief, is also expected to attend. Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, is slated to be present as well. The AAP has obtained permission from authorities to convene the rally, with an anticipated attendance exceeding 20,000 individuals. Meanwhile, Atishi, a prominent party member, emphasized to reporters that the primary objective of the rally is to safeguard democracy.
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