News Highlights: Delhi minister Atishi claims ED has no proof against Arvind Kejriwal

The live blog session has concluded. For more news, views and updates, stay tuned with Moneycontrol.com

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on PM Modi's two-day State visit to Bhutan, says, "I think besides all this very important point is that the visit has given us a very clear roadmap of the direction to pursue area, to prioritize intensity, to focus on in terms of how we would be carrying forward our collaboration in months and years ahead."

BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa says "AAP and Arvind Kejriwal were arguing till now that there is no evidence, this is a fake case, there is no evidence against us. Today ED presented 28 pages of evidence and after seeing this evidence the ED asked for 10 days' remand. The court understands that there is so much strong evidence in front of them that's why they have sent him on remand."

AAP leader Somnath Bharti on Court sending Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal into 6-day ED custody, said, "The case has no merit and that is why, the demand for 10 days (for remand) was reduced to six. I believe that everyone knows how the Modi government is misusing ED and CBI. They are trying to weaken democracy. The people of Delhi have given the mandate to Arvind Kejriwal, so he has the right to run the government and he will do so.”

Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "In the court today, some bank transactions were prominently mentioned. One transaction was such, as per which, Sameer Mahendru (an accused in excise policy-linked money laundering case) transferred Rs 1 crore to Radha Industries. Secondly, Sameer Mahendru gave Rs 2-4 crore to Vijay Nair."

AAP leader Atishi says, "We, very respectfully and humbly disagree with the decision of the court. ED has no proof even after 2 years of investigation. ED forced their witnesses to give statements against Arvind Kejriwal. We will explore all possible legal routes. One by one opposition parties are being targetted in front of the judiciary. Arvind Kejriwarl will always be the CM of Delhi. There is no Constitutional bar on him not being the CM. He has not been convicted till now."

Delhi court remands CM Arvind Kejriwal on ED custody till 28 March in excise policy case. BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa says "AAP and Arvind Kejriwal were arguing till now that there is no evidence, this is a fake case, there is no evidence against us. Today ED presented 28 pages of evidence and after seeing this evidence the ED asked for 10 days' remand... The court understands that there is so much strong evidence in front of them that's why they have sent him on remand."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sent to ED custody till March 28 by court.

AAP leader & Delhi Minister Atishi says, "BJP wants to contest elections from behind the ED... Is ED a part of the BJP that the party is issuing their press release. To date, no proceeds of crime have been found by the ED against the AAP leaders... Today is a dark day in the history of the Democracy of the country. People of the country are seeing this murder of democracy which has been done today"

- Delhi court remands CM Arvind Kejriwal to ED custody till 28 March in excise policy case.

- Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer Madan Lal says, "ED was asking for a 10-day remand. They said that to trace the money trail, a custodial investigation is necessary. Considering all aspects, the judge gave a 6-day custodial remand. He will be presented here again on 28 March. ED argued that the money used for the Goa elections was ill-gotten. They said they have statements of some witnesses which prove this fact..."

Delhi court remands CM Arvind Kejriwal on judicial custody till 28 March in excise policy case.

Trump's social media company to go public, potentially netting the former president stock worth billions on paper, reports AP

Here's what Rajasthan minister Jawahar Singh Bedam said on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by the ED. "The Indian government declared from the first day itself that it would operate with zero tolerance. Anyone attempting to harm the country through corrupt means will find themselves behind bars."

German Foreign ministry reacts to Arvind Kejriwal development: we have taken note, India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards relating to independence of Judiciary & basic democratic principles will also be applied in this case.

Kejriwal wilfully disobeyed 9 summonses, says ED
Arvind Kejriwal wilfully disobeyed 9 summonses; didn't reveal truth or gave correct facts when his statement was recorded under PMLA: ED

The arrest of Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is a dark day in the history of the Democracy of the country. The recent arrests of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and BRS MLC Kavitha prove that the ruling BJP at the Center is acting with the sole intention of making the opposition non-existent. For this, the central government is using ED, CBI, IT and other central investigation agencies. The BRS party strongly condemns the actions of the BJP government which is turning out to be an axe on democracy: K. Chandrashekhar Rao, BRS Chief and former CM of Telangana

CM Kejriwal was involved in conspiracy of formulation of liquor policy to favour certain persons, demanding of kickbacks: ED

Arvind Kejriwal "took advantage" of being Delhi CM to facilitate money laundering by AAP, a "major beneficiary" of proceeds of crimes: ED

Here’s what AAP leader Gopal Rai said at a press briefing in New Delhi.

“We have decided to protest at Shaheedi Park near ITO in New Delhi tomorrow on March 23. All AAP MLAs, MLCs, AAP post-holders and partners of INDIA bloc will reach the park at 10 am. We will take an oath to save the country from becoming a dictatorship.”

AAP leader & Delhi minister Gopal Rai says, "This year Holi programme won't take place. On 25 March we will go to people and tell them what is happening in the country... On 26 March whole of Delhi to gherao PM's residence to mark protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest"

Judge says order is being typed now and it will take sometime for it to be ready and pronounced. Goes back to chambers.

CBSE disaffiliates 20 schools for enrolling dummy students, ineligible candidates: Secretary Himanshu Gupta

Here's what Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by ED.

"ED, CBI and Income Tax has been unleashed on opposition leaders. I think the PM and Home Minister are nervous by the success of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the opposition unity, the INDIA alliance. I think they have decided that democratic means are not going to work; it's only through these undemocratic, illegal, unconstitutional means that they are going to get the majority."

Centre authorises states Union Territories (UTs) to exercise the powers of section 7 and section 8 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 against the banned Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF). Union Ministry of Home Affairs had declared the JKNF an unlawful association on March 12: MHA

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar tweets, "Congratulate PM Modi on being conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration, by the King of Bhutan. That PM Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred this high distinction is a reflection both of his personal stature and our unique relationship. This decision further strengthens the India-Bhutan bonds of friendship and celebrates the exceptional India-Bhutan ties."

Here’s what petitioner Surjeet Yadav said on his plea in the Delhi High Court seeking removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Delhi CM, following his arrest by ED.

“Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by ED and we have filed a petition in the High Court that he can’t continue as CM and work from jail. He has taken the oath of secrecy and if any file goes to him in jail, it will pass through several jail officials and would violate the oath. He has lost constitutional morality, and he must resign.”

Here’s what NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jitendra Awhad said after a delegation of INDIA bloc met Election Commission (EC) officials in New Delhi, over the ED arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by ED.

“It (arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) is undemocratic. If you (the ED) wanted to take any action, you could have taken it after three months. It shows your biased nature. There will be no level-playing field, it will be a one-sided election.”

Here’s what AAP leader Sandeep Pathak said after a delegation of INDIA bloc met Election Commission (EC) officials in New Delhi, over the ED arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by ED.

“We reminded the EC of their duties and obligations. We requested them to use their power. In the country’s history, this is the first time when a sitting CM was arrested after the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. It is the duty of the EC to provide a level-playing field to all the political parties.”

- CM Arvind Kejriwal always stood with people of Delhi, his arrest betrayal with them, says his wife Sunita Kejriwal

- Delhi CM & AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal tweets, "...This is a betrayal to the people of Delhi. Your Chief Minister has always stood with you. Whether inside or outside, his life is dedicated to the country. The public knows everything..."

- After meeting the Election Commission, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi says, "Almost every opposition party is here. This incident happened late at night (arrest of Delhi CM). We have a detailed discussion with the election commission. This isn't about an individual or any party but it relates to the basic structure of the constitution."

- "When a level playing field is needed for election and you do not let the field be levelled by misusing agencies, it impacts free and fair elections and ultimately democracy. The Election Commission has been given the responsibility and is the police to protect this level field. We asked the Election Commission to interfere. In the history of 75 years of independent India, the first time a sitting CM has been arrested. The account of the grand old and the biggest opposition party has been frozen. We have given evidence of the misuse of agencies against the opposition leaders. We asked if the election commission can change the DGP, secretary then why it does not control these agencies?..."

Here’s what Odisha BJP spokesperson Satyabrata Panda said on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by ED.

“Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal came to power riding the popular ‘India Against Corruption’ movement. He promised to provide a corruption-less and honest administration in Delhi, but he betrayed the people.”

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who is representing ED, says, "Whatever evidence is there, it has been given to the court."

On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal being arrested by the ED, Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan says, "This is a political arrest. The BJP has launched a plot. They are afraid to lose the elections that is why they are trying to intimidate Arvind Kejriwal who is working hard to empower the nation..."

Here’s what Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot said while standing outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence.

“We have been waiting to meet Kejriwal’s wife and kids for a long time here. We have requested the police for a meeting several times. This is wrong and it is a dictatorship.”

Here is what BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha said on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by ED.

“The people of the country want action to be taken against corrupt individuals and constitutional bodies initiating proceedings against them. One shouldn’t be afraid and accept the truth. So many of Kejriwal's ministers are inside jail. Is the court not doing justice with them?”

On the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Dinesh Singh, father of AAP leader Sanjay Singh, says, "This is the dictatorial tendency. There has been an undeclared emergency in place... If we keep silent at this juncture, we'll fall in people's eyes that Kejriwal who has provided this many facilities to people and the people remain silent."

- Congress MP KC Venugopal and TMC MP Derek O Brien arrive at the Election Commission of India in Delhi.

- West Bengal CM had said that INDIA alliance leaders will meet Election Commission today to raise objection against "deliberate targeting" and "arrests of opposition leaders".

Delhi Rouse Avenue Court's Special Judge reserves the order on the ED application seeking 10 days custodial remand of CM Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The order will be passed shortly.

On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the ED, Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "I have never seen such an action on an elected CM. When the Model Code of Conduct is implemented in the country, going to arrest a CM at night, has been opposed by all... The Election Commission should intervene in this matter."

Selected AAP MLAs, Chief Whip Dilip K. Pandey, Mayor Shelly Oberoi, Cabinet Ministers Imran Hussain and Raaj Kumar Anand, being allowed to enter the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested yesterday by the ED in the Excise Policy Case.

On Arvind Kejriwal's remand hearing, Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta representing the CM said, "We've said that it is an illegal arrest and there was no evidence against him...Arguments from our side are continuing..."

Here’s what Delhi MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi said while standing outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.

“In the capital city, Arvind Kejriwal was arrested amid heavy police deployment. And today when we have come to meet his family, the police are not letting us meet them.”

Leaders from different political parties, Congress, TMC, CPM, AAP, DMK, NCP, SP, and SP to meet CEC Rajiv Kumar about the alleged misuse of government agencies before the elections.

YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav's lawyer Prashant Rathi says, "The court has granted bail to him (Elvish Yadav) on two sureties of Rs 50,000 each..."

"How much weight should be given to an approver's statement can only be a consideration at the time of trial. It can't be argued in a remand application," says ED while opposing Kejriwal's lawyers' submissions raising questions over approvers' statements.

On Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the ED, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya says, "Members from the INDI alliance have long believed that they are above the nation's law. Earlier, when legal proceedings were initiated against the then CM and HM of Gujarat, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, the BJP did not hit the streets and protested in this manner... People who believe that they are an exception and stand above the rule of law, because of having the privilege of being born in a particular family and having ruled the country for so many years... When two days ago, the SC passed a judgement against the Electoral Bonds, the same people were hailing the decision as a blow to the government. Today when the same people are asked to approach the courts with their grievances, they say even the courts are compromised."

On the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in liquor policy case by ED, BJP MLA CN Ashwath Narayan says, "AAP started everything as a war against corruption. What they have been talking about should be reflected in their work. But that was only for speech, public consumption and political use. Arvind Kejriwal can't be above the law, so if the arrest is made, he is accountable. Many leaders across his party and some Telangana leaders are also arrested. By arresting Arvind Kejriwal, the right message has been sent across the country that no drama would be entertained, and nobody is above the law..."

On the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by the ED, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar says, "... Arvind Kejriwal should understand as should the INDI alliance, that the law and consequences of violating the law don't stop just because you are a politician or a leader. Every Indian is subject to the same laws. If you are involved in corruption, nothing is preventing the law from coming to your doorstep and asking you all the relevant questions... This is nothing but a National political drama created by the INDI alliance... The consequence of trying to run away from an investigation is an arrest..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "This land has kept Vajrayana Shiksha alive even today..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The aspirations and goals of the youth of India and Bhutan are similar. India has set a target of becoming a developed country by 2047, while Bhutan has set a target of becoming a high-income country by 2034. To fulfil your goal, India is standing with you at every step to make both BB i.e. Brand Bhutan and Bhutan Believe successful."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Bharat and Bhutan are parts of a shared heritage. Bharat is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is the place where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana. Whereas, Bhutan is the place which embraced and conserved the teachings of Lord Buddha. It has kept alive the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The relations between India and Bhutan are as ancient as they are new and contemporary. When I became the Prime Minister of India in 2014, it was natural for me to visit Bhutan as my first foreign visit. The welcome and warmth extended by Bhutan 10 years ago made the beginning of my visit on duty as Prime Minister a memorable one."

Here’s what Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar said on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by ED.

“The opposition’s reaction to Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest is absolutely mystifying and extremely ironic. Despite going to court and the court not upholding his plea to let out of this investigation, Arvind Kejriwal has ignored the ED's notice to appear before it to investigate his alcohol bribery corruption scam; and now to act as if it’s a shock or surprise that the process of an investigation into a corruption scam should not end up with his arrest when he is deliberately opposing the investigation.”

The King of Bhutan confers the Order of the Druk Gyalpo on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honour system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.

- Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says that according to ED, the CM is arrested for non-cooperation. All necessary documents/ information are already in possession of ED and summoning him (Kejriwal) 'in person' is therefore a ploy to illegally arrest him and the present matter is a clear case of malice, Singhvi adds.

- Singhvi while concluding his arguments before the Special Judge, requested that please do not look at the remand as a routine. It requires the application of significant judicial mind...there are larger issues of democracy involved, he added.

Here’s what AAP MP Sandeep Pathak said on the ED arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and running the Delhi government from jail.

“I don’t think there will be any difficulty in running the government from jail. Even when CM Arvind Kejriwal was outside jail, the central government had imprisoned the entire governance of Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal brought the kind of politics which no one has thought, and if the people think that the government cannot be run from jail, they will be proven wrong.”

Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT): In Delhi alone, the expected business is around Rs 5,000 crore rupees. Similar to previous years, both traders and common people have completely boycotted Chinese goods sold during Holi. The import of Holi-related items in the country is approximately Rs 10,000 crore rupees this year, which is negligible.

Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT): Holi season to see business worth more than Rs 50,000 crore, registering an estimated increase of nearly 50 percent versus previous year.

On Delhi CMs' arrest by the ED, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai says, "Jas karni Tas Bharni. One has to pay for their deeds..."

Here’s what Punjab Minister and AAP leader Balbir Singh said on the ED arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. “Our national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested in a fake scam case and we will protest against it. They can arrest Arvind Kejriwal, but not his ideology. The party stands united and is ready to fight against the atrocities of the BJP.”

ASG SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate, before Rouse Avenue court submits that the proceeds of crime are not only just Rs 100 crores. Hawala trails of Rs 45 crores traced, the money was used in Goa election, says ASG.

Here's what Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely said on the ED arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. "I would not like to comment on what decision is taken by the court, it's a judicial process. But, the Congress had questioned the timing of (Kejriwal's) arrest. This indicates that the government does not want a level-playing field in the elections."

The CM (Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) is the key conspirator and kingpin in demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen, alleges the Enforcement Directorate while seeking the CM's 10-day custody remand.

Police use water cannons to disperse the supporters of AAP, who are staging a protest against the arrest of Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal by ED, in connection with the excise policy case, last night.

Enforcement Directorate submits before the Rouse Avenue court that he (Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) was directly involved in the formation of the excise policy.

Enforcement Directorate seeks 10 day custody of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in liquor policy case.

- Fin Min's Monthly Economic Review for Feb 2024: Continued shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could hit Asia. A rise in oil prices may pose upside risks to inflation and, consequently, to growth.

- Fin Min's Monthly Economic Review for Feb 2024: The recent Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 results shed light on living standards in rural and urban India, estimated as the monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE). The results broadly confirmed the substantial rise in non-income aspects of living standards, noted by the multidimensional poverty reports of the UN and NITI Aayog previously.

Fin Min's Monthly Economic Review for Feb 2024: Strong growth accompanied by stable inflation and external account and progressive employment outlook help the Indian economy close the current financial year on a positive note. There are headwinds like indications of hardening crude oil prices and global supply chain bottlenecks to trade. Nonetheless, India, on the whole, looks forward to a bright outlook for FY25.

Fin Min's Monthly Economic Review for Feb 2024: India's strong economic performance, borne out by recent data releases, stands out amidst the sluggish global growth.

Fin Min's Monthly Economic Review for Feb 2024: While robust investment activity is clearly underway, strengthening private consumption demand is evident from indicators like burgeoning air passenger traffic and sale of passenger vehicles, digital payments, improved consumer confidence and expectations of a normal monsoon.

"It is BJP's biggest political mistake to arrest the country's most popular CM. Without any evidence, the national convenor of a national party was arrested unconstitutionally. This clearly means that the central government is afraid of Arvind Kejriwal," says AAP leader Dilip Pandey.

“The ‘B’ in BJP stands for ‘Bhrashtachar’ (corruption). If the ED, CBI and IT are doing fair play, they should first arrest Ajit Pawar, who was labelled as corrupt by PM Modi himself. The BJP has no say in the issue of corruption,” says RJD spokesperson Rishi Mishra on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by ED.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal being taken from ED office to Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, where he will be produced in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case.

On ED arresting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Kerala BJP president K Surendran says, "This case is under the scrutiny of Delhi High Court. There is nothing wrong. The investigations are going on properly. The Congress Party in Kerala and in many other states is saying that it is a conspiracy against the opposition leaders. But this is their hypocrisy... Before the law, all are equal."

Security heightened outside Room No. 512 of Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, where CM Arvind Kejriwal will be produced later today. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on Thursday night in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemns the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. The CM says INDIA alliance leaders will meet Election Commission today to raise objection against "deliberate targeting" and "arrests of opposition leaders"

- Here’s what BRS MP K R Suresh Reddy said on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by ED.

- “He is the Chief Minister. He won’t escape anywhere. There was no need for such drama.”

“We strongly condemn the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal as a lawless act and totally motivated by the politics of the forthcoming general elections. The ruling party (BJP) in the Centre is clearly using the ED as an instrument to hound and weaken the opposition by arresting its leaders. This is something unheard of,” says CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by ED.

- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Delhi CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case last night.

- Congress MP Digvijaya Singh says, "By making the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, they (central government) have set an example that after a change in any government if a CM is elected by people, can be arrested."

"Arvind Kejriwal has become the first CM in the history of this country who did not care to leave his position even during the arrest. In other words, he (Arvind Kejriwal) is now way ahead of Lalu Prasad Yadav in this matter. It is the same party that once used to say that they would bring 'politics of integrity' to this country. The true character of their 'staunch honesty' is that despite the Court rejecting the petition, Arvind Kejriwal did not leave the chair. Delhi CM is arrested in the allegations of a liquor scam, a policy that was brought by the Delhi government two years back and after investigation, the very policy was withdrawn...Arvind Kejriwal's government withdrew the policy (Delhi Liquor) and now firmly defending it. I wish to ask if it was correct then why it was withdrawn in the first place?"

ED conducted search operations under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 at 9 locations across Delhi, Mumbai and Goa on 21st March in the case of Dlehman Rea-IT Trade Pvt. Ltd. During the search operations, cash worth Rs 78 Lakh approx., foreign currency equivalent to Rs 2 Lakh, various digital devices and incriminating documents were seized from the residence of Ajay Harinath Singh and his associates: Enforcement Directorate

UP Deputy CM KP Maurya says, "Congress is the mother of corruption... The language that their leader Rahul Gandhi is using, everything will be decided in the Lok Sabha polls... People took it as their right to indulge in corruption. They keep accusing the central agencies as if they are working at the orders of the PMO or the HMO. The agencies are working neutrally. Arvind Kejriwal was given 9 summons but he is in the pride of power. If the ED is wrong, then he should have gone to court..."

On ED arresting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Abdullah says, "This is not the first one. Before this, a few weeks ago, our friend, the chief minister of Jharkhand, was also detained. He went to Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation because he knew what would happen. If he went to jail as a sitting chief minister. The BJP would have used the Constitution to impose the President's rule. That is now my worry for Delhi. If the Aam Aadmi Party insists on retaining Arvind Kejriwal as chief minister from jail, the Centre will use this as an excuse to impose President's rule in New Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal is not the first and he won't be the last. This will happen..."

"It's quite evident now, everybody knows it... A serving Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal), where was he running away?...By arresting him, they showed the repercussions of joining the INDIA Alliance. I have a question on timing. Firstly- yesterday, in the Supreme Court, the State Bank Of India (SBI) said that they have provided all the details of electoral bonds...Secondly, for the first time, Gujarat's throne is swinging after Congress and AAP's decision to fight together in the state...The people of this country cannot witness the atrocities for always; the public silently shows its power during the ballot.

Tweet: "I vehemently condemn the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the sitting elected Chief Minister of Delhi elected by the people. I have personally reached out to Smt Sunita Kejriwal to extend my unwavering support and solidarity. It's outrageous that while elected opposition CMs are being deliberately targeted and arrested while individuals accused under CBI/ED investigations are allowed to continue their malpractices with impunity, especially after aligning with the BJP. This is a blatant assault on democracy.

Today, our INDIA alliance will meet the EC to express our strong objection to the deliberate targeting and arrests of opposition leaders, particularly during the MCC period. To this end, I have designated Derek O'Brien and Nadimul Haque to represent All India Trinamool Congress in this crucial meeting with the Election Commission."

Zafar Agha, a prominent journalist with almost 50 years of experience and the editor-in-chief of the National Herald, passed away at the age of 70 on March 22nd.

Agha began his journalistic career in 1979 with Link magazine. Throughout his distinguished career, he contributed to notable publications such as the Patriot, Business and Political Observer, and India Today, serving as a political editor.

He also made significant contributions to ETV, Inquilab Daily, and the National Herald group, where he served as the editor of Qaumi Awaz before eventually rising to the position of editor-in-chief of the National Herald.

Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge says, "If they had to arrest him, they could have done it earlier also. The timing of how they are tackling the Opposition is in suspicious. They are freezing our accounts, and they are targeting the Opposition's leaders, they are trying to scare us into submission. This is all a part of their Standard Operating Procedure. What took them so long? The BJP will not even win 300 seats. That is the reason why they are doing all these things..."

Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "The nation works as per law...He (Arvind Kejriwal) was issued many summons, despite that he approached the High Court, but the court did not acquit him...He is completely unmasked today. People extended their support to him, however, in return he betrayed them."

"You (Arvind Kejriwal) have chosen to keep quiet when 2 of your strong leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are in jail. There is ample evidence to show how liquor licences have been given. I think it's time for the 'Aam Aadmi Party' to rename itself as 'Bhrasht Aadmi Party.'"

Several workers from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were detained by the police at ITO in Delhi while protesting against the arrest of Delhi's Chief Minister and AAP's national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal. Saurabh Bharadwaj, a Delhi Minister from the AAP, was also detained during the protest. Bharadwaj confirmed that a special session of the Delhi Assembly, which was scheduled for today, has been cancelled due to the situation, and the next sitting of the House will be held on March 27th. The party plans to appeal before the Supreme Court that Arvind Kejriwal should be allowed to meet his lawyer and family as well as carry out his official work. Kejriwal's family has been put under house arrest.

Special session of #Delhi Assembly which was scheduled today has been cancelled. The next sitting of the House will be held on 27th March.

"We have especially addressed the security concerns around the court... Section 144 is imposed on DD Marg because it is not a designated protest site. Section 144 is imposed because there are a lot of vital offices here."

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers detained by police as they protest against the arrest of Delhi CM & party's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, at ITO in Delhi

AAP Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj detained by police at ITO in Delhi, during the party protest against arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal

"...We will state before the Supreme Court that Arvind Kejriwal should be allowed to meet his lawyer and family and also allowed to carry out his official work. Kejriwal's family has been put under house arrest."

Supreme Court remarks that it has to follow a uniform policy for all and can't allow people to approach the top court directly for bail as they are a political person

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on March 15, arrested K Kavitha, the daughter of the former Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekhar Rao, in a money laundering case related to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. K Kavitha, who is a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, was taken into custody by the central investigation agency at 5:20 pm from her residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna agrees to hear Kejriwal’s plea “as soon as this bench gets up, we will assemble then.” Ie. Khanna is currently sitting in a two judge combination with Justice Dipankar Dutta. He will assemble after the hearings conclude in this bench and reassemble with Justices MM Sundaresh and Bela Trivedi. (edited)

Khanna is currently sitting in a two judge combination with Justice Dipankar Dutta. This comes after Singhvi mentioned that the special bench (three judge’s bench) which was hearing Kavitha’s plea has already risen.

Regarding the arrest of Delhi's CM Arvind Kejriwal by the ED, Sambit Patra, the BJP National Spokesperson, stated that there were nine summons issued since October 23, but Arvind Kejriwal did not attend any of them. Patra accused Kejriwal of having a sense of entitlement and disregarding the law. Kejriwal had claimed that the summons were illegal and refused to attend them, citing his position as the Chief Minister. However, according to the Indian law, if someone has broken the law and is summoned, they must appear and respect the summons. Patra said that Kejriwal's pride has now been broken.

"There have been 9 summons since October 23. Arvind Kejriwal did not remain present in any of them. He has a sense of entitlement and he keeps saying that the summon is illegal and he will not remain present. He keeps saying that he is the CM and how can he be summoned. Today, his pride has been broken. The law of this country says that if you have broken a law and you are summoned, then you have to respect the summon and remain present," said Patra.

CJI asks Singhvi to mention the case before Justice Sanjiv Khanna as they are hearing BRs Leader Kavitha’s plea in the same case. Before the CJI, Singhvi says if this trend continues many of the opposition leaders will be in jail before the first vote is cast the upcoming elections.

Delhi High Court admits the appeal of CBI against the acquittal of former telecom minister A Raja, DMK leader Kanimozhi, businessman and then government officials in 2G Spectrum allocation case. All the accused were acquitted by a special Court in December 2017. Central Bureau of Investigation had challenged the order of special court before the High Court in 2018.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonwalla On ED arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, "AAP leaders are saying that Arvind Kejriwal is not a human, but an ideology... The ideology is that he will be corrupt and when the court takes action, he will call it an atrocity... And play the victim card... I want to ask them, is the court finishing the democracy?... The SC rejected Manish Sisodia's bail. The SC said that there is a money trail of Rs. 338 crore. Sanjay Singh's bail was rejected by the HC. If your teammates have been in jail for more than a year now, has the BJP done it or the Courts have done it?.. Your BFF Congress found you drowned in the Liquor scam."

Meanwhile, BJP MP Dr K Laxman says, "The investigation agencies are not associated with any party. Arvind Kejriwal rejected 8 ED summons. If you are not guilty, then why Arvind Kejriwal was avoiding the ED summons. He was constantly claiming ED to be associated with the BJP."

Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai has stated that preparations in Jammu Kashmir for the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls 2024 are in full swing. The elections will be conducted in the first phase in the Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) constituency. All polling stations have been assured of all necessary facilities. The Commissioner has urged people to exercise their right to vote. She has also expressed a desire to achieve more than 90% voter turnout in the Udhampur constituency.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called upon the Supreme Court to take Suo Moto cognizance of the recent ED arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Tharoor believes that such an action is violative of the spirit of democracy and constitutes a fundamental violation of the political rights of every Indian citizen. He further stated that the court has every right to take imminent action against anything that has a material effect on the elections. At 11 am, there will be a march to the Raj Bhawan.

"I call upon Supreme Court to take Suo Moto cognizance on what has happened... What has happened is violative of the spirit of democracy... The court has every right to take imminent action against anything that has a material effect on the elections... This is fundamentally violative of the political rights of every Indian citizen... At 11 am, there will be a march to the Raj Bhawan," he said.