<p>Ahead of the general elections 2024, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was&nbsp;thrown into turmoil as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Thursday (Mar 21) for his alleged involvement in the liquor scam. The ED's move comes after a series of arrests in the case of other party leaders, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh.</p>

<p>Kejriwal's was arrested by&nbsp;ED from his residence. The Delhi CM had been evading summons over the past year.</p>

<p>This comes after the&nbsp;Delhi High Court recently&nbsp;refused&nbsp;to provide Kejriwal with protection from coercive action in the liquor probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the ED officials arrived at Kejriwal's residence with a search warrant. Soon, speculations started to swirl regarding the possibility of interrogation and arrest as party workers began protests outside the residence of the chief minister.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-3rd-list-of-57-candidates-out-adhir-ranjan-chowdhury-to-contest-in-lok-sabha-elections-702831">Congress' 3rd list of 57 candidates out, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to contest in Lok Sabha elections</a></p>

<p>Notably, the Delhi High Court, while declining interim relief to Kejriwal, scheduled further deliberation on the matter for April 22.&nbsp;ASG SV Raju, who was representing the ED had said,&nbsp;“This (application) is not maintainable. No interim relief can be made out. They can't put the cart before the horse. He can't jump the gun. The court has to hear us on maintainability first. They need to demonstrate first that it's maintainable. Without that, they cannot get (interim relief)."</p>

<p>He was speaking about Kejriwal's main petition where the CM challenged the summons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-arrests-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-heres-a-timeline-of-events-in-excise-policy-case-702824">ED arrests Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal; here's a timeline of events in excise policy case</a></p>

<p>However, now the arrest has altered the legal situation. Kejriwal's options for relief now pivot towards challenging his detention.&nbsp;The possibility of direct relief from the Supreme Court appears bleak and so Kejriwal will have to explore alternative avenues for legal recource.</p>

<p>His immediate course of action could be to seek bail from the lower court. If not, his second option would be to appeal to the High Court or Supreme Court challenging the legitimacy of his arrest.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-election-drama-grips-maharashtra-ncp-expresses-discontent-with-maharashtra-cm-702789">India Elections: Election drama grips Maharashtra, NCP expresses discontent with Maharashtra CM</a></strong></p>

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<p>Given the rejection of similar pleas in higher courts in the precedents set by Sanjay Singh's legal battles, Kejriwal's legal team might face the same uphill battle.</p>

<p>In light of recent Supreme Court directives, the ED has to furnish grounds for his arrest.&nbsp;Amid mounting pressure, Kejriwal's legal team is gearing up to petition the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing tomorrow.</p>

<p>Till then, the CM's legal team will be preparing the required documents.</p>

<p>Also, as per reports citing officials, Kejriwal will be taken to appear before a special PMLA court on Friday (Mar 22) where ED will seek custody of the CM for interrogation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, according to law, Arvind Kejriwal isn't obligated to step down from his role as Delhi's Chief Minister. The law doesn't mandate his resignation.</p>

<p>Whether or not to resign is ultimately a moral choice for the sitting CM. Even if he were to be incarcerated, he retains the ability to govern from jail. This entails conducting cabinet meetings and signing documents, subject to prior approval from the court in accordance with the jail manual, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the general elections 2024, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was thrown into turmoil as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Thursday (Mar 21) for his alleged involvement in the liquor scam.

Ahead of the general elections 2024, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was thrown into turmoil as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Thursday (Mar 21) for his alleged involvement in the liquor scam. The ED's move comes after a series of arrests in the case of other party leaders, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh. Kejriwal's was arrested by ED from his residence. The Delhi CM had been evading summons over the past year. This comes after the Delhi High Court recently refused to provide Kejriwal with protection from coercive action in the liquor probe. Notably, the ED officials arrived at Kejriwal's residence with a search warrant. Soon, speculations started to swirl regarding the possibility of interrogation and arrest as party workers began protests outside the residence of the chief minister. Also Read | Congress' 3rd list of 57 candidates out, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to contest in Lok Sabha elections Notably, the Delhi High Court, while declining interim relief to Kejriwal, scheduled further deliberation on the matter for April 22. ASG SV Raju, who was representing the ED had said, “This (application) is not maintainable. No interim relief can be made out. They can't put the cart before the horse. He can't jump the gun. The court has to hear us on maintainability first. They need to demonstrate first that it's maintainable. Without that, they cannot get (interim relief)." He was speaking about Kejriwal's main petition where the CM challenged the summons. Also Read | ED arrests Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal; here's a timeline of events in excise policy case However, now the arrest has altered the legal situation. Kejriwal's options for relief now pivot towards challenging his detention. The possibility of direct relief from the Supreme Court appears bleak and so Kejriwal will have to explore alternative avenues for legal recource. His immediate course of action could be to seek bail from the lower court. If not, his second option would be to appeal to the High Court or Supreme Court challenging the legitimacy of his arrest. Watch | India Elections: Election drama grips Maharashtra, NCP expresses discontent with Maharashtra CM × Given the rejection of similar pleas in higher courts in the precedents set by Sanjay Singh's legal battles, Kejriwal's legal team might face the same uphill battle. In light of recent Supreme Court directives, the ED has to furnish grounds for his arrest. Amid mounting pressure, Kejriwal's legal team is gearing up to petition the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing tomorrow. Till then, the CM's legal team will be preparing the required documents. Also, as per reports citing officials, Kejriwal will be taken to appear before a special PMLA court on Friday (Mar 22) where ED will seek custody of the CM for interrogation. Moreover, according to law, Arvind Kejriwal isn't obligated to step down from his role as Delhi's Chief Minister. The law doesn't mandate his resignation. Whether or not to resign is ultimately a moral choice for the sitting CM. Even if he were to be incarcerated, he retains the ability to govern from jail. This entails conducting cabinet meetings and signing documents, subject to prior approval from the court in accordance with the jail manual, reports said. (With inputs from agencies)

Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy case on Thursday (Mar 21).</p>

<p>The move came hours after the Delhi High Court refused interim protection from coercive action to Kejriwal stating that at this stage the court wasn't inclined to grant interim relief.</p>

<p>Immediately after the arrest, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi took to her official X account and stated that the party had moved the Supreme Court to quash Kejriwal's arrest, seeking an urgent hearing.</p>

<p>"We have moved the Supreme Court for quashing the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself," Atishi said in a post on X.</p>

<h2><strong>'Will run government from jail'</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Atishi had said that AAP's national convenor would run the government from prison and that he would remain the Chief Minister of Delhi.</p>

<p>"We have received news that ED has arrested Arvind Kejriwal... We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-policy-case-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-moves-fresh-plea-in-delhi-hc-702485">Excise policy case: Delhi HC rejects CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea to protect him from getting arrested</a></p>

<h2><strong>Timeline of events in the excise policy case</strong></h2>

<p>- November 2021<br />
Delhi government implemented a new excise policy</p>

<p>- July 8, 2022<br />
The Chief Secretary of Delhi reported violations in the policy</p>

<p>- July 22, 2022<br />
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recommended a CBI investigation into the breach of rules</p>

<p>- August 19, 2022<br />
CBI raided the then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence</p>

<p>- August 22, 2022<br />
The Enforcement Directorate filed a money laundering case on liquor policy</p>

<p>- September, 2022<br />
AAP communications head Vijay Nair was arrested by CBI</p>

<p>- March 2023<br />
ED arrested Manish Sisodia</p>

<p>- October 2023<br />
ED arrested AAP leader Sanjay Singh<br />
&nbsp;<br />
- October 2023<br />
ED sent the first summons to Kejriwal</p>

<p>- March 16, 2024<br />
ED arrested Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha&nbsp;</p>

<p>- March 21, 2024<br />
Kejriwal skipped the ED&nbsp;summon&nbsp;for the ninth time in the excise policy case. Hours later the Delhi HC denied him interim relief in the excise policy case following which he was arrested.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy case on Thursday (Mar 21). The move came hours after the Delhi High Court refused interim protection from coercive action to Kejriwal stating that at this stage the court wasn't inclined to grant interim relief.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the excise policy case on Thursday (Mar 21). The move came hours after the Delhi High Court refused interim protection from coercive action to Kejriwal stating that at this stage the court wasn't inclined to grant interim relief. Immediately after the arrest, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi took to her official X account and stated that the party had moved the Supreme Court to quash Kejriwal's arrest, seeking an urgent hearing. "We have moved the Supreme Court for quashing the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself," Atishi said in a post on X. 'Will run government from jail' Earlier, Atishi had said that AAP's national convenor would run the government from prison and that he would remain the Chief Minister of Delhi. "We have received news that ED has arrested Arvind Kejriwal... We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the govt from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching SC. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she said. Also read: Excise policy case: Delhi HC rejects CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea to protect him from getting arrested Timeline of events in the excise policy case - November 2021 Delhi government implemented a new excise policy - July 8, 2022 The Chief Secretary of Delhi reported violations in the policy - July 22, 2022 The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recommended a CBI investigation into the breach of rules - August 19, 2022 CBI raided the then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence - August 22, 2022 The Enforcement Directorate filed a money laundering case on liquor policy - September, 2022 AAP communications head Vijay Nair was arrested by CBI - March 2023 ED arrested Manish Sisodia - October 2023 ED arrested AAP leader Sanjay Singh - October 2023 ED sent the first summons to Kejriwal - March 16, 2024 ED arrested Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha - March 21, 2024 Kejriwal skipped the ED summon for the ninth time in the excise policy case. Hours later the Delhi HC denied him interim relief in the excise policy case following which he was arrested. (With inputs from agencies)

ED arrests Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal; here's a timeline of events in excise policy case

<p>Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody for seven days, until March 28. The order was issued late Friday (Mar 22) by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, shortly after the CM withdrew his Supreme Court plea challenging his arrest in the alleged liquor policy scam case.</p>

<p>The central agency had requested custody of Kejriwal for 10 days, citing the need to complete its investigation and confront him with other arrested people&nbsp;in the case.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the agency's accusations against Kejriwal?</strong></h2>

<p>During Friday's hearing, the ED called&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal as the "kingpin" and "key conspirator" in the alleged scam.</p>

<p>Additionally, the agency referred to him as the "middleman" between the 'south group' and other accused, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested last year.</p>

<p>The agency claimed that the total proceeds of the scam exceeded ₹600 crore ($73mn), including ₹100 crore ($12mn) allegedly paid by the 'south group', which reportedly includes Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, arrested last week.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: ED gets 6-day custody of Delhi Chief Minister</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Kejriwal's response and allegations</strong></h2>

<p>Following his arrest, Kejriwal expressed his dedication to the nation, while his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, posted an appeal on social media, stating that his life is dedicated to the country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">आपके 3 बार चुने हुए मुख्यमंत्री को मोदीजी ने सत्ता के अहंकार में गिरफ़्तार करवाया।सबको crush करने में लगे हैं। यह दिल्ली के लोगो के साथ धोखा है।आपके मुख्यमंत्री हमेशा आपके साथ खड़े रहें हैं।अंदर रहें या बाहर, उनका जीवन देश को समर्पित है।जनता जनार्दन है सब जानती है।जय हिन्द🙏</p>
— Sunita Kejriwal (@KejriwalSunita) <a href="https://twitter.com/KejriwalSunita/status/1771153299011489890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Enforcement Directorate accused Kejriwal of being directly involved in implementing the policy and receiving kickbacks in exchange for favours. The agency also claimed that ₹45 crore ($5.5mn) of the kickbacks were used to fund the AAP's elections in Goa and Punjab in 2022. The AAP's victory over the Congress in Punjab allowed it to establish its first state government outside of Delhi.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/out-of-arrogance-delhi-cms-wife-sunita-kejriwal-launches-scathing-attack-over-husbands-arrest-703194">Also read |&nbsp;'Out of arrogance': Delhi CM's wife Sunita Kejriwal launches scathing attack over husband's arrest</a></p>

<p>Earlier, Kejriwal's legal team withdrew its&nbsp;Supreme Court plea challenging his arrest, after the top court rejected a similar plea by K Kavitha. This decision was made as the court's reaction to Kavitha's petition suggested that Kejriwal's plea would not be successful.</p>

<p>Kejriwal's legal team stated that there is no reason why he cannot continue as Delhi Chief Minister since he has not been convicted, only accused. Kejriwal's arrest in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam case has sparked nationwide protests, with the AAP insisting that he will continue to function as the head of government.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody for seven days, until March 28. The order was issued late Friday (Mar 22) by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, shortly after the CM withdrew his Supreme Court plea challenging his arrest in the alleged liquor policy scam case.

Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody for seven days, until March 28. The order was issued late Friday (Mar 22) by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, shortly after the CM withdrew his Supreme Court plea challenging his arrest in the alleged liquor policy scam case. The central agency had requested custody of Kejriwal for 10 days, citing the need to complete its investigation and confront him with other arrested people in the case. What are the agency's accusations against Kejriwal? During Friday's hearing, the ED called Arvind Kejriwal as the "kingpin" and "key conspirator" in the alleged scam. Additionally, the agency referred to him as the "middleman" between the 'south group' and other accused, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested last year. The agency claimed that the total proceeds of the scam exceeded ₹600 crore ($73mn), including ₹100 crore ($12mn) allegedly paid by the 'south group', which reportedly includes Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, arrested last week. Also watch | Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: ED gets 6-day custody of Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal's response and allegations Following his arrest, Kejriwal expressed his dedication to the nation, while his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, posted an appeal on social media, stating that his life is dedicated to the country. आपके 3 बार चुने हुए मुख्यमंत्री को मोदीजी ने सत्ता के अहंकार में गिरफ़्तार करवाया।सबको crush करने में लगे हैं। यह दिल्ली के लोगो के साथ धोखा है।आपके मुख्यमंत्री हमेशा आपके साथ खड़े रहें हैं।अंदर रहें या बाहर, उनका जीवन देश को समर्पित है।जनता जनार्दन है सब जानती है।जय हिन्द🙏 — Sunita Kejriwal (@KejriwalSunita) March 22, 2024 × The Enforcement Directorate accused Kejriwal of being directly involved in implementing the policy and receiving kickbacks in exchange for favours. The agency also claimed that ₹45 crore ($5.5mn) of the kickbacks were used to fund the AAP's elections in Goa and Punjab in 2022. The AAP's victory over the Congress in Punjab allowed it to establish its first state government outside of Delhi. Also read | 'Out of arrogance': Delhi CM's wife Sunita Kejriwal launches scathing attack over husband's arrest Earlier, Kejriwal's legal team withdrew its Supreme Court plea challenging his arrest, after the top court rejected a similar plea by K Kavitha. This decision was made as the court's reaction to Kavitha's petition suggested that Kejriwal's plea would not be successful. Kejriwal's legal team stated that there is no reason why he cannot continue as Delhi Chief Minister since he has not been convicted, only accused. Kejriwal's arrest in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam case has sparked nationwide protests, with the AAP insisting that he will continue to function as the head of government. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal placed in 7-day probe agency custody over liquor policy case

<p>Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi on Thursday (Mar 21)&nbsp;said Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister and run the city government from prison if needed after his arrest by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.</p>

<p>She also said that the Aam Aadmi Party has moved the Supreme Court against the action by the federal agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-govt-launches-24x7-control-room-toll-free-helpline-for-polls-702503">Excise Policy Case LIVE: Arvind Kejriwal arrested, police detain AAP workers</a></p>

<p>"We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the government from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching the Supreme Court. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-enforcement-directorate-702749">ED arrests Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from residence after questioning</a></p>

<p>Earlier, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi had said, "Arvind Kejriwal will not seek an urgent hearing on plea for protection in SC tonight."</p>

<p>Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kejriwal's attorneys, argued that although multiple charge sheets had already been filed with the trial court, it was unnecessary to arrest the chief minister because there was an attempt to create a "non-level playing field" for the upcoming general elections.</p>

<p>Last week, the ED issued a summons to Kejriwal, asking him to appear before it on Thursday. The law enforcement agency issued a total of nine summons&nbsp;to Kejriwal, which were on November 2, December 22, January 3, January 18, February 2, February 19, February 26, March 4 and March 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials said the agency team went to the chief minister's residence to serve him summons in the case. The team also informed the staff at the chief minister's residence that it had a search warrant.</p>


Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi on Thursday (Mar 21) said Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister and run the city government from prison if needed after his arrest by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi on Thursday (Mar 21) said Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister and run the city government from prison if needed after his arrest by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. She also said that the Aam Aadmi Party has moved the Supreme Court against the action by the federal agency. Also read: Excise Policy Case LIVE: Arvind Kejriwal arrested, police detain AAP workers "We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the government from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching the Supreme Court. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she said. Also read: ED arrests Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from residence after questioning Earlier, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi had said, "Arvind Kejriwal will not seek an urgent hearing on plea for protection in SC tonight." Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kejriwal's attorneys, argued that although multiple charge sheets had already been filed with the trial court, it was unnecessary to arrest the chief minister because there was an attempt to create a "non-level playing field" for the upcoming general elections. Last week, the ED issued a summons to Kejriwal, asking him to appear before it on Thursday. The law enforcement agency issued a total of nine summons to Kejriwal, which were on November 2, December 22, January 3, January 18, February 2, February 19, February 26, March 4 and March 21. The officials said the agency team went to the chief minister's residence to serve him summons in the case. The team also informed the staff at the chief minister's residence that it had a search warrant.

Delhi CM Kejriwal opts against urgent hearing on protection plea in Supreme Court

<p>Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;leader Satyendar Jain returned to Tihar Jail on Monday evening (Mar 18) after his plea seeking an extension of bail was rejected by India's Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Leaders of Delhi's ruling party, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, voiced support for Jain, who&nbsp;was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED)<br />
on May 30, 2022, for alleged money laundering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-policy-case-delhi-court-summons-arvind-kejriwal-over-eight-ed-no-shows-697530">Excise policy case: Delhi Court summons Arvind Kejriwal over eight ED no-shows</a></p>

<p>On May 26, 2023, the apex court had granted interim bail to the 59-year-old former minister on health grounds.</p>

<p>Since then, he has been out of prison after many extensions of the interim bail. After the last bail plea was rejected, he surrendered to authorities on Monday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>AAP national convenor Kejriwal calls Jain a "hero"&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to Jain's return to prison, AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called him a ‘hero for all Dilli wallas' (people of Delhi).</p>

<p>“He (Jain) made arrangements for providing 24x7 electricity, free electricity, good govt hospitals and mohalla (community) clinics. Feel extremely sad for him and his family. God bless him,” wrote the Delhi chief minister on X (formerly Twitter).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is a hero for all Dilli wallas. He made arrangements for providing 24x7 electricity, free electricity, good govt hospitals and mohalla clinics. Feel extremely sad for him and his family. God bless him. <a href="https://t.co/X5H9htV9xm">https://t.co/X5H9htV9xm</a></p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1769742640398921891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kalkaji legislator and Kejriwal-led government minister Atishi wrote 'Heartbreaking’ and also posted emojis of broken hearts and sad faces.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heart breaking… 💔😔 <a href="https://t.co/NWEz1azuif">https://t.co/NWEz1azuif</a></p>
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtishiAAP/status/1769723731000320326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal granted bail in ED summons case</strong></p>

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<p>Greater Kailash MLA and minister Saurabh Bharadwaj slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भाजपा ने आज राजनीति को कहाँ पहुँचा दिया है। दिल्ली को शानदार मुहोल्ला क्लिनिक देने वाले <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyendarJain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SatyendarJain</a> भाई साब को जेल भेजना बेहद दुखद है। <a href="https://t.co/7fn23KCc3q">https://t.co/7fn23KCc3q</a></p>
— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saurabh_MLAgk/status/1769745459307048974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Just see the (low) level of BJP's politics. The person who gave the fantastic mohalla clinics to Delhi, has been sent to jail. It is extremely saddening,” wrote Bharadwaj, on the social media platform.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain returned to Tihar Jail on Monday evening (Mar 18) after his plea seeking an extension of bail was rejected by India's Supreme Court.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain returned to Tihar Jail on Monday evening (Mar 18) after his plea seeking an extension of bail was rejected by India's Supreme Court. Leaders of Delhi's ruling party, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, voiced support for Jain, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 30, 2022, for alleged money laundering. Also Read: Excise policy case: Delhi Court summons Arvind Kejriwal over eight ED no-shows On May 26, 2023, the apex court had granted interim bail to the 59-year-old former minister on health grounds. Since then, he has been out of prison after many extensions of the interim bail. After the last bail plea was rejected, he surrendered to authorities on Monday evening. AAP national convenor Kejriwal calls Jain a "hero" Reacting to Jain's return to prison, AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called him a ‘hero for all Dilli wallas' (people of Delhi). “He (Jain) made arrangements for providing 24x7 electricity, free electricity, good govt hospitals and mohalla (community) clinics. Feel extremely sad for him and his family. God bless him,” wrote the Delhi chief minister on X (formerly Twitter). He is a hero for all Dilli wallas. He made arrangements for providing 24x7 electricity, free electricity, good govt hospitals and mohalla clinics. Feel extremely sad for him and his family. God bless him. https://t.co/X5H9htV9xm — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 18, 2024 × Kalkaji legislator and Kejriwal-led government minister Atishi wrote 'Heartbreaking’ and also posted emojis of broken hearts and sad faces. Heart breaking… 💔😔 https://t.co/NWEz1azuif — Atishi (@AtishiAAP) March 18, 2024 × Watch: India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal granted bail in ED summons case Greater Kailash MLA and minister Saurabh Bharadwaj slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). भाजपा ने आज राजनीति को कहाँ पहुँचा दिया है। दिल्ली को शानदार मुहोल्ला क्लिनिक देने वाले @SatyendarJain भाई साब को जेल भेजना बेहद दुखद है। https://t.co/7fn23KCc3q — Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) March 18, 2024 × “Just see the (low) level of BJP's politics. The person who gave the fantastic mohalla clinics to Delhi, has been sent to jail. It is extremely saddening,” wrote Bharadwaj, on the social media platform. (With inputs from agencies)

India: AAP leader Satyendar Jain back in Tihar Jail after failing to extend bail in money laundering case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's lawyers, urging the sessions court on Thursday to stay the summons issued to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo, alleged the probe agency was seeking the Chief Minister's physical presence only for publicity.

Delhi liquor policy firestorm: Probe agency names Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in press note

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday (Mar 18) skipped the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s premier financial intelligence agency, in connection with alleged irregularities in Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Earlier, his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the summons were “illegal".&nbsp;The ED had asked Kejriwal to be present at its office on APJ Abdul Kalam Road on March 18 for interrogation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).</p>

<p>AAP questioned the legality of the summons citing bail order. “When there is bail from the court, why is ED sending summons again and again? ED summons are illegal," it said in a statement.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on allegations by ED that BRS leader K Kavitha conspired with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders in Delhi Excise policy case, AAP said the union government was 'planting falsehoods every day.'</p>

<p>"On earlier occasions too, ED has released such blatantly false and frivolous statements which show that instead of being a neutral investigative agency, it is working like a political wing of BJP," AAP said in a statement.</p>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Atishi, a minister in the Delhi government, said the union government was following a ‘backup plan’ to arrest Kejriwal anyhow. "Nobody knows what this Delhi Jal Board (DJB) case is about. This seems to be a backup plan to arrest Kejriwal anyhow and stop him from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls," said Delhi minister Atishi at a press conference on Sunday (Mar 17).<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>This comes as Kejriwal faces ED summons and court cases for alleged irregularities in Delhi excise policy. Kejriwal has so far skipped eight ED summons in the case, which the AAP says are ‘illegal and illegitimate’. The ED has now asked Kejriwal to appear in the case on March 21.<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2><strong>What is the DJB case?</strong><o:p></o:p></h2>

<p>In the DJB case, the investigating agency alleges that funds acquired through corruption in a contract awarded by the Delhi government's department were channelled as election funds to the AAP.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>In February, the ED carried out raids at the residences of individuals, including Kejriwal's personal assistant, a Rajya Sabha MP from AAP, a former DJB member, a chartered accountant, and others, as part of this investigation.</p>

<p><o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-grants-bail-to-cm-kejriwal-in-enforcement-directorate-summons-case-700656"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Delhi court grants bail to CM Kejriwal in Enforcement Directorate summons case</strong></a></o:p></p>

<p>The ED's case is founded on an FIR by another central agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging irregularities in the contract awarded to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. for a sum of Rs 38 crore ($4.6 million), despite the company not meeting the technical eligibility criteria.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>The ED has arrested some individuals associated with the contract. However, the AAP has refuted the agency's claims as "false".<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2><strong>Satyendar Jain's bail rejected</strong><o:p></o:p></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday (Mar 18) dismissed the regular bail of Satyendar Jain, an ex-minister in the Delhi government detained in a money laundering case.</p>

<p><o:p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Delhi: AAP kicks off election campaign in Gujarat, Delhi CM appeals for two candidates</strong></o:p></p>

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<p>The bench of justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal asked Jain, who is out on interim bail, to surrender forthwith.</p>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>The ED had arrested the AAP leader on May 30, 2022, on the charge of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him.</p>

<p><o:p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></o:p></p>


Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday (Mar 18) skipped the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s premier financial intelligence agency, in connection with alleged irregularities in Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday (Mar 18) skipped the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s premier financial intelligence agency, in connection with alleged irregularities in Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Earlier, his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the summons were “illegal". The ED had asked Kejriwal to be present at its office on APJ Abdul Kalam Road on March 18 for interrogation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). AAP questioned the legality of the summons citing bail order. “When there is bail from the court, why is ED sending summons again and again? ED summons are illegal," it said in a statement. Meanwhile, on allegations by ED that BRS leader K Kavitha conspired with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders in Delhi Excise policy case, AAP said the union government was 'planting falsehoods every day.' "On earlier occasions too, ED has released such blatantly false and frivolous statements which show that instead of being a neutral investigative agency, it is working like a political wing of BJP," AAP said in a statement. Atishi, a minister in the Delhi government, said the union government was following a ‘backup plan’ to arrest Kejriwal anyhow. "Nobody knows what this Delhi Jal Board (DJB) case is about. This seems to be a backup plan to arrest Kejriwal anyhow and stop him from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls," said Delhi minister Atishi at a press conference on Sunday (Mar 17). This comes as Kejriwal faces ED summons and court cases for alleged irregularities in Delhi excise policy. Kejriwal has so far skipped eight ED summons in the case, which the AAP says are ‘illegal and illegitimate’. The ED has now asked Kejriwal to appear in the case on March 21. What is the DJB case? In the DJB case, the investigating agency alleges that funds acquired through corruption in a contract awarded by the Delhi government's department were channelled as election funds to the AAP. In February, the ED carried out raids at the residences of individuals, including Kejriwal's personal assistant, a Rajya Sabha MP from AAP, a former DJB member, a chartered accountant, and others, as part of this investigation. Also read: Delhi court grants bail to CM Kejriwal in Enforcement Directorate summons case The ED's case is founded on an FIR by another central agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging irregularities in the contract awarded to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. for a sum of Rs 38 crore ($4.6 million), despite the company not meeting the technical eligibility criteria. The ED has arrested some individuals associated with the contract. However, the AAP has refuted the agency's claims as "false". Satyendar Jain's bail rejected Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday (Mar 18) dismissed the regular bail of Satyendar Jain, an ex-minister in the Delhi government detained in a money laundering case. Watch: Delhi: AAP kicks off election campaign in Gujarat, Delhi CM appeals for two candidates × The bench of justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal asked Jain, who is out on interim bail, to surrender forthwith. The ED had arrested the AAP leader on May 30, 2022, on the charge of laundering money through four companies allegedly linked to him. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi CM Kejriwal skips ED summons in alleged Delhi Jal Board corruption case: AAP

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a fresh complaint before a Delhi court seeking prosecution of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for skipping its summonses in a money laundering investigation. Watch in for more details!

India: ED files complaint against AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal for disobeying summons

Aam Aadmi Party convenor and Delhi chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will embark on a Gujarat visit today to launch the Lok Sabha election campaign of his party.

Delhi: AAP kicks off election campaign in Gujarat, Delhi CM appeals for two candidates

India elections 2024: AAP set to launch Gujarat poll campaign today

<p>Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday (March 8) launched the party's Lok Sabha election&nbsp;campaign&nbsp;slogan “Sansad mein bhi Kejriwal, toh Dilli hogi aur khush haal (Delhi will be more prosperous with Kejriwal in Parliament)”.</p>

<p>While launching the campaign at the AAP’s headquarters in New Delhi, Kejriwal slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indian government and the Delhi Lt Governor&nbsp;of stalling the works of his government.</p>

<p>He then appealed to the voters to ensure the victory of all seven candidates of the AAP-Congress combine in Delhi.</p>

<p>The AAP is a member of the INDIA bloc which has positioned itself to take on the BJP in the upcoming April–May Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>While AAP is contesting from four of Delhi’s seven Lok Sabha seats, the Congress will field candidates from three.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Here’s what Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (<a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a>) said at the launch of the party’s campaign ‘Sansad mein bhi Kejriwal, toh Delhi hogi aur khush-haal’ for Lok Sabha Elections 2024.<br />
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“AAP’s Delhi Lok Sabha campaign is being launched today. Our slogan is ‘Sansad mein… <a href="https://t.co/X5YI04HX2J">pic.twitter.com/X5YI04HX2J</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1766001593261142127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have made all efforts to serve the people of Delhi who are my family, without considering myself as the chief minister,” Kejriwal, the AAP’s national convenor, said.</p>

<p>“Our slogan is ‘Sansad mein bhi Kejriwal, toh Dilli hogi aur khush haal (Delhi will be more prosperous with Kejriwal in Parliament)’,” the Delhi CM added.</p>

<p>He further alleged that the BJP stalls every initiative launched by the AAP government.</p>

<p>“They hate you because you elected and brought an ordinary man to power in Delhi. They demolished Mohalla Clinics with bulldozers, they stopped door-to-door ration delivery, tests and medicines in hospitals,” he alleged.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-first-list-of-39-candidates-for-lok-sabha-elections-rahul-gandhi-to-contest-from-wayanad-698114">Congress releases first list of 39 candidates for Lok Sabha elections</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Kejriwal's rule marked by loot and corruption, says BJP&nbsp;Delhi chief</strong></h2>

<p>After the launch of the campaign by Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal, BJP’s Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva took a dig at the AAP chief stating that the party's apt slogan would be “nine-year rule of Kejriwal marked by loot and corruption, rendering Delhi miserable”.</p>

<p>“The people of Delhi, Punjab and Gujarat will reject Kejriwal in such a way that even the AAP’s national status will be snatched,” he said.</p>

<p>The AAP has entered into a seat-sharing&nbsp;deal for Delhi, Gujarat and Haryana with the Congress party. Whereas in Punjab, both parties have agreed to contest the elections independently.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday (March 8) launched the party's Lok Sabha election campaign slogan “Sansad mein bhi Kejriwal, toh Dilli hogi aur khush haal (Delhi will be more prosperous with Kejriwal in Parliament)”.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday (March 8) launched the party's Lok Sabha election campaign slogan “Sansad mein bhi Kejriwal, toh Dilli hogi aur khush haal (Delhi will be more prosperous with Kejriwal in Parliament)”. While launching the campaign at the AAP’s headquarters in New Delhi, Kejriwal slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indian government and the Delhi Lt Governor of stalling the works of his government. He then appealed to the voters to ensure the victory of all seven candidates of the AAP-Congress combine in Delhi. The AAP is a member of the INDIA bloc which has positioned itself to take on the BJP in the upcoming April–May Lok Sabha elections. While AAP is contesting from four of Delhi’s seven Lok Sabha seats, the Congress will field candidates from three. VIDEO | Here’s what Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) said at the launch of the party’s campaign ‘Sansad mein bhi Kejriwal, toh Delhi hogi aur khush-haal’ for Lok Sabha Elections 2024. “AAP’s Delhi Lok Sabha campaign is being launched today. Our slogan is ‘Sansad mein… pic.twitter.com/X5YI04HX2J — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 8, 2024 × “I have made all efforts to serve the people of Delhi who are my family, without considering myself as the chief minister,” Kejriwal, the AAP’s national convenor, said. “Our slogan is ‘Sansad mein bhi Kejriwal, toh Dilli hogi aur khush haal (Delhi will be more prosperous with Kejriwal in Parliament)’,” the Delhi CM added. He further alleged that the BJP stalls every initiative launched by the AAP government. “They hate you because you elected and brought an ordinary man to power in Delhi. They demolished Mohalla Clinics with bulldozers, they stopped door-to-door ration delivery, tests and medicines in hospitals,” he alleged. Also read: Congress releases first list of 39 candidates for Lok Sabha elections 'Kejriwal's rule marked by loot and corruption, says BJP Delhi chief After the launch of the campaign by Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal, BJP’s Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva took a dig at the AAP chief stating that the party's apt slogan would be “nine-year rule of Kejriwal marked by loot and corruption, rendering Delhi miserable”. “The people of Delhi, Punjab and Gujarat will reject Kejriwal in such a way that even the AAP’s national status will be snatched,” he said. The AAP has entered into a seat-sharing deal for Delhi, Gujarat and Haryana with the Congress party. Whereas in Punjab, both parties have agreed to contest the elections independently. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections: Arvind Kejriwal launches AAP's poll campaign in Delhi

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party has been given a deadline by the Supreme Court to vacate its headquarters which stands on the plot of land allotted to the High Court.</p>

<p>The apex court has directed the party to vacate the place by June 15.</p>

<p>Taking into consideration the upcoming general election, a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud also allowed AAP to apply to the Land and Development Office of the Government of India for allotment of alternate land in accordance with the law in the meantime.</p>

<p>"In view of the impending general elections, we grant time until June 15, 2024, to vacate the premises," the court said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-kejriwal-agrees-to-cooperate-with-ed-after-skipping-eight-summons-in-a-row-696339">Delhi CM Kejriwal agrees to cooperate with ED after skipping eight summons in a row</a></p>

<h2><strong>Respect&nbsp;SC's order to vacate the Delhi office, says AAP</strong></h2>

<p>The party released a statement saying that it respected the court's order to vacate its offices in Delhi's Rouse Avenue further expressing hope that it would be allotted land in the same location soon.</p>

<p>Priyanka Kakkar, the AAP's chief national spokesperson, said, "We respect the Supreme Court. The apex court has also directed that the Centre's L&amp;DO (Land and Development Office) allot an alternative land for the AAP's office as soon as possible."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We hope that the BJP will not do any regressive, discriminatory or dirty politics and, without further delay, allot land for the AAP's office premises at the same location where all the other national parties have been allotted land for office use in Delhi," Kakkar said.</p>

<p>At the time of the hearing in the court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the Aam Aadmi Party had encroached on the land since 2017.</p>

<p>The court also underscored that the AAP was not a lawful occupant of the land after 2017.</p>

<p>However, senior Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the national capital's ruling party, submitted that the AAP was one of the six national parties and is entitled to land in the New Delhi municipal area, under its status.</p>

<p>"They are telling us as a national party we get nothing. I'm given (land in) Badarpur while everyone else is in better places. A particular government does not want me to be flourishing and working," Singhvi said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party has been given a deadline by the Supreme Court to vacate its headquarters which stands on the plot of land allotted to the High Court.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party has been given a deadline by the Supreme Court to vacate its headquarters which stands on the plot of land allotted to the High Court. The apex court has directed the party to vacate the place by June 15. Taking into consideration the upcoming general election, a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud also allowed AAP to apply to the Land and Development Office of the Government of India for allotment of alternate land in accordance with the law in the meantime. "In view of the impending general elections, we grant time until June 15, 2024, to vacate the premises," the court said. Also read: Delhi CM Kejriwal agrees to cooperate with ED after skipping eight summons in a row Respect SC's order to vacate the Delhi office, says AAP The party released a statement saying that it respected the court's order to vacate its offices in Delhi's Rouse Avenue further expressing hope that it would be allotted land in the same location soon. Priyanka Kakkar, the AAP's chief national spokesperson, said, "We respect the Supreme Court. The apex court has also directed that the Centre's L&DO (Land and Development Office) allot an alternative land for the AAP's office as soon as possible." "We hope that the BJP will not do any regressive, discriminatory or dirty politics and, without further delay, allot land for the AAP's office premises at the same location where all the other national parties have been allotted land for office use in Delhi," Kakkar said. At the time of the hearing in the court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the Aam Aadmi Party had encroached on the land since 2017. The court also underscored that the AAP was not a lawful occupant of the land after 2017. However, senior Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the national capital's ruling party, submitted that the AAP was one of the six national parties and is entitled to land in the New Delhi municipal area, under its status. "They are telling us as a national party we get nothing. I'm given (land in) Badarpur while everyone else is in better places. A particular government does not want me to be flourishing and working," Singhvi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Supreme Court orders Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party to vacate headquarters

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann on Monday (March 4) launched an impassioned verbal offensive against its Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance&nbsp;(I.N.D.I.A.) partner Congress party to slam the country's oldest political party's purported lack of leadership.</p>

<p>The sharp optics from the Punjab Legislative Assembly are set to raise Mann's profile in Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party as he continues to lead a bigger and much more electorally important state under the banner of AAP.</p>

<p>Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have allied for Delhi's 7, Haryana's 10, Goa's 2, and Gujarat's 26 Lok Sabha constituencies respectively. Even for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency, the AAP and Congress will contest in alliance.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Khalistan terrorist Pannun issues death threats to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann</strong></p>

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<p>But in Punjab, the AAP will contest all 13 Lok Sabha constituencies by itself and its candidates will consequently clash with Congress party candidates during General Elections later this summer.</p>

<h2><strong>Bhagwant Mann's 'lock and key' politics</strong></h2>

<p>Right before the discussion on Punjab's state budget during a session of the legislative assembly in Chandigarh, CM Mann handed over an envelope with a lock and key to the Governor and consequently asked him to lock the opposition inside the assembly, so that they could not "run away" from the discussions.</p>

<p>This triggered a heated exchange of words and a sharp show of optics between CM Mann and the Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress is the principal opposition party in Punjab where Aam Aadmi Party is in power.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bhagwant Mann's dare to Congress</strong></h2>

<p>An agitated CM Bhagwant Mann dared Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa to tell the Congress party's central leadership not to leave the constituencies for AAP in Haryana's Kurukshetra, as well as in Delhi and Gujarat.</p>

<p>"Who does Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi sit with? With me?" Mann asked while pointing to Bajwa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Have you ever sat with them?" Mann asked in a sharp attack against the Congress party's central leadership.</p>

<p>"On the one hand, you are making agreements (on seat sharing) with us. Go and tell them (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) not to give Kurukshetra, Delhi and Gujarat (Lok Sabha) seats to us," Mann said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/khalistan-terrorist-pannun-threatens-to-kill-punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-authorities-tighten-security-680612">Khalistan terrorist Pannun threatens to kill Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, authorities tighten security</a></strong></p>

<p>Punjab's Leader of Opposition&nbsp;Partap Singh Bajwa, while speaking to the reporters, said, "The Chief Minister said that the Congress does not know how to listen hence the doors of the Assembly should be locked from inside... Are we labourers? We have not seen such a weak Speaker... The CM used inappropriate words for everyone."</p>

<p>"When the heated argument was going on, the Chief Minister asked me if I would contest against him in the elections. I told him that from wherever he will contest from Punjab, I will stand against him. I have accepted his challenge openly," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann on Monday (March 4) launched an impassioned verbal offensive against its Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann on Monday (March 4) launched an impassioned verbal offensive against its Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) partner Congress party to slam the country's oldest political party's purported lack of leadership. The sharp optics from the Punjab Legislative Assembly are set to raise Mann's profile in Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party as he continues to lead a bigger and much more electorally important state under the banner of AAP. Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have allied for Delhi's 7, Haryana's 10, Goa's 2, and Gujarat's 26 Lok Sabha constituencies respectively. Even for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency, the AAP and Congress will contest in alliance. Also watch | Khalistan terrorist Pannun issues death threats to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann × But in Punjab, the AAP will contest all 13 Lok Sabha constituencies by itself and its candidates will consequently clash with Congress party candidates during General Elections later this summer. Bhagwant Mann's 'lock and key' politics Right before the discussion on Punjab's state budget during a session of the legislative assembly in Chandigarh, CM Mann handed over an envelope with a lock and key to the Governor and consequently asked him to lock the opposition inside the assembly, so that they could not "run away" from the discussions. This triggered a heated exchange of words and a sharp show of optics between CM Mann and the Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. The Congress is the principal opposition party in Punjab where Aam Aadmi Party is in power. Bhagwant Mann's dare to Congress An agitated CM Bhagwant Mann dared Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa to tell the Congress party's central leadership not to leave the constituencies for AAP in Haryana's Kurukshetra, as well as in Delhi and Gujarat. "Who does Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi sit with? With me?" Mann asked while pointing to Bajwa. "Have you ever sat with them?" Mann asked in a sharp attack against the Congress party's central leadership. "On the one hand, you are making agreements (on seat sharing) with us. Go and tell them (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) not to give Kurukshetra, Delhi and Gujarat (Lok Sabha) seats to us," Mann said. Also read | Khalistan terrorist Pannun threatens to kill Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, authorities tighten security Punjab's Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, while speaking to the reporters, said, "The Chief Minister said that the Congress does not know how to listen hence the doors of the Assembly should be locked from inside... Are we labourers? We have not seen such a weak Speaker... The CM used inappropriate words for everyone." "When the heated argument was going on, the Chief Minister asked me if I would contest against him in the elections. I told him that from wherever he will contest from Punjab, I will stand against him. I have accepted his challenge openly," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann dares Congress leader to break alliance with AAP

<p>After the Bharuch constituency in the Indian state of Gujarat, associated with the late&nbsp;stalwart leader of Congress Ahmed Patel, was given to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) as part of the seat-sharing deal, Congress is facing accusations of erasing Patel's legacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Patel died in 2020 due to COVID-19. He represented the constituency both in the state assembly and Parliament and the Congress strategist was always looked up to by the party in times of adversities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Handing over Gujarat's Bharuch constituency - veteran Ahmed Patel's legacy and bastion - to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as part of a seat-sharing deal for the upcoming Lok Sabha election is the revenge of the 'Prince'," remarked BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, who defected from the Congress a little over a year ago.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-emerges-as-most-popular-global-leader-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-78-approval-rating-693681">PM Modi emerges as most popular global leader, tops the chart with impressive 78% approval rating</a></p>

<p>According to BJP's Amit Malviya, the decision to give away Bharuch is Rahul Gandhi's attempt to erase Ahmed Patel's legacy and humiliate the family. Malviya criticised the Congress and the Gandhi family, accusing them of believing in "use and throw."</p>

<p>The Bharuch seat has been firmly held by the BJP for seven consecutive terms. This established it as a pivotal battleground for opposition factions.</p>

<p>Mumtaz Patel, daughter of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, expressed disappointment over the recent seat-sharing arrangement between the Congress and AAP for the upcoming parliamentary polls in Gujarat.</p>

<p>The discontent arises from the Bharuch seat, a traditional stronghold for the Congress, slipping into the hands of AAP.</p>

<p>"Deeply apologize to our district cadre for not being able to secure the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat in alliance. I share your disappointment," Mumtaz Patel said&nbsp;on her X social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Together, we will regroup to make Congress stronger. We won't let Ahmed Patel's 45 years of legacy go in vain. #bharuchkibeti (sic)" she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-saves-army-veterans-life-by-deploying-plane-to-transfer-liver-from-pune-to-delhi-693678">Indian Air Force saves veteran's life by deploying plane to transfer liver from Pune to Delhi</a></p>

<p>There had been extensive speculation for months over whether the Congress would nominate either Faisal Patel or Mumtaz Patel, children of Ahmed Patel, to contest against the BJP's&nbsp;dominance.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mann Ki Baat 110th Edition: PM Modi speaks to Drone Didi and hails women empowerment</strong></p>

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<p>However, the allocation of seats, with AAP now contesting from Bharuch and Bhavnagar in Gujarat, has not only left Mumtaz Patel and the Congress's local supporters disheartened but has also sparked concerns within the party ranks.</p>

<p>Negotiations over seat-sharing have proven to be challenging for the opposition coalition, with regional parties vying for a larger portion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the Bharuch constituency in the Indian state of Gujarat, associated with the late stalwart leader of Congress Ahmed Patel, was given to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) as part of the seat-sharing deal, Congress is facing accusations of erasing Patel's legacy.

After the Bharuch constituency in the Indian state of Gujarat, associated with the late stalwart leader of Congress Ahmed Patel, was given to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) as part of the seat-sharing deal, Congress is facing accusations of erasing Patel's legacy. Notably, Patel died in 2020 due to COVID-19. He represented the constituency both in the state assembly and Parliament and the Congress strategist was always looked up to by the party in times of adversities. "Handing over Gujarat's Bharuch constituency - veteran Ahmed Patel's legacy and bastion - to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as part of a seat-sharing deal for the upcoming Lok Sabha election is the revenge of the 'Prince'," remarked BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, who defected from the Congress a little over a year ago. Also Read | PM Modi emerges as most popular global leader, tops the chart with impressive 78% approval rating According to BJP's Amit Malviya, the decision to give away Bharuch is Rahul Gandhi's attempt to erase Ahmed Patel's legacy and humiliate the family. Malviya criticised the Congress and the Gandhi family, accusing them of believing in "use and throw." The Bharuch seat has been firmly held by the BJP for seven consecutive terms. This established it as a pivotal battleground for opposition factions. Mumtaz Patel, daughter of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, expressed disappointment over the recent seat-sharing arrangement between the Congress and AAP for the upcoming parliamentary polls in Gujarat. The discontent arises from the Bharuch seat, a traditional stronghold for the Congress, slipping into the hands of AAP. "Deeply apologize to our district cadre for not being able to secure the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat in alliance. I share your disappointment," Mumtaz Patel said on her X social media platform. "Together, we will regroup to make Congress stronger. We won't let Ahmed Patel's 45 years of legacy go in vain. #bharuchkibeti (sic)" she added. Also Read | Indian Air Force saves veteran's life by deploying plane to transfer liver from Pune to Delhi There had been extensive speculation for months over whether the Congress would nominate either Faisal Patel or Mumtaz Patel, children of Ahmed Patel, to contest against the BJP's dominance. Watch | Mann Ki Baat 110th Edition: PM Modi speaks to Drone Didi and hails women empowerment × However, the allocation of seats, with AAP now contesting from Bharuch and Bhavnagar in Gujarat, has not only left Mumtaz Patel and the Congress's local supporters disheartened but has also sparked concerns within the party ranks. Negotiations over seat-sharing have proven to be challenging for the opposition coalition, with regional parties vying for a larger portion. (With inputs from agencies)

India elections: Congress accused of erasing Ahmed Patel's legacy as Bharuch constituency given to AAP

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have reached a consensus on a 4:3 seat-sharing arrangement in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to present a united front against their political rivals. Additionally, similar agreements have been forged for the states of Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and Chandigarh.</p>

<p>In Delhi, the AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, will contest four out of the seven parliamentary constituencies, namely West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi. The remaining three constituencies—North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk—will be contested by the Congress.</p>

<p>The BJP secured victory in all seven Delhi constituencies during the 2019 elections.</p>

<p>The seat-sharing pact was disclosed during a joint press briefing by representatives of the AAP and the Congress. This development follows shortly after the opposition's INDIA bloc, AAP, celebrated its initial electoral success in the Chandigarh mayoral elections.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-says-discussion-underway-as-trinamool-hints-at-no-alliance-693406">Also read |&nbsp;Congress says discussion underway as Trinamool hints at no-alliance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Allocation beyond Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>While in Gujarat, AAP will field candidates from Bharuch and Bhavnagar constituencies. And in Haryana the party will contest from the Kurukshetra constituency.</p>

<p>The Congress on the other hand&nbsp;will contest both seats in Goa and the solitary constituency in Chandigarh.</p>

<p>Notably, AAP had previously nominated a candidate for South Goa, but will withdraw the nomination to accommodate their coalition partner.</p>

<p>Seat-sharing negotiations have posed significant challenges for the INDIA bloc, particularly due to the divergent aspirations of regional parties.</p>

<p>The recent electoral setbacks suffered by the Congress in several key states have emboldened regional entities to demand a larger share of parliamentary seats.</p>

<p>The Congress has secured an alliance with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, securing the right to contest 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state with the largest parliamentary representation. However, deadlock persists in Maharashtra, as the Congress and the Shiv Sena are yet to finalise the allocation of eight seats.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Assam kills ancient 1935 law on Muslim marriages as it eyes on bringing in UCC</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>The West Bengal conundrum</strong></h2>

<p>In West Bengal, the Congress faces obstacles, with the Trinamool Congress asserting its intention to contest all 42 parliamentary seats. Negotiations have stalled as the Trinamool has been reluctant to allocate more than two seats to the Congress, while the latter seeks at least five seats in the state.</p>

<p>The INDIA bloc, formed to counter the BJP's dominance, has encountered setbacks with the departure of key members such as Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United and Jayant Chaudhary's Rashtriya Lok Dal, both of which have aligned with the BJP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have reached a consensus on a 4:3 seat-sharing arrangement in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to present a united front against their political rivals.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have reached a consensus on a 4:3 seat-sharing arrangement in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to present a united front against their political rivals. Additionally, similar agreements have been forged for the states of Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and Chandigarh. In Delhi, the AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, will contest four out of the seven parliamentary constituencies, namely West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi. The remaining three constituencies—North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk—will be contested by the Congress. The BJP secured victory in all seven Delhi constituencies during the 2019 elections. The seat-sharing pact was disclosed during a joint press briefing by representatives of the AAP and the Congress. This development follows shortly after the opposition's INDIA bloc, AAP, celebrated its initial electoral success in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. Also read | Congress says discussion underway as Trinamool hints at no-alliance Allocation beyond Delhi While in Gujarat, AAP will field candidates from Bharuch and Bhavnagar constituencies. And in Haryana the party will contest from the Kurukshetra constituency. The Congress on the other hand will contest both seats in Goa and the solitary constituency in Chandigarh. Notably, AAP had previously nominated a candidate for South Goa, but will withdraw the nomination to accommodate their coalition partner. Seat-sharing negotiations have posed significant challenges for the INDIA bloc, particularly due to the divergent aspirations of regional parties. The recent electoral setbacks suffered by the Congress in several key states have emboldened regional entities to demand a larger share of parliamentary seats. The Congress has secured an alliance with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, securing the right to contest 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state with the largest parliamentary representation. However, deadlock persists in Maharashtra, as the Congress and the Shiv Sena are yet to finalise the allocation of eight seats. Also watch | Assam kills ancient 1935 law on Muslim marriages as it eyes on bringing in UCC The West Bengal conundrum In West Bengal, the Congress faces obstacles, with the Trinamool Congress asserting its intention to contest all 42 parliamentary seats. Negotiations have stalled as the Trinamool has been reluctant to allocate more than two seats to the Congress, while the latter seeks at least five seats in the state. The INDIA bloc, formed to counter the BJP's dominance, has encountered setbacks with the departure of key members such as Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United and Jayant Chaudhary's Rashtriya Lok Dal, both of which have aligned with the BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

India elections: Congress, AAP unveil seat-sharing formula for Delhi, three states ahead of elections

<p>The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are likely to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls in&nbsp;alliance in Delhi. Sources close to&nbsp;news agency ANI&nbsp;on Thursday said both the&nbsp;parties have finalised their seat-sharing alliance for the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.</p>

<p>According to the agreement, AAP will contest&nbsp;on four seats while the Congress will fight on three.</p>

<p>The seat-sharing alliance came through after several rounds of deliberations and&nbsp;a meeting at KC Venugopal's house in Delhi.</p>

<p>During the meeting, KC Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik were present from the Congress side, while Sandeep Pathak, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi were representing the AAP.</p>

<p>In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls the BJP won all seven seats in Delhi. In the 2004 elections the Congress had won 6 seats and the BJP 1,&nbsp;while in 2009 Lok Sabha polls the Congress won all 7 seats.</p>

<p>In addition to this, it has also been learnt&nbsp;that Congress is likely to give AAP one seat in Haryana, while AAP will support the Congress for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat.</p>

<p>The Aam Admi Party in 2015 had dominated the assembly elections winning 67 of the 70 seats. In the 2020 election&nbsp;it won 62 seats.</p>

<p>In Gujarat, the AAP is demanding three seats in a potential alliance with the Congress, however a final agreement on this is awaited.</p>


The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are likely to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls in alliance in Delhi. Sources close to news agency ANI on Thursday said both the parties have finalised their seat-sharing alliance for the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.

The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are likely to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls in alliance in Delhi. Sources close to news agency ANI on Thursday said both the parties have finalised their seat-sharing alliance for the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. According to the agreement, AAP will contest on four seats while the Congress will fight on three. The seat-sharing alliance came through after several rounds of deliberations and a meeting at KC Venugopal's house in Delhi. During the meeting, KC Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik were present from the Congress side, while Sandeep Pathak, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi were representing the AAP. In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls the BJP won all seven seats in Delhi. In the 2004 elections the Congress had won 6 seats and the BJP 1, while in 2009 Lok Sabha polls the Congress won all 7 seats. In addition to this, it has also been learnt that Congress is likely to give AAP one seat in Haryana, while AAP will support the Congress for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. The Aam Admi Party in 2015 had dominated the assembly elections winning 67 of the 70 seats. In the 2020 election it won 62 seats. In Gujarat, the AAP is demanding three seats in a potential alliance with the Congress, however a final agreement on this is awaited.

Lok Sabha elections: AAP, Congress reach seat-sharing deal in Delhi, say reports

<p>Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) issued scathing remarks in the Chandigarh mayor polls row, demanding returning officer Anil Masih be prosecuted for interfering with the election process in the northern city.</p>

<p>The court ordered the result to be declared from present ballot papers, instead of ordering a fresh election. The court stated it will ask Chandigarh administration to appoint a neutral presiding officer and the counting will take place under the watch of a judicial officer nominated by the Punjab and Haryana Court.</p>

<p>A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra directed that the ballot papers be produced before the Court Tuesday (Feb 20) at 10.30 AM to ascertain if the votes can be deduced from them.</p>

<p>The court had earlier asked Masih why he put ‘X’ marks on ballot papers, to which the former presiding officer said they were already ‘defaced.’</p>

<h2><strong>How controversy erupted in Chandigarh mayor polls</strong></h2>

<p>The mayoral polls took place on January 30, and were won by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) after Masih declared eight votes of the opposition as invalid.</p>

<p>The BJP candidate secured 16 votes whereas the joint candidate of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress originally secured 20.</p>

<p>Those eight dismissed ballot papers became the point of contention between the two sides.</p>

<h2><strong>Troubles for AAP far from over</strong></h2>

<p>However, just a day before the hearing, three of AAP’s councillors - Poonam Devi, Neha and Gurcharan Kala - joined the BJP.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: India Farmers' Protest | Three union ministers to meet with farmers in Chandigarh</strong></p>

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<p>The new addition takes BJP’s total tally to 19, including 14 BJP’s own councillors, three from AAP, one from Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP's Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher.</p>

<p>Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has 35 members.</p>

<h2><strong>Supreme Court’s previous observation</strong></h2>

<p>On the previous hearing, the SC heavily came down upon the presiding officer and blasted him for ‘murdering democracy.’</p>

<p>"Is this the behaviour of a returning officer? He looks at the camera, and defaces the ballot obviously," the CJI had said after viewing a video of the counting.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0xNbV2RWHHP0pIcpaxpGOp" data-ved="2ahUKEwjfwKy1tLeEAxU1zTQHHTvUAw0QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandigarh-mayor-polls-sc-orders-returning-officer-to-appear-as-it-begins-hearing-plea-challenging-election-691676" jsname="YKoRaf">Chandigarh Mayor Polls: SC orders Returning Officer to appear as it begins hearing plea challenging election</a></strong></p>

<p>The AAP and Congress described the court's observations as a "tight slap" for the BJP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) issued scathing remarks in the Chandigarh mayor polls row, demanding returning officer Anil Masih be prosecuted for interfering with the election process in the northern city.

Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) issued scathing remarks in the Chandigarh mayor polls row, demanding returning officer Anil Masih be prosecuted for interfering with the election process in the northern city. The court ordered the result to be declared from present ballot papers, instead of ordering a fresh election. The court stated it will ask Chandigarh administration to appoint a neutral presiding officer and the counting will take place under the watch of a judicial officer nominated by the Punjab and Haryana Court. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra directed that the ballot papers be produced before the Court Tuesday (Feb 20) at 10.30 AM to ascertain if the votes can be deduced from them. The court had earlier asked Masih why he put ‘X’ marks on ballot papers, to which the former presiding officer said they were already ‘defaced.’ How controversy erupted in Chandigarh mayor polls The mayoral polls took place on January 30, and were won by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) after Masih declared eight votes of the opposition as invalid. The BJP candidate secured 16 votes whereas the joint candidate of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress originally secured 20. Those eight dismissed ballot papers became the point of contention between the two sides. Troubles for AAP far from over However, just a day before the hearing, three of AAP’s councillors - Poonam Devi, Neha and Gurcharan Kala - joined the BJP. Watch: India Farmers' Protest | Three union ministers to meet with farmers in Chandigarh × The new addition takes BJP’s total tally to 19, including 14 BJP’s own councillors, three from AAP, one from Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP's Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher. Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has 35 members. Supreme Court’s previous observation On the previous hearing, the SC heavily came down upon the presiding officer and blasted him for ‘murdering democracy.’ "Is this the behaviour of a returning officer? He looks at the camera, and defaces the ballot obviously," the CJI had said after viewing a video of the counting. Also read: Chandigarh Mayor Polls: SC orders Returning Officer to appear as it begins hearing plea challenging election The AAP and Congress described the court's observations as a "tight slap" for the BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

Chandigarh mayor polls row: India SC denies fresh polls but AAP’s troubles are far from over

<p>The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government succeeded in passing a trust vote during the Budget session in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday. Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present for the voting. Kejriwal affirmed that there were no defections within the AAP, clarifying that two MLAs were in jail, while others were either unwell or out of town.</p>

<p>Simultaneously, Arvind Kejriwal appeared before a Delhi court via video conferencing in response to five earlier summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the liquor policy case on Saturday (Feb 17). The court, stressing on&nbsp;Kejriwal's legal obligation to comply, adjourned the hearing to March 16.</p>

<h2><strong>ED's allegations and Kejriwal's defiance</strong></h2>

<p>The ED has accused the Delhi chief minister of deliberately evading summons and providing "lame excuses," asserting that his non-compliance sets a negative precedent for the public.</p>

<p>Kejriwal's motion for a trust vote coincides with the ED's upcoming sixth summon&nbsp;on February 19, amidst AAP's persistent claims of illegal summons&nbsp;and alleged arrest threats.</p>

<p>Ahead of the confidence vote, Kejriwal alleged BJP's attempts to coerce AAP MLAs into defection, citing instances where BJP members purportedly approached MLAs with arrest threats against the chief minister and offers of monetary inducement to switch parties.</p>

<p>Kejriwal aims to use the trust vote to put forth AAP's unity and deter defections. With AAP having 62 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly and BJP eight, Kejriwal seeks to solidify his party's position amidst growing political tensions.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-jaishankar-meets-canadian-fm-blinken-in-munich-to-discuss-bilateral-ties-691096">Also read |&nbsp;India: S Jaishankar meets Canadian FM, Blinken in Munich to discuss bilateral ties</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his speech in the legislative assembly, the Chief Minister of Delhi highlighted that the AAP stands as the primary opposition to the BJP, hence facing criticism from various quarters.</p>

<p>“The way they (BJP) have attacked the AAP and arrested our ministers; people across the country are aware of this. They think that people are fool, but they are not. Now discussions are being held in parks and people are asking 'does PM Modi want to crush Arvind Kejriwal'? Even children are asking this question because they have arrested so many of our ministers,” Arvind Kejriwal said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further accused the BJP of impeding the functioning of his administration by seizing authority over the services department and the bureaucracy.</p>

<p>"They claim to be Ram bhakt but they stopped medicines for the poor people in our hospitals. Did Lord Ram ask for stopping medicines for the poor people?" PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Implications of the liquor policy case</strong></h2>

<p>The ongoing legal battle involving allegations of corruption in the liquor policy implicates both the AAP and the BJP.</p>

<p>The ED alleges kickbacks and money laundering, while the&nbsp;BJP claims AAP used illicit funds for political campaigns. This has&nbsp;further escalated&nbsp;tensions between the two parties.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: INSAT-3DS to lift off from Sriharikota</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government succeeded in passing a trust vote during the Budget session in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday. Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present for the voting.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government succeeded in passing a trust vote during the Budget session in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday. Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present for the voting. Kejriwal affirmed that there were no defections within the AAP, clarifying that two MLAs were in jail, while others were either unwell or out of town. Simultaneously, Arvind Kejriwal appeared before a Delhi court via video conferencing in response to five earlier summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the liquor policy case on Saturday (Feb 17). The court, stressing on Kejriwal's legal obligation to comply, adjourned the hearing to March 16. ED's allegations and Kejriwal's defiance The ED has accused the Delhi chief minister of deliberately evading summons and providing "lame excuses," asserting that his non-compliance sets a negative precedent for the public. Kejriwal's motion for a trust vote coincides with the ED's upcoming sixth summon on February 19, amidst AAP's persistent claims of illegal summons and alleged arrest threats. Ahead of the confidence vote, Kejriwal alleged BJP's attempts to coerce AAP MLAs into defection, citing instances where BJP members purportedly approached MLAs with arrest threats against the chief minister and offers of monetary inducement to switch parties. Kejriwal aims to use the trust vote to put forth AAP's unity and deter defections. With AAP having 62 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly and BJP eight, Kejriwal seeks to solidify his party's position amidst growing political tensions. VIDEO | "On contacting our MLAs, we found out that they tried to poach seven of our legislators. These MLAs today said in the House that they approached (by the BJP). Like Rajesh Gupta said, they (BJP) want us to show a proof. How can we show a proof? A person doesn't carry tape… pic.twitter.com/inXHbPiChF — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2024 × Also read | India: S Jaishankar meets Canadian FM, Blinken in Munich to discuss bilateral ties During his speech in the legislative assembly, the Chief Minister of Delhi highlighted that the AAP stands as the primary opposition to the BJP, hence facing criticism from various quarters. “The way they (BJP) have attacked the AAP and arrested our ministers; people across the country are aware of this. They think that people are fool, but they are not. Now discussions are being held in parks and people are asking 'does PM Modi want to crush Arvind Kejriwal'? Even children are asking this question because they have arrested so many of our ministers,” Arvind Kejriwal said. He further accused the BJP of impeding the functioning of his administration by seizing authority over the services department and the bureaucracy. "They claim to be Ram bhakt but they stopped medicines for the poor people in our hospitals. Did Lord Ram ask for stopping medicines for the poor people?" PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying. Implications of the liquor policy case The ongoing legal battle involving allegations of corruption in the liquor policy implicates both the AAP and the BJP. The ED alleges kickbacks and money laundering, while the BJP claims AAP used illicit funds for political campaigns. This has further escalated tensions between the two parties. Also watch | India: INSAT-3DS to lift off from Sriharikota (With inputs from agencies)

India: Arvind Kejriwal's AAP govt secures trust vote in Delhi assembly with backing of 54 MLAs

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has won the vote of confidence. The Delhi assembly passed the vote almost unanimously. Now the vote of confidence went through with the support of 54 Aam Aadmi party MLAs in the house out of the party 62 members. Kejriwal had filed a motion alleging a conspiracy to destabilize his government. The confidence motion comes amid Kejriwal's skipping repeated summons by India's corruption watchdog in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.

India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal wins vote of confidence in Assembly

<p>Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, in a significant blow to the opposition INDIA bloc, on Saturday (Feb 10) made an announcement stating that his party will contest all 14 Lok Sabha seats alone in Punjab as well as Chandigarh.</p>

<p>Further indicating that there will be no alliance with the Congress in the state, the Delhi chief minister said that his party will announce candidates for all 14 seats in the coming 10-15 days.</p>

<p>"I would like to seek your blessings on one more thing. In the next two months, the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled. In this election, Punjab has 13 seats and one in Chandigarh. In total, there are 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, the Aam Aadmi Party will announce candidates for all the 14 seats. Just like you had supported us two years back, I would like to seek your blessings to let Aam Aadmi Party win in all 14 seats by pressing on the 'broom'," Kejriwal said urging the people to vote for his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>He then while launching the Ghar Ghar Ration Scheme in Punjab's Amloh, said that, "Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
While drawing people's attention to AAP's election symbol, Kejriwal said that the voters must "sweep Punjab" with full force.</p>

<p>"We have to sweep all the 14 seats with an overwhelming majority and let Aam Aadmi Party secure victory. All of us need to sweep with full force," the Delhi CM said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-begins-discussion-on-construction-of-ram-temple-bjp-mp-says-ram-is-everywhere-688891">India: Lok Sabha discusses Ram Temple, BJP MP says 'Ram is everywhere'</a></p>

<p>Kejriwal's announcement comes days after Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that his party would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections solo.</p>

<p>Mann in January had said that there would be no alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>"In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, AAP will get 13 seats (in Punjab)," Mann had said during a presser.</p>

<p>Earlier, AAP had also announced to go solo in Haryana in the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, in a significant blow to the opposition INDIA bloc, on Saturday (Feb 10) made an announcement stating that his party will contest all 14 Lok Sabha seats alone in Punjab as well as Chandigarh.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, in a significant blow to the opposition INDIA bloc, on Saturday (Feb 10) made an announcement stating that his party will contest all 14 Lok Sabha seats alone in Punjab as well as Chandigarh. Further indicating that there will be no alliance with the Congress in the state, the Delhi chief minister said that his party will announce candidates for all 14 seats in the coming 10-15 days. "I would like to seek your blessings on one more thing. In the next two months, the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled. In this election, Punjab has 13 seats and one in Chandigarh. In total, there are 14 seats. In the next 10-15 days, the Aam Aadmi Party will announce candidates for all the 14 seats. Just like you had supported us two years back, I would like to seek your blessings to let Aam Aadmi Party win in all 14 seats by pressing on the 'broom'," Kejriwal said urging the people to vote for his party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He then while launching the Ghar Ghar Ration Scheme in Punjab's Amloh, said that, "Two years back, you gave us blessings. You gave 92 out of 117 seats to us (in Assembly elections), you created history in Punjab." While drawing people's attention to AAP's election symbol, Kejriwal said that the voters must "sweep Punjab" with full force. "We have to sweep all the 14 seats with an overwhelming majority and let Aam Aadmi Party secure victory. All of us need to sweep with full force," the Delhi CM said. Also read: India: Lok Sabha discusses Ram Temple, BJP MP says 'Ram is everywhere' Kejriwal's announcement comes days after Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that his party would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections solo. Mann in January had said that there would be no alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, AAP will get 13 seats (in Punjab)," Mann had said during a presser. Earlier, AAP had also announced to go solo in Haryana in the Lok Sabha elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: AAP ditches INDIA bloc in Punjab and Chandigarh

<p>Following the Supreme Court's criticism of the municipal poll officer for "defacing" the ballot paper in the Chandigarh Mayor polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presented CCTV footage on Monday, claiming that the BJP Presiding officer openly destroyed and invalidated votes.</p>

<p>Sharing the CCTV footage as 'proof' of the ballot paper tampering by the civic poll officer, the Aam Aadmi Party, in a post on X, wrote, "Now accept it, BJP. What can be a greater proof than this? See how the Presiding Officer of BJP openly destroyed the flag of democracy by cancelling the votes himself. This is a living proof of BJP's dictatorship."</p>

<p>The Supreme Court had slammed the poll officer who held the Chandigarh Mayor elections and said that it is obvious that the returning officer has "defaced" the ballot papers.</p>

<p>"Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is a murder of democracy. We are appalled. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the Returning Officer?," Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.</p>

<p>The apex court further ordered the preservation of an entire record of the election process including ballot papers, videography and other material through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court.</p>

<p>Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders on February 2 staged a protest in Delhi against the BJP over the Chandigarh mayoral elections.</p>

<p>During the protest, Kejriwal said, "BJP messes up in elections; there were often allegations that BJP wins elections by messing up; BJP steals election votes, tampers with EVMs gets names removed from the voter list, and adds fake names, we heard. We used to hear that fake votes were cast but never found any proof. There is a verse written in the Gita, 'Yada Yada hi Dharmasya Glanirbhavati Bharata';&nbsp;whenever too much sin is committed on this earth, then the God above will come to the earth."</p>

<p>"This election in Chandigarh shows that they are the pot of sin. How did it get filled? When the pot of sin gets filled too much, then nature moves its broom, and God moves its broom and corrects things. The Chandigarh election was a small one. The world's biggest party was caught stealing votes in the Chandigarh elections; it was caught red-handed," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Following the Supreme Court's criticism of the municipal poll officer for "defacing" the ballot paper in the Chandigarh Mayor polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presented CCTV footage on Monday, claiming that the BJP Presiding officer openly destroyed and invalidated votes.

Following the Supreme Court's criticism of the municipal poll officer for "defacing" the ballot paper in the Chandigarh Mayor polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presented CCTV footage on Monday, claiming that the BJP Presiding officer openly destroyed and invalidated votes. Sharing the CCTV footage as 'proof' of the ballot paper tampering by the civic poll officer, the Aam Aadmi Party, in a post on X, wrote, "Now accept it, BJP. What can be a greater proof than this? See how the Presiding Officer of BJP openly destroyed the flag of democracy by cancelling the votes himself. This is a living proof of BJP's dictatorship." The Supreme Court had slammed the poll officer who held the Chandigarh Mayor elections and said that it is obvious that the returning officer has "defaced" the ballot papers. "Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is a murder of democracy. We are appalled. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the Returning Officer?," Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said. The apex court further ordered the preservation of an entire record of the election process including ballot papers, videography and other material through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders on February 2 staged a protest in Delhi against the BJP over the Chandigarh mayoral elections. During the protest, Kejriwal said, "BJP messes up in elections; there were often allegations that BJP wins elections by messing up; BJP steals election votes, tampers with EVMs gets names removed from the voter list, and adds fake names, we heard. We used to hear that fake votes were cast but never found any proof. There is a verse written in the Gita, 'Yada Yada hi Dharmasya Glanirbhavati Bharata'; whenever too much sin is committed on this earth, then the God above will come to the earth." "This election in Chandigarh shows that they are the pot of sin. How did it get filled? When the pot of sin gets filled too much, then nature moves its broom, and God moves its broom and corrects things. The Chandigarh election was a small one. The world's biggest party was caught stealing votes in the Chandigarh elections; it was caught red-handed," he added.

India: AAP presents 'proof' of ballot paper tampering by BJP in Chandigarh mayor elections

<p>Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday (Feb 2) alleged that some of its top leaders and MLAs were illegally detained and placed under house arrest ahead of the party’s planned protest against the national ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohd Iqbal have been placed under house arrest, alleged top AAP leader Gopal Rai. He&nbsp;added that some of their councillors and MLAs were also detained as they planned to stage a protest outside BJP headquarter in New Delhi in the wake of alleged fraud in Chandigarh mayor elections that BJP won.</p>

<h2><strong>Heavy police presence across Central Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a heavy police presence was observed on Friday across central Delhi as both BJP and AAP planned protests against each other. BJP said it was protesting against ‘corruption’ by the AAP party.</p>

<p>Citing police deployment, AAP leader Gopal Rai said BJP was scared of AAP’s protest.</p>

<p>“Currently, many of our MLAs have been put under house arrest including Delhi Vidhan Sabha Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and Delhi’s Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohmmad Iqbal,” said Rai.</p>

<p>He demanded immediate release of all detained leaders.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that their right to hold peaceful protests against the BJP was being curtailed by the authorities.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | “We all saw how ballot papers were stolen during the Chandigarh Mayoral election. So, we are holding a peaceful protest against it. Barricades have been put up at various locations, and police have reached every AAP leader's residence. So what is it? Dictatorship?,” says… <a href="https://t.co/1SzboL6d29">pic.twitter.com/1SzboL6d29</a></p>
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<p>In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "First votes were stolen in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. Now, people coming to protest peacefully against this are being stopped at various places across Delhi."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US approves sale of armed drones to India for nearly $4 billion</strong></p>

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<p>Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi said, "Heavy barricading all across Delhi. Buses full of AAP volunteers being detained. Hundreds of para-military forces outside the AAP office." "Why is the BJP so scared of a protest on the Chandigarh mayoral elections?".</p>

<h2><strong>Controversy over Chandigarh mayor elections</strong></h2>

<p>The mayor election in Chandigarh took place on Tuesday (Jan 30), which was won by BJP as its candidate secured 16 votes while the AAP party candidates could manage only&nbsp;12.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3HDS5BwKO4QNCrKleR-Q9m" data-ved="2ahUKEwi7ypLXyoyEAxXJTWcHHd_pBQMQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-tense-as-aap-plans-protest-against-alleged-chandigarh-mayoral-polls-rigging-security-heightened-686277" jsname="YKoRaf">Delhi tense as AAP plans protest against alleged Chandigarh mayoral poll rigging</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the ruckus erupted after eight of the opposition votes were declared invalid. Opposition councillors alleged ballot tampering after invalidation of eight votes. The BJP has rejected the allegations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday (Feb 2) alleged that some of its top leaders and MLAs were illegally detained and placed under house arrest ahead of the party’s planned protest against the national ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).

Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday (Feb 2) alleged that some of its top leaders and MLAs were illegally detained and placed under house arrest ahead of the party’s planned protest against the national ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Delhi Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohd Iqbal have been placed under house arrest, alleged top AAP leader Gopal Rai. He added that some of their councillors and MLAs were also detained as they planned to stage a protest outside BJP headquarter in New Delhi in the wake of alleged fraud in Chandigarh mayor elections that BJP won. Heavy police presence across Central Delhi Meanwhile, a heavy police presence was observed on Friday across central Delhi as both BJP and AAP planned protests against each other. BJP said it was protesting against ‘corruption’ by the AAP party. Citing police deployment, AAP leader Gopal Rai said BJP was scared of AAP’s protest. “Currently, many of our MLAs have been put under house arrest including Delhi Vidhan Sabha Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and Delhi’s Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohmmad Iqbal,” said Rai. He demanded immediate release of all detained leaders. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that their right to hold peaceful protests against the BJP was being curtailed by the authorities. VIDEO | “We all saw how ballot papers were stolen during the Chandigarh Mayoral election. So, we are holding a peaceful protest against it. Barricades have been put up at various locations, and police have reached every AAP leader's residence. So what is it? Dictatorship?,” says… pic.twitter.com/1SzboL6d29 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 2, 2024 × In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "First votes were stolen in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. Now, people coming to protest peacefully against this are being stopped at various places across Delhi." Watch: US approves sale of armed drones to India for nearly $4 billion × Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi said, "Heavy barricading all across Delhi. Buses full of AAP volunteers being detained. Hundreds of para-military forces outside the AAP office." "Why is the BJP so scared of a protest on the Chandigarh mayoral elections?". Controversy over Chandigarh mayor elections The mayor election in Chandigarh took place on Tuesday (Jan 30), which was won by BJP as its candidate secured 16 votes while the AAP party candidates could manage only 12. Also read: Delhi tense as AAP plans protest against alleged Chandigarh mayoral poll rigging However, the ruckus erupted after eight of the opposition votes were declared invalid. Opposition councillors alleged ballot tampering after invalidation of eight votes. The BJP has rejected the allegations. (With inputs from agencies)

AAP alleges leaders detained, placed under house arrest ahead of planned protest against BJP

<p>INDIA, the alliance of opposition parties trying to cobble together a united alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received two major shocks on Wednesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won't ally with Indian National Congress in the state. The announcement came mere hours after West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee announced similar position in her state.</p>

<p>Both political parties are part of the INDIA alliance which comprises 28 opposition parties, including the Congress and the CPI(M)-led Left Front.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | TMC, AAP leaders rule out seat-sharing in Punjab, West bengal</strong></p>

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<p>Punjab chief minister's statement has come at a time AAP and the Congress are discussing seat sharing in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Gujarat for general elections in the country due in a few months.</p>

<p>While he was replying to a question about AAP's alliance with Congress, Mann said, “Punjab will become a hero in the country and the AAP will win 13-0 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.”</p>

<p>When he was prodded further about whether it was the final decision he said, “We are not going with them (Congress).”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-cm-himanta-sarma-warns-he-will-arrest-congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-683266">Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns he will arrest Congress leader Rahul Gandhi</a></strong></p>

<p>Mann added further that discussions were already underway for AAP's probable candidates for 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and 40 probable names had come up.</p>

<p>“There are three to four probable candidates per Lok Sabha constituency. Surveys will be conducted and we have kept winnabilty as the criterion (for fielding a candidate),” he said.</p>

<p>The Punjab CM said that several state leaders from the party were against alliance with Congress in Punjab.</p>

<h2><strong>Situation in West Bengal</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unequivocally said that the Trinamool Congress will contest on all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state on its own and there will be no alliance with Congress.</p>

<p>"I had no discussions with the Congress. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I gave them (the Congress) many proposals... but they rejected them. I am not concerned about what will be done in the (rest of the) country... but we are a secular party and, in Bengal, we alone will defeat BJP," said Banerjee. She expressed her unhappiness that though former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was coming to West Bengal with his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay' march, she was not informed of it.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-tmcs-solo-act-in-bengal-shake-india-alliance-mamata-says-will-fight-on-all-42-seats-alone-683142">Can TMC's solo act in Bengal shake INDIA alliance? Mamata says will fight on all 42 seats 'alone'</a></strong></p>

<p>Congress has struck conciliatory tone after Banerjee's statements.</p>

<p>"TMC is a pillar of the INDIA alliance. We cannot imagine the INDIA alliance without Mamata ji. Tomorrow our Yatra is entering West Bengal. Discussions regarding seat sharing are being done and a result will come soon that will keep everyone satisfied...," said Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


INDIA, the alliance of opposition parties trying to cobble together a united alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received two major shocks on Wednesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won't ally with Indian National Congress in the state.

INDIA, the alliance of opposition parties trying to cobble together a united alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received two major shocks on Wednesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won't ally with Indian National Congress in the state. The announcement came mere hours after West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee announced similar position in her state. Both political parties are part of the INDIA alliance which comprises 28 opposition parties, including the Congress and the CPI(M)-led Left Front. Watch | TMC, AAP leaders rule out seat-sharing in Punjab, West bengal × Punjab chief minister's statement has come at a time AAP and the Congress are discussing seat sharing in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Gujarat for general elections in the country due in a few months. While he was replying to a question about AAP's alliance with Congress, Mann said, “Punjab will become a hero in the country and the AAP will win 13-0 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.” When he was prodded further about whether it was the final decision he said, “We are not going with them (Congress).” Also Read | Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns he will arrest Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Mann added further that discussions were already underway for AAP's probable candidates for 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and 40 probable names had come up. “There are three to four probable candidates per Lok Sabha constituency. Surveys will be conducted and we have kept winnabilty as the criterion (for fielding a candidate),” he said. The Punjab CM said that several state leaders from the party were against alliance with Congress in Punjab. Situation in West Bengal Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unequivocally said that the Trinamool Congress will contest on all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state on its own and there will be no alliance with Congress. "I had no discussions with the Congress. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I gave them (the Congress) many proposals... but they rejected them. I am not concerned about what will be done in the (rest of the) country... but we are a secular party and, in Bengal, we alone will defeat BJP," said Banerjee. She expressed her unhappiness that though former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was coming to West Bengal with his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay' march, she was not informed of it. Also Read | Can TMC's solo act in Bengal shake INDIA alliance? Mamata says will fight on all 42 seats 'alone' Congress has struck conciliatory tone after Banerjee's statements. "TMC is a pillar of the INDIA alliance. We cannot imagine the INDIA alliance without Mamata ji. Tomorrow our Yatra is entering West Bengal. Discussions regarding seat sharing are being done and a result will come soon that will keep everyone satisfied...," said Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh. (With inputs from agencies)

Another shock to INDIA alliance: Punjab CM says AAP to contest all seats in state

Rather than share seats, parties want to go solo in major states like Punjab and West Bengal. The ruling AAP and TMC say there will be no seat sharing and any 'interference'.

TMC, AAP leaders rule out seat-sharing in Punjab, West bengal

<p>Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday (Jan 18) called the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case “illegal”. He also said that the notices were a part of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) vendetta against him ahead of the upcoming general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Summons ignored for fourth time</strong></h2>

<p>This is the fourth time that the Delhi CM has skipped the ED&nbsp;summon&nbsp;over the past few&nbsp;months after he was asked to appear before the agency for questioning on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“These four notices are illegal and invalid. Whenever such notices are sent by ED, they are quashed by the court,” said Kejriwal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “These notices are nothing but just political vendetta. An investigation was being done in this case for 2 years but they did not recover anything.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>WATCH |&nbsp;Probe agency ED refutes AAP leaders' claim of Kejriwal's likely arrest</p>

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<p>The statement comes amid reports of&nbsp;Delhi CM&nbsp;flying to Goa for a scheduled program between January 18 and 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ED had issued a third summon&nbsp;to CM Kejriwal on December 22 last year, in connection with the case, asking him to appear before the agency on January 3. That time too, the AAP leader had called the notice&nbsp;“illegal.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-summons-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-for-fourth-time-in-excise-policy-case-679607">ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for fourth time in excise policy case</a></strong></p>

<p>After skipping the third summon&nbsp;of the agency, Kejriwal in his reply expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation but declined to appear on the summoned date.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal earlier skipped the ED summons on January 3, citing Rajya Sabha polls and Republic Day preparations in the Indian capital city.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Politically motivated’</strong></h2>

<p>AAP leaders have&nbsp;repeatedly claimed the BJP wants the Delhi CM to be arrested so that he cannot campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-scam-cases-sc-rejects-bail-pleas-of-ex-deputy-cm-manish-sisodia-652919">Delhi excise policy scam cases: India SC rejects bail pleas of ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia</a></strong></p>

<p>“Why have I been called 2 months before the Lok Sabha elections? ED is being run by BJP...Their only intention is to arrest me so that I cannot campaign for the elections,” said Kejriwal, on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Delhi CM was issued the first summon&nbsp;by the ED in October last year when he was asked to appear by the central agency for questioning on November 2. The second was sent on December 18, asking him to appear before the central agency for questioning on December 21.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday (Jan 18) called the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case “illegal”.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday (Jan 18) called the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case “illegal”. He also said that the notices were a part of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) vendetta against him ahead of the upcoming general elections. Summons ignored for fourth time This is the fourth time that the Delhi CM has skipped the ED summon over the past few months after he was asked to appear before the agency for questioning on Thursday. “These four notices are illegal and invalid. Whenever such notices are sent by ED, they are quashed by the court,” said Kejriwal. He added, “These notices are nothing but just political vendetta. An investigation was being done in this case for 2 years but they did not recover anything.” WATCH | Probe agency ED refutes AAP leaders' claim of Kejriwal's likely arrest The statement comes amid reports of Delhi CM flying to Goa for a scheduled program between January 18 and 20. The ED had issued a third summon to CM Kejriwal on December 22 last year, in connection with the case, asking him to appear before the agency on January 3. That time too, the AAP leader had called the notice “illegal.” ALSO READ | ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for fourth time in excise policy case After skipping the third summon of the agency, Kejriwal in his reply expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation but declined to appear on the summoned date. Kejriwal earlier skipped the ED summons on January 3, citing Rajya Sabha polls and Republic Day preparations in the Indian capital city. ‘Politically motivated’ AAP leaders have repeatedly claimed the BJP wants the Delhi CM to be arrested so that he cannot campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. ALSO READ | Delhi excise policy scam cases: India SC rejects bail pleas of ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia “Why have I been called 2 months before the Lok Sabha elections? ED is being run by BJP...Their only intention is to arrest me so that I cannot campaign for the elections,” said Kejriwal, on Thursday. The Delhi CM was issued the first summon by the ED in October last year when he was asked to appear by the central agency for questioning on November 2. The second was sent on December 18, asking him to appear before the central agency for questioning on December 21. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi excise policy scam: Arvind Kejriwal ignores another ED summon, calls it 'political vendetta'

India's anti-money laundering agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has refuted the claims by leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in New Delhi that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to be arrested today. The agency says it is likely to issue a fourth summon to the Delhi CM in the liquor scam case.

Probe agency ED refutes AAP leaders' claim of Kejriwal's likely arrest

<p>Eleven months after top Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in an alleged liquor scam scandal, the party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is reportedly facing the threat of arrest after he failed to appear before India's Enforcement Directorate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION can, however, confirm that Kejriwal won't be arrested on January 4, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ED had issued a summons to Kejriwal for questioning on January 3 in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case. This was the third time Kejriwal has refused to appear before the federal agency. The two earlier summonses were for November 2 and December 21. A fourth one has now been issued.</p>

<p>Kejriwal had sent a written reply to the ED, stating he was willing to cooperate but not when he doubted the&nbsp;intention behind the notice.</p>

<p>"Ready to cooperate in ED investigation but the agency's notice is illegal. Their intention is to arrest Arvind Kejriwal. They want to stop him from election campaign," news agency ANI quoted an AAP official as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Manish Sisodia's arrest in February last year</strong></h2>

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested&nbsp;Sisodia on February 26, 2023, following eight hours of interrogation on the same day. CBI said the then Delhi deputy CM had provided evasive answers and had not cooperated with the inquiry. Sisodia was summoned by CBI agents on February 26&nbsp; for questioning.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manish-sisodia-false-cases-filed-against-party-leaders-566233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Together with MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, as well as MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj, the AAP leader spent around 15 minutes at Rajghat before going to be questioned, as reported by the Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a message to party members and those gathered outside his residence, Sisodia said, “I might have to go to jail for about seven-eight months. I don’t fear going to jail, my only worry is for my wife, who is not doing well these days. You all have to take care of her.”</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBI</a> produced <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManishSisodia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManishSisodia</a> in Rouse Avenue Court. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Viralvideo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Viralvideo</a> <a href="https://t.co/bcyvhuaOeT">pic.twitter.com/bcyvhuaOeT</a></p>
— Reema (@_R_E_EM_A) <a href="https://twitter.com/_R_E_EM_A/status/1630168547233255426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He had&nbsp;been interrogated to ascertain his involvement in the alleged corruption in the execution of the now-cancelled Delhi liquor strategy for 2021–2022. Soon after, he was arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency explaining the arrest of the AAP leader said at the time, “The deputy chief minister was issued a notice u/s 41A CrPC for attending the investigation on 19.02.2023. However, he sought time of one week citing his pre-occupation. Accepting his request, he was issued a notice u/s 41A Cr. P.C for attending the investigation today (on 26.02.2023) for answering various questions evaded by him during his examination on 17.10.2022 and further questions relating to his incriminating role based on evidence collected during the investigation of the case.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-release-13th-tranche-of-pm-kisan-funds-to-farmers-566335">&nbsp;</a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-release-13th-tranche-of-pm-kisan-funds-to-farmers-566335">Indian PM Narendra Modi to release 13th tranche of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme funds to farmers</a></p>

<p>“However, he gave evasive replies and did not cooperate with the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary. Therefore, he has been arrested,” it added.</p>

<p>Additionally, Sisodia's computer contained&nbsp;a number of liquor policy-related files that had been destroyed, as reported by NDTV.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The liquor excise case of 2021-22</strong></h2>

<p>The arrest of Sisodia has to do with the now-cancelled alcohol policy for 2021–2022. The new excise policy was implemented by the AAP administration in the Indian capital on November 17, 2021, and 849 liquor vends were given to private enterprises through open bidding.</p>

<p>A maximum of 27 vends were permitted in each of the 32 zones of the city. Individual licences were replaced by zone-by-zone bidding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new policy, according to AAP, aimed to combat the liquor mafia and black marketing, boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction, and guarantee a fair distribution of liquor vends.</p>

<p>Further regulatory modifications were made by the Delhi government in May 2022, including authorising licensees to transport alcohol to customers' homes and keeping stores open until three in the morning, as per ANI reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aap-supporters-take-to-the-streets-to-protest-against-delhi-deputy-cm-manish-sisodias-arrest-566308">&nbsp;India: AAP supporters take to the streets to protest against Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest</a></p>

<p>However, Naresh Kumar, the chief secretary for Delhi, had to evaluate it before these modifications could be put into effect. Kumar called attention to "procedural lapses" and ambiguities in the policy.</p>

<p>In July 2022, he filed a report to Sisodia, the chief of the excise division, requesting clarification.</p>

<p>Kejriwal, the mayor of Delhi, and VK Saxena, the lieutenant governor, also received the report.</p>

<p>Kumar also made the Economic Offenses Wing aware of the suspected violations and requested that they look into the situation.</p>

<h2><strong>Naresh Kumar's allegations</strong></h2>

<p>As per Naresh Kumar's report, Sisodia gave unauthorised incentives to licensees of liquor vends in return for "kickbacks" and "commissions" that the party allegedly utilised to influence the Punjab Assembly elections in February 2022.</p>

<p>The Delhi chief secretary’s report further alleged that “Minister In-charge of the Excise Department, Manish Sisodia, took and got executed, major decisions/actions”, which were “in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications.”</p>

<p>In July 2023, the AAP administration dropped the new policy and went back to the previous one.</p>

<p>The CBI then filed an FIR in the matter on August 17, 2022 and conducted raids at 31 places, including Sisodia's Delhi home, on August 19 across seven states and two union territories.</p>

<p>AAP alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the federal government's ruling party,&nbsp;attempted to settle political scores. AAP denied all allegations of misconduct.</p>

<h2><strong>Road ahead for AAP</strong></h2>

<p>The arrest of Sisodia does not augur well for the AAP, the Kejriwal administration, or the Delhi ruling party.</p>

<p>Sisodia oversaw 18 of the capital's 33 departments, including vital ones like housing, finance and education.</p>

<p>Sisodia's arrest follows that of Satyendar Jain, the previous health minister for Delhi, in June of last year. Both have significantly contributed to the party's popularity and ongoing electoral success by changing Delhi's educational and healthcare systems.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Eleven months after top Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in an alleged liquor scam scandal, the party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is reportedly facing the threat of arrest after he failed to appear before India's Enforcement Directorate.

Eleven months after top Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in an alleged liquor scam scandal, the party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is reportedly facing the threat of arrest after he failed to appear before India's Enforcement Directorate. WION can, however, confirm that Kejriwal won't be arrested on January 4, 2023. The ED had issued a summons to Kejriwal for questioning on January 3 in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case. This was the third time Kejriwal has refused to appear before the federal agency. The two earlier summonses were for November 2 and December 21. A fourth one has now been issued. Kejriwal had sent a written reply to the ED, stating he was willing to cooperate but not when he doubted the intention behind the notice. "Ready to cooperate in ED investigation but the agency's notice is illegal. Their intention is to arrest Arvind Kejriwal. They want to stop him from election campaign," news agency ANI quoted an AAP official as saying. Manish Sisodia's arrest in February last year The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Sisodia on February 26, 2023, following eight hours of interrogation on the same day. CBI said the then Delhi deputy CM had provided evasive answers and had not cooperated with the inquiry. Sisodia was summoned by CBI agents on February 26 for questioning. Together with MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, as well as MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj, the AAP leader spent around 15 minutes at Rajghat before going to be questioned, as reported by the Indian Express. In a message to party members and those gathered outside his residence, Sisodia said, “I might have to go to jail for about seven-eight months. I don’t fear going to jail, my only worry is for my wife, who is not doing well these days. You all have to take care of her.” Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. #CBI produced #Delhi Deputy Chief Minister #ManishSisodia in Rouse Avenue Court. #Viralvideo pic.twitter.com/bcyvhuaOeT — Reema (@_R_E_EM_A) February 27, 2023 × He had been interrogated to ascertain his involvement in the alleged corruption in the execution of the now-cancelled Delhi liquor strategy for 2021–2022. Soon after, he was arrested. The agency explaining the arrest of the AAP leader said at the time, “The deputy chief minister was issued a notice u/s 41A CrPC for attending the investigation on 19.02.2023. However, he sought time of one week citing his pre-occupation. Accepting his request, he was issued a notice u/s 41A Cr. P.C for attending the investigation today (on 26.02.2023) for answering various questions evaded by him during his examination on 17.10.2022 and further questions relating to his incriminating role based on evidence collected during the investigation of the case.” ALSO READ | Indian PM Narendra Modi to release 13th tranche of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme funds to farmers “However, he gave evasive replies and did not cooperate with the investigation despite being confronted with evidence to the contrary. Therefore, he has been arrested,” it added. Additionally, Sisodia's computer contained a number of liquor policy-related files that had been destroyed, as reported by NDTV. The liquor excise case of 2021-22 The arrest of Sisodia has to do with the now-cancelled alcohol policy for 2021–2022. The new excise policy was implemented by the AAP administration in the Indian capital on November 17, 2021, and 849 liquor vends were given to private enterprises through open bidding. A maximum of 27 vends were permitted in each of the 32 zones of the city. Individual licences were replaced by zone-by-zone bidding. The new policy, according to AAP, aimed to combat the liquor mafia and black marketing, boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction, and guarantee a fair distribution of liquor vends. Further regulatory modifications were made by the Delhi government in May 2022, including authorising licensees to transport alcohol to customers' homes and keeping stores open until three in the morning, as per ANI reports. ALSO READ | India: AAP supporters take to the streets to protest against Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest However, Naresh Kumar, the chief secretary for Delhi, had to evaluate it before these modifications could be put into effect. Kumar called attention to "procedural lapses" and ambiguities in the policy. In July 2022, he filed a report to Sisodia, the chief of the excise division, requesting clarification. Kejriwal, the mayor of Delhi, and VK Saxena, the lieutenant governor, also received the report. Kumar also made the Economic Offenses Wing aware of the suspected violations and requested that they look into the situation. Naresh Kumar's allegations As per Naresh Kumar's report, Sisodia gave unauthorised incentives to licensees of liquor vends in return for "kickbacks" and "commissions" that the party allegedly utilised to influence the Punjab Assembly elections in February 2022. The Delhi chief secretary’s report further alleged that “Minister In-charge of the Excise Department, Manish Sisodia, took and got executed, major decisions/actions”, which were “in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications.” In July 2023, the AAP administration dropped the new policy and went back to the previous one. The CBI then filed an FIR in the matter on August 17, 2022 and conducted raids at 31 places, including Sisodia's Delhi home, on August 19 across seven states and two union territories. AAP alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the federal government's ruling party, attempted to settle political scores. AAP denied all allegations of misconduct. Road ahead for AAP The arrest of Sisodia does not augur well for the AAP, the Kejriwal administration, or the Delhi ruling party. Sisodia oversaw 18 of the capital's 33 departments, including vital ones like housing, finance and education. Sisodia's arrest follows that of Satyendar Jain, the previous health minister for Delhi, in June of last year. Both have significantly contributed to the party's popularity and ongoing electoral success by changing Delhi's educational and healthcare systems. (With inputs from agencies)

EXPLAINED | Why is Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal facing threat of arrest?

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal may get fourth summon, won't be arrested today, says ED

AAP leaders claim party Chief Arvind Kejriwal could be arrested today, ED refutes claim | WION

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha in place of Sanjay Singh, sources said.</p>

<p>In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the AAP party leadership has said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the upper house.</p>

<p>AAP MP Sanjay Singh is currently behind bars in the Delhi liquor policy case.</p>

<p>Sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirmed that a letter has been received from AAP regarding appointing Chadha as its floor leader.</p>

<p>The letter is with the RS Secretary General for implementation.</p>

<p>Chadha is one of the youngest members of Rajya Sabha. The AAP has a total of 10 MPs in the Upper House currently.</p>

<p>AAP has the fourth largest strength in Rajya Sabha after the BJP, the Congress and the TMC.</p>


The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha in place of Sanjay Singh, sources said. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the AAP party leadership has said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the upper house.

The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha in place of Sanjay Singh, sources said. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the AAP party leadership has said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the upper house. AAP MP Sanjay Singh is currently behind bars in the Delhi liquor policy case. Sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirmed that a letter has been received from AAP regarding appointing Chadha as its floor leader. The letter is with the RS Secretary General for implementation. Chadha is one of the youngest members of Rajya Sabha. The AAP has a total of 10 MPs in the Upper House currently. AAP has the fourth largest strength in Rajya Sabha after the BJP, the Congress and the TMC.

Raghav Chadha appointed AAP leader in Rajya Sabha

<p>AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman on Monday (Dec 4), after his suspension from the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was discontinued.</p>

<p>In a video message, Chadha thanked people for the love and blessings that he received during the period of suspension.</p>

<p>"I had to approach the Supreme Court to get my suspension discontinued. It was after the Supreme Court's intervention that my suspension was ended. At least for 115 days, I was suspended. During those days, I could not ask your questions inside Parliament and was not able to raise your voice inside the House," he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-raghav-chadha-wishes-wifey-parineeti-on-her-birthday-with-adorable-post-you-light-up-my-life-650030"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Raghav Chadha wishes 'wifey' Parineeti on her birthday with adorable post: 'You light up my life'</strong></a></p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said he received a lot of love and blessings from people during the period of his suspension.</p>

<p>"I am happy that my suspension was ended. I am thankful to the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman for this. During the 115 days, I got a lot of love and blessings from people. I got strength from you guys. I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart," he said.</p>

<p>Chadha was suspended from the Upper House in August for alleged breach of privileges.&nbsp;</p>


AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman on Monday (Dec 4), after his suspension from the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was discontinued.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman on Monday (Dec 4), after his suspension from the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was discontinued. In a video message, Chadha thanked people for the love and blessings that he received during the period of suspension. "I had to approach the Supreme Court to get my suspension discontinued. It was after the Supreme Court's intervention that my suspension was ended. At least for 115 days, I was suspended. During those days, I could not ask your questions inside Parliament and was not able to raise your voice inside the House," he said. Also read | Raghav Chadha wishes 'wifey' Parineeti on her birthday with adorable post: 'You light up my life' The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said he received a lot of love and blessings from people during the period of his suspension. "I am happy that my suspension was ended. I am thankful to the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman for this. During the 115 days, I got a lot of love and blessings from people. I got strength from you guys. I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart," he said. Chadha was suspended from the Upper House in August for alleged breach of privileges.

India: AAP MP Raghav Chadha's parliament suspension revoked. Here's what happened

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