Punjab AAP Protests Against Kejriwal's Arrest, Alleges Political Conspiracy

The Punjab branch of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has protested against the arrest of its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, in Mohali. Accusations have been made against the BJP-led central government of fabricating charges to incarcerate Kejriwal. Party leaders demand his release, claiming a political conspiracy.

Punjab's ruling party AAP on Tuesday staged a significant protest in Mohali, denouncing the arrest of party chief Arvind Kejriwal. The party accused the BJP-led central government of having him wrongfully imprisoned.

Kejriwal, who also serves as the Chief Minister of Delhi, was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 on charges of money laundering related to an alleged excise policy scam. Despite the Supreme Court granting him interim bail, he remains in custody on related charges filed by the CBI.

Senior AAP leaders, along with ministers, gathered to voice their discontent, alleging that the central agencies are being misused to target opposition figures. Addressing the crowd, cabinet minister Laljit Singh Bhullar claimed it's unprecedented for a national party leader and chief minister to be jailed without any ''fault.''

Cabinet minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian echoed these sentiments, asserting that the Centre was wielding its agencies like weapons against opposition parties. AAP leaders have consistently maintained that the charges against Kejriwal are baseless, driven by political motives.

The protest also saw other prominent party figures, such as agriculture minister Neel Garg and minister Harbhajan Singh, condemning the BJP-led government's actions and urging for Kejriwal's release. Balkar Singh, another cabinet minister, labeled the current central government as ''dictatorial'' and praised Kejriwal's dedication to public service.

(With inputs from agencies.)