The Opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc convened at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital today for a rally under the banner "Loktantra Bachao" (save democracy). The rally aimed to exhibit collective strength and solidarity in the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The event witnessed the participation of prominent leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Farooq Abdullah, among others. The rally, held at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan, marks a symbolic return to the roots of Kejriwal's political career.
Ramlila Maidan, situated near Ajmeri Gate, has a storied history transcending mere festivity grounds. It has its historical significance dating back to the 19th century and has been a venue for both festivities and political activism.
The ground has witnessed pivotal moments in history, including visits from world leaders like Nikita Khrushchev and Dwight Eisenhower, as well as serving as a rallying point during India's struggle for democracy, particularly during the Emergency era.
For Kejriwal, Ramlila Maidan holds a personal connection, as it is where his political journey began. From his days as an anti-corruption activist alongside Anna Hazare to his tenure as Delhi's Chief Minister, Kejriwal's career has been deeply intertwined with this historic ground.
In 2011, the Maidan hosted Anna Hazare's 12-day fasting protest in support of the Jan Lokpal bill, where Kejriwal gained widespread recognition. Kejriwal’s oath-taking ceremonies as Chief Minister in 2013, 2015, and 2020 were also held at Ramlila Maidan.
Despite being in custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case, his wife Sunita Kejriwal tried to bring Delhi CM’s presence among the public of the national capital. The message penned from ED custody also echoed the opposition’s fight against the ruling BJP government for misusing the central probe agencies just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
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The BJP, however, maintains that Kejriwal's arrest and actions against other opposition figures are legitimate outcomes of independent agency operations adhering to legal protocols. The BJP has also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its demand to govern from jail.
Opposition leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Jharkhand CM Champai Soren, former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren and others marked their attendance in the mega rally, expressing the broad support for Kejriwal amid his legal challenges.