Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest Appeal Dismissed Before Elections

An Indian court has dismissed an appeal challenging the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the opposition leader and Chief Minister of Delhi, in a corruption case related to the city's liquor policy. The court's decision comes just 10 days before the upcoming general elections, causing disappointment among the opposition.

Kejriwal, aged 55, was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, triggering protests in Delhi and Punjab, another state governed by his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Following a city court's extension of his detention until April 15, Kejriwal was transferred to Delhi's Tihar jail, where two other senior AAP leaders are also detained in the same case.

The Delhi High Court ruled on Tuesday that Kejriwal's arrest was lawful and not in violation of any laws, rejecting claims of illegality. AAP has announced its intention to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court, maintaining that Kejriwal's arrest is a politically motivated move orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP government to undermine him.

The BJP welcomed the court's ruling, asserting that it exposed the alleged arrogance of AAP and its leader. The opposition, including the 'INDIA' alliance comprising 27 parties, has condemned the actions of investigative agencies like the ED, labeling their probes as politically driven.

Accusations of 'tax terrorism' have also been leveled against Modi's administration by the Congress party, claiming that tax authorities have targeted them financially ahead of the elections. The INDIA alliance has urged the Election Commission to intervene, alleging that the government is attempting to handicap opposition parties.

The government, however, refutes these allegations, stating that enforcement agencies are simply fulfilling their duties by investigating potential violations.

The rejection of the appeal against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest has intensified political tensions in India as the country approaches its general elections. The legal battle surrounding Kejriwal's detention underscores the deep-rooted rivalry between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties, setting the stage for a contentious electoral contest.