Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of New Delhi and a key opposition leader, was arrested in connection with a corruption probe.
Despite his arrest, Atishi Marlena Singh, New Delhi’s Education Minister, stated that Kejriwal can continue his role as Chief Minister while in jail.
This arrest is part of a series of investigations by India’s Enforcement Directorate into several state chief ministers, all of whom are political opponents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party.
Kejriwal’s supporters held a rally demanding his release, claiming the charges were politically motivated to sideline Modi’s challengers ahead of the elections.
Critics accuse Modi of using law enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition leaders. The upcoming elections, starting on April 19, will see nearly a billion Indians voting to elect a new government.
Amidst this political tension, hundreds of BJP loyalists held a counter-march, chanting in support of Modi and demanding Kejriwal’s resignation.